Welcome to Life and Style by Jilian. Today, I want to talk about perfecting your gallery wall. I have a few in my home, from small to large, and have done many over the years.
I have realized there are ways to put them together that work and those that don’t. I’ll share my experiences creating my gallery walls and offer some product tips to help you create yours!
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
Gallery wall design is a big trend in home decor. It isn’t just framed on a wall; it’s a way to show off your style. 80% of these walls are in hallways or above living room sofas.
Are you ready to start your fun new project? I have tips from expert designers mixed in with my tips and tricks. I agree that designers recommend starting with 7 to 10 pieces for a balanced look.
I’ll help you pick the suitable space and layout for your dream gallery wall. Let’s turn your blank walls into art showing your style and personality.
Understanding the Basics of Gallery Wall Design
Creating a gallery wall is a fun way to show off your style. Let’s explore the key elements that make it stand out. Wall space selection, room lighting, and gallery wall themes are essential to think about.
Choosing the Right Space
When picking a wall, skip narrow spots that won’t show off your art well. Choose a wall that lets your pieces get noticed.
Filling the wall to the ceiling can make the room look more prominent for small areas. Most gallery walls appear above sofas and in hallways, two great places to start.
I recently arranged one above my daughter’s desk in her bedroom, and it turned out stunning. I love this space for a collage of your favorite pieces.
If doing this in an office, it’s easy to incorporate a calendar, small shelves, and organizational tools. This adds to the space’s style and also offers functionality.
Here is how hers turned out:
Considering Lighting and Wall Size
Lighting affects how your wall looks. Natural light is best, but add lights if your space is dark. Placing the perfect gallery wall across from a window helps utilize natural light to your advantage.
If natural lighting is lacking, table lamps can help highlight your pieces. You can also use lighting above your art to showcase unique pieces and make them stand out as a featured piece.
The size of the wall and the furniture you’ll be placing your gallery above are essential. Remember to keep your pieces high enough above a couch that your head won’t knock into it. If you arrange one in a hallway, avoid hanging items from the wall. This prevents accessible bumping.
Determining Your Style and Theme
Themes bring your collage wall together. Choose a theme that shows off your style and interests. Mix photos, paintings, and 3D objects for depth. Most designers say picking a theme makes your wall more attractive.
- Include personal items that showcase your style
- Mix different frame sizes, styles, and colors
- Add unexpected elements like vintage plates or mirrors
Follow these basics to make a stunning gallery wall that’s all you. There’s no strict rule book. Let your creativity shine, and enjoy making it!
Selecting Art and Frame Styles for Your Perfect Gallery Wall
Choosing the right art is vital. Mix different art sizes and styles for depth and interest. Include 1-3 big pieces with smaller ones for balance. Pick art with similar colors to repeat 2-3 times.
Frame styles change how your wall looks. For a classic look, go for elegant frames in walnut or mahogany. Modern styles work well with simple frames. For a unique feel, mix frame styles and colors.
Mixed-media collages are full of possibilities. Use black-and-white photos or match colors for family pictures. Add depth with non-framed art, mirrors, or neon lights. This makes your display unique and personal.
| Frame Style | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Elegant, high-quality materials | Classic, formal spaces |
| Modern | Simple, streamlined | Contemporary, minimalist rooms |
| Eclectic | Mixed materials, varied colors | Bohemian, artistic spaces |
| Mixed Media | Combination of framed and unframed pieces | Unique, personalized displays |
For a great gallery wall, balance your art with the right frames. Try different styles to match your taste and improve your space.
I have curated some Shop The Look collections to help inspire you in your college-creating journey.
The Perfect Gallery Wall: Planning Your Layout
Creating a stunning gallery wall starts with careful planning. We’ll look at expert tips to help you get the look right. These methods will help you achieve balance and make your art stand out.
Using the Four-Corner Model
The four-corner model is a top choice. Put your most significant pieces in corners or just off-center to draw the viewer’s eye. This method sets a solid base for your art and balances the look.
Mixing Horizontal and Vertical Shapes
Adding variety can make it more interesting. Mix horizontal and vertical shapes to keep the viewer’s attention moving. Use different frame sizes and shapes to spice up your layout. For instance, combine 24 x 30″ wood frames with 11 x 14″ modern metal ones.
Creating Balance and Symmetry
Think about the balance in your setup. Some like symmetry with identical frames for a neat look, while others choose asymmetry for a more free-form arrangement. Keep at least 3 inches between pieces to avoid a cluttered feel.
Here are some popular gallery wall layouts to spark your creativity:
- Triptych: Break photos into tiles or separate panels for a unique vibe
- Mismatched Set: Mix frame sizes and styles like walnut, black, and brass
- Grid: Make a collage with small prints, all frames the same size
- Closed Set: Frames line up to touch, with mats for white space
- Asymmetrical: Combine different frame styles with a central key piece
The secret is balancing uniformity with variety. Try out different layouts until you find the perfect harmony for your space.
Color Coordination and Palette Selection
Color coordination is crucial. We’ll look at how to pick colors that work well together. This will make your space look great and highlight your art.
Creating a Cohesive Color Scheme
Think about the mood you want for your creation. Warm colors like red and orange are cozy and great for living rooms. Cool colors such as blue and green are calming and suit bedrooms well. Neutrals like beige and gray are versatile and can be used anywhere.
Incorporating Statement Pieces
Statement art can be the star of your collection. Pick 3-5 art pieces of different sizes and repeat them. Mix styles like abstract, photography, and typography for a unique look. If a piece stands out to you, even if it doesn’t match your colors, add it.
Using Frames to Enhance Your Color Palette
Frames help with color coordination. Use at least two different frame styles to add variety. Choose colors from the color wheel that complement each other for a bold look. Keep art pieces 3-4 inches apart for the best display.
| Color | Mood | Recommended Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Warm (Red, Orange, Yellow) | Cozy, Energetic | Living Room, Dining Area |
| Cool (Blue, Green, Purple) | Calm, Relaxing | Bedroom, Bathroom |
| Neutral (Beige, Gray, White) | Versatile, Soothing | Any Room |
Creating your gallery wall should be enjoyable! Let your personality show in your color and art choices. With these tips, you’ll make a fantastic display that means a lot to you.
Installation Tips and Tricks for a Professional Look
Are you ready to make your gallery wall look amazing? Let’s explore some expert tips for a polished look. We’ll cover the basics of installation and share clever tricks for hanging artwork. These tips will help your space stand out.
Before you start hammering, lay out your artwork on the floor. This step lets you see the final look and make changes quickly.
Once you’re satisfied with the layout, use painter’s tape to mark where each frame will go on the wall. This method is damage-free and allows you to adjust without leaving marks.
Start hanging with the most significant pieces first. Keep frames about 3 inches apart to prevent them from looking too close together.
Mixing vertical and horizontal pieces adds interest to your display. If you’re unsure where to place things, use paper templates to plan them on the wall.
If you often change your decor, use Command Strips for easy hanging. Remember, the middle of your collage should be at eye level, about 60 inches from the floor.
Always check your layout with a level before fixing anything. With these tips, you’ll have a gallery wall that looks professionally done!
Thank you for joining me today! For more inspiration for your life and style, visit my weekly blog, Life and Style by Jilian.
Source Links
- How To Style & Hang A Gallery Wall – Claire Guentz – https://claireguentz.com/2020/02/13/how-to-style-hang-a-gallery-wall/
- Designing a gallery wall – https://drool-art.com/blogs/drool-school/designing-a-gallery-wall
- How to Hang a Gallery Wall – https://www.havertys.com/design-services/resources/decorating-tips/how-to-hang-a-gallery-wall
- Gallery Wall Rules To Follow & Break (plus cheat sheet) – https://southernyankeediy.com/projects/diy-decor/gallery-wall-rules-to-follow-break-plus-cheat-sheet/
- How To Style A Gallery Wall – https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/design/how-to-style-gallery-wall/
- How to Hang a Gallery Wall Like a Professional Designer – https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a33459922/how-to-hang-gallery-wall/
- Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Gallery Wall – The Shop By Jasmine Roth – https://www.jasmine-roth.com/blogs/design-build/tips-and-tricks-for-making-the-perfect-gallery-wall
- How to Mix & Match Frames for a Gallery Wall – FastFrame Wellesley – https://fastframe.com/wellesley/blog/2021/04/30/how-to-mix-match-frames-for-a-gallery-wall/
- How To Make A Gallery Wall (Selecting, Arranging + Layout Ideas!) – https://studiodiy.com/how-to-make-a-gallery-wall-a-guide-to-selecting-arranging-hanging-art/
- Gallery Wall Ideas & Layouts for Every Wall or Style – https://www.artifactuprising.com/diy/gallery-wall-ideas
- How to Choose the Right Wall Colors For Your Art Gallery – https://www.northminimal.com/blogs/journal/how-to-choose-the-right-colors-for-your-gallery-wall
- How to Style the Perfect Gallery Wall – The Karma Corner – https://www.thekarmacorner.com/style-perfect-gallery-wall/
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