Gallery walls are a fantastic way to infuse your home with personality and transform blank walls into captivating displays. With the right mix of art, photos, 3D elements, and textile hangings, you can design a gallery wall that adds character to any room, no matter the size. In this blog post, we'll share our top tips and ideas for creating a modern and fresh gallery wall. The best part? There are no rules—let your creativity flow!
1. Understanding the Gallery Wall Concept
A gallery wall, also known as a photo wall, is a curated collection of wall art displayed as a group. You can incorporate framed wall prints, photographs, paintings, memorabilia, and even sculptural objects. Gallery walls work beautifully in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and unexpected spots like powder rooms. They add visual interest and a touch of artistry to any decor style. By utilizing vertical space, a gallery wall brings color, texture, and dimension to your room. The arrangement possibilities are endless. Read on to learn more about creating a gallery wall and different design approaches.
2. Designing Your Gallery Wall Layout
Achieving the perfect gallery wall layout requires some planning. Start by laying out picture frames and photos on the ground to visualize the arrangement and spacing. Begin with the largest piece in the center and gradually add more pieces around it, focusing on material balance, color coordination, and visual flow. To create visual interest, mix up the sizes of your frames, incorporating both large and small ones. Experiment with placing frames vertically and horizontally. Another helpful technique is to create a paper template of your frames. Trace the frames on a large piece of Kraft paper, cut them out, and tape them to the wall. This allows you to easily rearrange them until you find the desired balance. Once you're satisfied, use the paper template as a guide for hanging the frames with nails and hardware. As a general guideline, position your wall art at eye level, approximately five feet from the floor. However, if you have higher ceilings, you can adjust the height of your gallery wall accordingly.
3. Living Room Gallery Wall Ideas
Elevate the ambiance of your home and create a captivating focal point with a modern gallery wall in your living room. It serves as a storyboard of your life and adds a personal touch to the space. When arranging a photo wall, keep in mind that larger picture frames look great with more breathing room, while smaller frames create a striking impact when grouped closely together. While hanging your gallery wall may feel like a big commitment, once you start, you'll notice a natural pattern emerging. To inspire your living room gallery wall, here are some layout ideas:
Shelf Gallery Wall: Install long display shelves that add dimension to your walls and provide a stylish platform for your favorite prints. This option offers flexibility without requiring nails or hammers. Mix and match different frame sizes, such as 8"x10" and 3"x3", and layer your photographs or prints on the shelves. Switch things up occasionally to keep your living room photo wall looking fresh. Take advantage of the extra space to showcase collectibles or display a neat stack of books.
Symmetrical Gallery Wall: Create a visually pleasing and uniform statement with a perfectly spaced configuration. Use picture frames that are all (or nearly) the same size to achieve a sense of cohesion. Consider using sizes like 11"x11" or 11"x14" for a larger, eye-catching display. For an added touch of sophistication, select a series of photos or artworks with a common theme to curate the best gallery wall for your living room.
Anything-Goes Gallery Wall: Embrace creative freedom with a gallery wall that combines different frame styles, sizes, and shapes. Create an unconfined grid or bring it all together with a cohesive color palette. Black frames or frames in bronze or white tones can add a touch of elegance. Mix casual and formal elements by incorporating photographs or three-dimensional objects. Fill smaller open spaces with 3"x3" or 4"x6" frames.
4. Entryway & Hallway Gallery Wall Ideas
Utilize the ample wall space in your entryway or hallway to curate a meaningful and visually captivating gallery wall. Mix and match different pieces to strike the perfect balance between personality and style. As you hang your artwork, take occasional steps back to gain a broader perspective and ensure a harmonious composition. To prevent frames from shifting, use adhesive on the back of frames for added stability.
Creating a stunning gallery wall allows you to showcase your unique style and bring life to your home. With a combination of careful planning and creative expression, you can design a gallery wall that becomes a conversation starter and a reflection of your personal aesthetic. Embrace the journey, experiment with different layouts, and watch as your gallery wall becomes a focal point that enhances the beauty of your space.
One Long Row: A fantastic idea for a hallway gallery wall is to line up your favorite photographs in a long row. To achieve a sleek and modern look, use identical frames in size and color. We recommend 11"x11" metal picture frames for black and white photos. For picture-perfect alignment, use a level to ensure your pictures are perfectly straight.
The Classic Grid: Keep it bold, modern, and simple with a gallery wall arranged in a neat grid. Similar to the one long row layout, use frames that are identical in size and color for maximum impact. Consider grouping 8"x10" picture frames for a clean and cohesive look. Leave some negative space between frames to create an airy feel in your hallway photo gallery.
Angular Arrangement: Elevate your stairway by creating a gallery wall with picture frames. This easy approach breathes new life into an often-overlooked space, adding a touch of coziness. Vertical gallery walls in stairways draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller ceilings. Showcase your favorite family photos and personal treasures by mixing frame sizes, ranging from 5"x7" to 8"x10".
5. Selecting Wall Art for Your Gallery Wall
Choosing wall art is all about trusting your eye. If you love a piece for its color, subject matter or any reason at all, then it works. Look around your house for wall art ideas, such as decorating with memorabilia or personal elements. Or, create a kids' art gallery wall to display favorite art projects that add texture and depth.
PRINTS: Make a bold statement with vibrant colors or opt for subtle hues and neutral prints to accentuate the room's ambiance.
CANVAS PRINTS: For a feeling of quality and authenticity, consider lithographic canvas prints that add an artistic touch to your gallery wall.
WALL DECOR: Enhance your gallery wall with dynamic textures by incorporating wall decor, such as wood art pieces, to create strong focal points.
WALL MIRRORS: Add movement and reflect light by incorporating a modern wall mirror into your gallery wall. It adds a unique element and enhances the overall visual appeal.
6. Frames for Photo Gallery Walls
The frames you choose for your photo gallery wall should align with the style of your space. Mixing different sizes and shapes of frames creates a playful and eclectic vibe, perfect for a living room photo wall or stylish decor above the bed. For a sophisticated touch, aim for consistency in your gallery wall frames and color palette. Here are some frame options to consider:
Metal Frames: Matted metal frames have a hidden superpower—they can transform your children's doodles, finger paintings, and cartoons into gallery-worthy pieces. Embrace their charm and add a personal touch to your gallery wall.
Wood Frames: Simple and natural wood frames, when hung with ample negative space, scaled-up sizing, and a cohesive palette, create an airy and modern vibe. They bring warmth and character to your photo gallery wall.
Gallery Clips: An easy-to-use option, gallery clips are ideal for displaying new, unframed artwork or pictures. They look great on their own and blend seamlessly with framed artwork, adding versatility to your gallery wall.
Creating an entryway or hallway gallery wall allows you to transform these spaces into captivating showcases of your personal style and memories. Embrace these layout and framing ideas, and let your creativity take center stage. With the right combination of wall art, frames, and arrangements, your gallery wall will become a stunning focal point that welcomes guests and adds a touch of personality to your home. We will leave you with this parting thought. Adding Studio 324's travel prints into your gallery wall is a great way to frame your memories and add a personal touch to your home decor.