What Is a Digital Art Wall?

A digital art wall uses one or more screens — often repurposed tablets, smart displays, or televisions — mounted on your wall to display rotating artwork, photography, or ambient visuals. It's one of the most striking ways to blend technology and interior design, and it's more achievable than you might think.

What You'll Need

  • One or more screens (smart TV, old tablet, dedicated display like Samsung Frame TV, or a Raspberry Pi-powered monitor)
  • Wall mount appropriate for your screen size
  • Cable management solution (cable raceways or in-wall cable kit)
  • A media player or computer (if your screen isn't smart)
  • Art slideshow software or app (details below)
  • Stud finder, drill, screwdriver, and level

Step 1: Choose Your Display

Your display choice shapes the entire project. Here are the most popular options:

  • Samsung Frame TV: Designed specifically for this purpose — it displays art in matte finish and goes into "Art Mode" when not used as a TV. Premium but polished.
  • Old Smart TV or Monitor: The budget-friendly route. Any screen works; all you need is a reliable art app.
  • Repurposed Tablet: Ideal for smaller feature walls or gallery-style multi-screen setups. iPads and Android tablets both work well.
  • Raspberry Pi Display: The hacker's choice — fully customizable, low power, and inexpensive once you have the skills.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Decide whether you want a single large statement screen or a gallery wall of smaller displays. For a gallery approach, sketch your arrangement on paper first. Maintain consistent spacing — typically 2 to 3 inches between frames — and ensure the overall grouping is centered on the wall both horizontally and vertically.

Step 3: Mount the Screen

  1. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs — always anchor into studs for screens larger than 32 inches.
  2. Hold the mount against the wall and mark drill points with a pencil.
  3. Drill pilot holes and attach the mount with the provided hardware.
  4. Attach the mounting bracket to the back of your screen.
  5. Hang the screen on the wall mount and use a level to confirm it's straight.

Step 4: Handle the Cables

Nothing ruins a beautiful digital art wall like dangling cables. Options include:

  • In-wall cable kit: Routes cables cleanly inside the wall. Requires cutting small holes and a bit of patience — but the result looks truly built-in.
  • Cable raceway: Adhesive channels that run along the wall and paint to match. Much easier to install and fully reversible.

Step 5: Set Up Your Art Software

The right software makes or breaks the experience. Some excellent options:

  • Canister / Meural: Subscription-based services with curated fine art libraries.
  • Google Photos Slideshow: Free and perfect if you want to display your own photography.
  • Plex or Kodi: Open-source media players that can run a photo slideshow from your own library.
  • Raspberry Pi + MagicMirror²: Highly customizable — display art, weather, calendar, and more.

Finishing Touches

Consider adding a thin floating shelf below the display for a decorative object or plant. Soft accent lighting above or below the screen adds depth and makes the art feel curated. With a little attention to detail, your digital art wall will look like it belongs in a design magazine.