Gallery walls are an elegant way to display photos and artwork, but can be tricky to put together. We gathered expert tips that can help you put one up in your living room.
Before hanging up your gallery, start with a mock-up on the floor to ensure it meets your standards and follows some basic guidelines to give it an organized appearance.
1. Choose a Statement Piece
If you’re setting out to create an elaborate gallery wall (think floor to ceiling), choose an eye-catching centerpiece as its anchor piece. A striking art print, framed photo or even something simple like this wood peg rack could set the tone for your entire gallery display.
Add on to this concept with smaller framed pieces and decor that enhance your overall aesthetic. Keep frames consistent in color and style for an upscale feel, or mix and match frames for an informal vibe.
Keep in mind that non-framed art pieces, such as cocktail napkins from your first date or even scans from an ultrasound (we’ve seen it!) are an effective way to personalize and customize the space – it is all about making it 100% yours!
2. Play with Scale
Scale should always be kept in mind when creating a gallery wall. Large picture frames look best when there is more breathing room between each, while smaller photos should be clustered closer together.
Before mapping it out with software or graphic paper, try laying your arrangement out on a floor or table to see how it will work before digitizing it with software or paper. That way if any errors arise on paper or software, they can be corrected on actual wall before going up.
Though your gallery wall can feature traditional framed art pieces, adding personal items can bring it to life. Be it from your first date, an ultrasound scan of your baby or even just an old copy of your wedding vows; adding personal items will give it depth and add character to the display.
3. Get Creative with Frames
Filling an entire wall with artwork may seem daunting, but its results can create an eye-catching display that highlights the style and character of any room. To prevent a crowded look, try finding pieces with similar colors or art styles and spread them apart so as to avoid an overwhelming look.
Be bold with your frames! Mixing in something unusual to the mix will add character and make an artistic statement about who you are as an individual.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, creating a stunning gallery wall isn’t impossible! Gather photographs, postcards, art prints, board paintings, decorative items and decorative items together into an amazing display – just make sure that a level and eye for detail is used when hanging pieces! A properly planned gallery wall can add tons of character and charm to a living space!
4. Play With White Space
When curating a gallery wall, pay close attention to the white space between prints. This helps create balance and ensures the gallery appears well organized and intentional; two to four inches should suffice as an effective benchmark.
Gallery walls can be an innovative and imaginative way to display family photos, vacation shots or Instagram grid art – with endless options! The possibilities are limitless!
If the colors of your prints and frames are clashing too much, try printing them in black and white for an instantaneous more cohesive and upscale look. For larger-scale galleries, consider laying out artwork first on the floor before taking photos to aid placement.
5. Add Texture
Create the perfect gallery wall by balancing artistic intuition with structured design to achieve something captivating that feels truly representative of you. Follow these tips for curating an effective display that feels authentically you.
Texture adds depth and interest to a gallery wall, and should be done carefully so as not to draw too much attention to one material or element. Furthermore, to create visual contrast try mixing up frame sizes on your gallery wall.
Modica suggests creating an accurate image of how your gallery wall will turn out by taping up a template with painter’s tape. This helps determine its symmetry and spacing before starting to put nails into your wall.
