The calculator searches row/column combinations to find a layout that fits inside the usable wall area (wall size minus outer margins) while keeping your chosen spacing between frames.
- Usable wall:
usableW = wallW − 2×margin,usableH = wallH − 2×margin - Max frame size:
maxW = (usableW − (cols−1)×gap) / cols,maxH = (usableH − (rows−1)×gap) / rows - Used area:
usedW = cols×frameW + (cols−1)×gap,usedH = rows×frameH + (rows−1)×gap - Centering offsets:
offsetX = margin + (usableW − usedW)/2,offsetY = margin + (usableH − usedH)/2 - Frame position:
x = offsetX + col×(frameW+gap),y = offsetY + row×(frameH+gap)
- Measure the wall area in your garden room, shed, or patio.
- Pick a layout style and set spacing and outer margin.
- Choose Auto to size frames, or Fixed for exact frames.
- Press Calculate to get centered coordinates and preview.
- Download CSV or PDF to mark positions while hanging.
Sample planning set for a neat 3×3 grid on a feature wall.
| Wall (cm) | Frames | Style | Gap (cm) | Margin (cm) | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 × 120 | 9 | Grid | 4 | 6 | Auto |
| 220 × 140 | 12 | Staggered | 5 | 8 | Auto |
| 160 × 110 | 6 | Salon | 3 | 5 | Fixed (24 × 18) |
Planning a Garden Gallery Feature Wall
Garden spaces mix humid air, sunlight, and temperature swings, so plan a gallery wall before drilling. This calculator turns wall measurements into a centered layout and lists each frame’s top‑left coordinate in centimeters. Enter width, height, outer margin, and spacing to compute usable area and test row–column options. The suggested arrangement keeps art clear of watering lines, vents, tool hooks, and splash zones. It also reports leftover space, helping you adjust spacing for a calmer, gallery-like rhythm today.
Choosing Frame Counts and Visual Rhythm
Frame count shapes balance and upkeep. Sets of three to six suit potting benches, while nine to twelve pieces build a strong focal point above shelves. Grid style fits matching prints or plant photo series. Staggered style adds motion and can echo staggered shelving or trellises. Salon style allows mixed frames, yet still maintains clearance so edges do not collide.
Spacing, Margins, and Safe Hanging Zones
Spacing is the breathing room between frames. Many garden rooms read best with 3–6 cm gaps, especially with slim mouldings. Outer margin is a protective buffer that keeps corners away from damp edges and leaves room for cleaning. In fixed mode, the calculator checks that your frames fit the usable wall. In auto mode, minimum and maximum limits prevent tiny prints or oversized panels.
Interpreting Coordinates and the Preview
Results include a start point and a placement table. Mark the start point from the wall’s top‑left corner, then measure X and Y for each frame. The preview is scaled for convenience, so rely on coordinates for accuracy. For heavier frames, match anchors to the wall surface and use corrosion‑resistant hardware in patios or greenhouses. Test with paper templates to confirm reach and symmetry.
Exporting Layouts for Repeatable Installation
CSV export suits workshop notes, and the PDF is a quick hanging sheet to carry outdoors. Save files with a project name, such as “herb wall grid,” and reuse them when rotating seasonal prints. By adjusting margin, spacing, and style, you can generate consistent clusters across garden zones, keeping storytelling aligned with plantings, lighting, and paths.
1) What measurements should I enter for the wall?
Measure the usable surface width and height, then choose a margin to avoid edges, switches, or wet zones. Enter values in centimeters for consistent, tape‑measure friendly placement.
2) How do margins change the layout?
Margins reduce the usable area and keep frames away from corners. Larger margins create a cleaner border but may force smaller frames or fewer columns to fit.
3) When should I use Fixed mode?
Use Fixed mode when your frame size is non‑negotiable. The calculator will only recommend row and column options that fit your exact width and height within the chosen margins and spacing.
4) What layout style is easiest to hang?
Grid is the simplest because rows and columns align. Staggered adds a half‑step shift on alternate rows. Salon adds mild variation, so templates and careful measuring matter more.
5) Are the preview boxes to scale?
The preview is scaled to fit your screen, not to real‑world size. Always rely on the coordinate table and start point for accurate placement on the wall.
6) What should I do before drilling?
Tape paper templates in the planned positions and step back to check symmetry, walking clearance, and light glare. Confirm anchors suit the wall type and frame weight before committing.