Gallery walls are a great way to bring personality and style to your home. Turn blank walls into beautiful, inspiring galleries of art, photographs and precious keepsakes. Follow us through the entire process to create a gallery wall you’ll love.
Understanding the Basics of a Gallery Wall
There is no formula for a gallery wall – it’s about storytelling, setting a scene, sharing a mood To create your own gallery wall, collect frames of your favourite hues and shapes and carefully curate your images, ranging from family fun snaps to prized artworks. Then all you have to do is to decide how to display them. There is no standard formula for a gallery wall – it’s about storytelling, setting a scene, sharing a mood. What should you hang, and where? Perhaps a clutter of floor-ups comprising ever-shifting collections, or all square on the wall, toeing a measured line. Perhaps a row of frames should flank a piece of art or remain aloof, discretely bordering the room. Experiment by mounting your photos high or low; perhaps king-size, defiant over a fireplace or perch precariously like rabbits in the scupper of a bathtub.
If you use this as a general framework when creating your gallery wall, you’ll end up with a design that adds new sparkle to your home, and tells your story like no other. Just remember, the beauty of a gallery wall is that it never has to be finished. You can change and modify it as your life changes, and your tastes develop.
Planning Your Gallery Wall
1. Choose Your Wall
- Location is Key: Consider high-visibility areas like the living room, stairway, or hallway.
- Lighting Matters: Natural and artificial lighting can enhance the display.
2. Select Your Theme
- Consistent or Eclectic: Decide if you want a cohesive look or a mix-and-match approach.
- Personalize: Choose items that reflect your interests, travels, or family history.
3. Gather Your Pieces
- Art and Photos: Mix various sizes and shapes for depth.
- Objects and Mementos: Incorporate three-dimensional items for texture.
Designing Your Layout
1. Measure Your Space
Knowing the dimensions of your wall is key to this sort of balanced balancing act. Give each piece of art enough room to breathe beside its neighbours.
2. Create a Template
- Paper Templates: Trace your frames on paper and tape them to the wall to visualise the layout.
- Spacing: Aim for 2-3 inches between each piece for uniformity.
3. Mix and Match
- Vary the Sizes: Combine different frame sizes to create interest.
- Orientation: Mix horizontal and vertical pieces to fill the space dynamically.
Choosing Frames and Art
1. Frame Cohesion
- Colour co-ordinated: Choosing frames in the same colour or made of the same material will unify your collection.
- Eclectic Mix: For a more bohemian look, mix different frame styles and textures.
2. Art Selection
- Personal Touch: Choose pieces that resonate with you personally.
- Color Scheme: Stick to a color palette that complements the room’s existing decor.
Hanging Your Gallery Wall
1. Start with the Largest Piece
- Anchor Piece: Place it slightly off-center to create balance.
- Build Around It: Arrange smaller pieces around this anchor.
2. Use Proper Tools
- Nails and Hangers: Ensure they can support the weight of your frames.
- Level and Tape Measure: Keep your frames straight and evenly spaced.
Maintenance and Updates
- Regular Dusting: Keep your frames and art looking fresh.
- Swap Pieces: Update your gallery with new finds to keep the display dynamic.
FAQs on Creating a Gallery Wall
Q: How high should something be hung on a gallery wall? A: Your central piece should be hung at eye level, which is 57 to 60 inches from the floor. All the other things should match that.
Q: I have a textured wall. Can I create a gallery wall there? A: Sure, but you want to make sure you have profiles or frames. You might have to get special anchors to hold the frames in place.
Q: What’s the best way to make a gallery wall, especially if I don’t want to make lots of holes? A: If you hang light objects, you can use strips of adhesive with which you can hang pretty much everything.
Q: Should you mix materials and colours of frames? A: There’s no hard and fast rule. However, balance is important: if you are working with a consistent aesthetic, stick to one colour in your frames. If you enjoy eclecticism, mix materials and colours carefully.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a gallery wall is a record of who you are, what you have loved over time, and what memories and experiences mean the most to you. If you follow these steps, you can create a gallery wall that adds beauty and charm to your home while reflecting yourself and your curious existence. Remember, a gallery wall is never truly done, which means it can easily change with you over time, as your experiences grow and your tastes change.
Resources
- Frame Selection Guide – find the frames that are right for your gallery wall.
• Art Inspiration Blog: art/themes
Hanging Hardware Solutions: https://www.hangingsolutions.com/
Click on the links in this list to get targeted aid on key decision points:
Your gallery wall is an art in itself, and part of your grand artistic display of you. When you plan and place your art, choose it and hang it mindfully, your gallery wall will serve and become a central story of your life in your home.