MetraNestMeasure the whole frame
Use the outer frame width, including the moulding. The advertised photo size often refers to the picture it holds, not this outer width. For a row of identical frames, one width is enough.
Choose the spacing between frames
The gap is measured between the outer edges of neighbouring frames. Three frames have two internal gaps. The layout width is the sum of the frames and these gaps. The remaining wall width is then split into two margins to centre the row.
From the plan to actual marks
A frame’s centre and hanging point are not always in the same place. The calculation positions the frames in the layout; it does not locate a particular fixing. Trying paper rectangles at the correct size helps you check the composition and its relationship to the furniture.
Layout width = number of frames × outer width + (number of frames − 1) × spacing. Side margin = (available width − layout width) ÷ 2.
Three frames above a piece of furniture
Three 40 cm-wide frames, spaced 10 cm apart, occupy 140 cm. Across an available width of 200 cm, the side margins are 30 cm. The centres sit 50, 100 and 150 cm from the left edge of that area.
Details to check
- Define the area to centre on: the whole wall or the width of a piece of furniture.
- Measure the outer frame dimensions.
- Try paper templates at the right size before transferring the marks.
Frequently asked questions
What if the frames have different widths?
This row layout assumes identical frames. Add the actual widths and prepare an individual layout for each position.
Is a negative margin acceptable?
No. It means the layout exceeds the available space. Reduce the number of frames, their width or the spacing.
Method and references · Editorial review: 25 October 2026
The geometric formulas are explained here. For a product, its packaging dimensions and coverage rate remain the reference inputs.