There are so many ways to build a gallery wall. For me, I like to arrange the items on the floor first, then work on the wall. Check out this client’s wall that I just finished and pick up a few tips.
If you follow the blog you already know this space… Remember this before and after living room? Well, there was one more area close by that needed some finishing touches before this area felt complete. We needed something big and a gallery wall was the perfect way to make a very personal statement.
My client had a bunch of frames that she didn’t want go to waste, so I created a gallery wall design that felt contemporary while mixing some new frames and older traditional frames together.
An intriguing gallery wall should be personal and feel collected. It should be an interesting mix of genres; it doesn’t have to be all the same look. You can mix notes, momentos, photos, drawings, paintings, even music if that’s your fancy. Make it reflect the people in your home and tell a story.
Find a way to tie your pieces together, like through the frames or the color of what’s being framed.
Don’t worry about needing a big space. A gallery wall works on all kinds of walls, even in smaller apartments or bathrooms. In fact, I think they can make a space feel really cozy in smaller rooms.
Gallery walls can be hung around windows, around doors, above fireplaces, around TV’s, above beds, in kitchens… lots of areas. My gallery wall with my kid’s artwork is centered around a window in my kitchen.
Avoid using the same frame for every piece. There are more uniform looks that are stunning when the frames are similar, but most of us, like my client, have a lot of unused frames that we don’t want to waste (if we don’t have to). So, why not use what we have before spending more if we can get a lovely look with what we have? I say make some magic with what you have! Or, consider hitting a thrift store for a more vintage looks.
To start, I measure the wall so I have an idea of how big I want to make the arrangement. I also find the center of the wall and decide what frame I want in or near the center. Then, I start to work my way out and build around it.
I always work on the floor and mark off the size of the wall on the floor with tape. Then I begin to play, arranging and rearranging the pieces until I find a pleasing composition.
With an eclectic mix of frames, you’re not going to have even spacing, but you can build a pattern in how far each frame is spaced by building your collection along common vertical or horizontal lines.
If you don’t like holes, you can use 3M tape (that is what I did for my client). If hammers don’t scare you, but you still hesitate, you can trace your frames on paper, label them and arrange them with tape, measure where the hook is, mark it on the paper and then nail. You’ll definitely run the risk of fewer unnecessary holes in the walls.
Her gallery wall fits her living room perfectly! Most importantly, it fits her and her family’s style perfectly.
When planning your next wall-based masterpiece, I challenge you to think outside the box. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities if you do some research. Give it some time. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. You got this!
And hey! Happy Valentines Everybody! Enjoy your weekend!!
XO
Melessa
P.S. The family and I need a little bit of bonding time, so there will not be a post on February 21st while we take a break. Also, I just finished shooting an office that has quite the before-and-after transformation. Can’t wait to share more with you!!
Lillian
February 14, 2020 at 7:11 amI thought about a gallery wall last year, but then I backed out- too many interested little hands. Maybe in a few years I’ll try out these tips!