How to build a gallery wall with woven fans and art prints

A gallery wall works best when it mixes materials — something flat alongside something textural, something geometric alongside something organic. Handwoven fans from Ghana and A2 art prints are a natural pairing: the fans bring warmth, craft, and dimensional texture; the prints bring colour, pattern, and visual scale. Together they make a wall arrangement that's a lot more interesting than frames alone.

What you're working with

The woven fans at Kiki Bazaar are handwoven from palm fibre by artisans in Ghana. The Paradiso and Rainbow fans are two of the most popular styles — each one slightly different, with natural variations in the weave that reflect the maker's hand. They're available in different sizes, so you can mix a larger fan as a centrepiece with smaller ones as accents.

The art prints are A2 size, licensed from artists and produced in the Netherlands. They're unframed — which gives you flexibility on how you present them. A simple clip frame keeps the focus on the print; a thicker wooden frame adds weight and presence.

Step 1: Plan before you hang anything

The most common gallery wall mistake is going straight to the hammer. Lay everything out on the floor first to get a feel for the arrangement before any holes go in the wall.

  • Start with your largest piece — usually a fan or a framed print — and build outward from there.
  • Alternate flat and textural pieces: don't cluster all the fans together or all the prints together.
  • Aim for even gaps between pieces (8–12 cm is a good starting point) but don't obsess over perfection — slight variation looks more natural.
  • Photograph the floor arrangement before you move anything. You'll refer back to it while hanging.

Step 2: Trace your pieces

For an arrangement with multiple pieces at different heights and sizes, it helps to trace each piece onto paper, cut out the shapes, and use tape to place the paper templates on the wall. This lets you adjust the composition without committing to any holes. Mark the hanging point on each template before you remove it.

Step 3: Start from the centre

Work from the middle of the arrangement outward rather than starting at one edge. Find the visual centre of your wall space and hang the centrepiece first, then add pieces in a balanced way to either side and above and below.

Use a spirit level for any pieces that need to sit straight — a slightly crooked frame catches the eye quickly. Fans, being round, are more forgiving.

Step 4: Hanging woven fans

Most woven fans have a looped cord or hanging point on the back. A single small nail or picture hook works well. For heavier fans, use a hook rated for the weight, or a wall anchor if you're going into plasterboard without a stud behind it.

The round shape means small variations in angle are barely noticeable — fans are one of the most forgiving things to hang.

Step 5: Hanging art prints

If you're framing the A2 prints yourself, check that the frame comes with a hanging hook on the back or add a sawtooth hanger before you start. Clip frames often have two hooks — hang from both for stability and to keep the frame from tilting.

Ideas for combining the two

  • Fan centrepiece, prints flanking: One large fan in the centre with two or three prints grouped to either side.
  • Row of fans above a print cluster: A horizontal row of three fans at the top with a cluster of two or three prints below — works well above a sofa or bed.
  • Scattered mix: Alternate fans and prints across the whole wall with no strict grid — gives a more collected, organic feel.
  • Monochrome palette: Choose fans and prints in tones from the same colour family for a cohesive look.

Frequently asked questions

Do the art prints come framed?

No — the prints from Kiki Bazaar are unframed A2 prints. This gives you control over the frame style, colour, and weight to suit your space.

What size frames fit A2 prints?

A2 is 42 x 59.4 cm. Look for A2 or 42x59 cm frames. IKEA, most homewares stores, and online frame suppliers all carry this size. Simple clip frames work well and keep the focus on the print.

Are the woven fans heavy?

No — palm fibre fans are light. A standard picture nail or small hook is sufficient for most sizes. Check the product listing for weight if you're using wall anchors in plasterboard.

Can fans and prints work in a bedroom?

Absolutely — above a bed is one of the best spots for this combination. A large fan centred above the headboard with prints on either side makes a striking alternative to a traditional headboard arrangement.

Shop the pieces

Find the full range of woven fans and wall art from Ghana, and browse art prints licensed from artists and produced in the Netherlands. For more home inspiration, explore the gifts and decor collection.

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