A gallery wall is a great way to share your unique style with the world and at the same time create a more engaging space in any room. You may be a well-versed art collector or just a beginner, either way, creating a gallery wall can be seen as a complex matter. But, by applying the proper method, you may design a stunning visual work that will be the heart of your room and at the same time will be a true reflection of your character. In the following article you will learn the method of easily creating your own gallery wall.
1. Start with a Vision
It is highly important to design your gallery wall before you start hanging them up. Visualize how the end product will look like. The color and composition of the room should come together to evoke a certain feeling. You might want a clean, modern space, or you might prefer something a bit more daring and mixed. The style of the gallery wall you choose should fit in well with the other furniture pieces in your room. At the same time, it should be a pleasant surprise.
Play with the idea of a color scheme, set a mood, and think of the tale you want to depict with the gallery wall. Maybe you would like to emphasize a specific theme, such as travel photography pieces, abstract art, or family photo albums. The more focused your vision is, the easier you will be to choose the right pieces for it.
2. Pick Your Art
Choosing the art for your gallery wall is a fun part of the process. You can have a mix of different types of art, like paintings, photos, prints, and even 3D items such as sculptures or fabrics. The important thing is to pick pieces that you like and that fit with what you want for the space.
Combining Different Styles
A good gallery wall usually has a mix of different types of art, textures, and sizes. Don’t worry about mixing different kinds of art. For example, you can put black-and-white photos together with colorful paintings, or mix abstract art with old prints. This contrast will make your gallery wall more interesting and layered.
Keep Some Unity
While having variety is important, keeping some things the same will make your gallery wall look more put together. This could mean using the same colors, similar frames, or focusing on one theme. Keeping some things consistent will make sure that even with a mix of different pieces, your gallery wall looks unified.
3. Organize Your Display
The arrangement of your gallery wall is very important, and preparing beforehand can save you time and trouble. Begin by measuring the area on the wall where you plan to hang your pictures and choose the general shape for your display. Common setups include a square grid, a straight line, or a more natural, uneven pattern.
Use Paper Cutouts
A great way to plan your display is by making paper cutouts of your frames. Cut pieces of paper to the same size as each frame and stick them on the wall in the order you want. This technique lets you try out various arrangements without doing any lasting changes to your wall.
Spacing and Alignment
Think about the space between each item. Usually, having 2-3 inches of space between frames is good for most gallery walls. But if you want a more dramatic effect, you can choose smaller spaces or even let the frames touch a bit. Use a level to make sure each item is straight, especially if you want a neat arrangement.
4. Choosing the Right Frames
The frames you pick are as crucial as the art you display. The right frames can improve the overall appearance of your gallery wall and create a unified theme.
Uniform Frames vs. Mixed Styles
If you prefer a neat and consistent look, using matching frames is a good choice. This style fits well in contemporary or simple decor settings. Alternatively, a variety of frame styles can give your gallery wall a unique and lively feel, making it more personal and interesting.
Choosing Frame Colors and Materials
When picking frames, think about colors and materials that match your artwork and the room’s style. Black, white, and wooden frames are flexible choices that go well with many types of art. To create a unique look, combine various frame materials like metal, wood, and plastic.
5. Display Your Artwork
After you’ve decided on your arrangement and chosen your frames, it’s time to put up your art. This is when your idea becomes real, so make sure to do it carefully.
Begin with the Main Piece
Start by placing the biggest or most noticeable piece in the middle of your setup. This will be the main attraction of your collection, and the other artworks will spread out from it. If your collection is not perfectly balanced, you can begin with the artwork that will hold everything together and add the others around it.
Start from the Center
Begin by placing the main artwork on the wall, then proceed to add the other pieces around it based on your design plan. If your arrangement is symmetrical, ensure that you place items in matching pairs or lines to keep everything balanced. If your design is asymmetrical, aim for a pleasing visual effect by evenly distributing colors, shapes, and sizes across the wall.
Choose the Right Equipment
Make sure you select the correct equipment for your wall type. For larger or heavier items, use anchors or screws instead of nails to avoid them from dropping. Picture-hanging kits are a good choice for keeping your artwork safely in place.
6. Include Personal Items
To make your gallery wall truly special, add items that show who you are and what you’ve done. This might mean putting up pictures of your family, mementos from trips you’ve taken, or artwork you’ve made yourself. These personal touches will give your gallery wall a special and one-of-a-kind feel.
Add Non-Art Items
Think about adding things that aren’t just art to your gallery wall, like mirrors, clocks, or plants that you can hang on the wall. These items can make your gallery wall look more three-dimensional and textured, which will make it more fun and lively.
Change the Art
One of the best parts of having a wall with many artworks is that you can change it whenever you want. Feel free to switch the artworks from time to time to make the display look new and interesting. This way, you can also show off new pieces as your collection gets bigger.
7. Brightening Your Art Display
Good lighting can make your art display look even better and show off your art’s beauty. Think about putting small lights above or next to your art to brighten it up. If your room has sunlight, place your art display where it can get some light, but be careful of too much sun, which can fade the colors.
Ending Thoughts
Making an art display is a great way to show off your favorite pieces and make a special spot in any room. By doing these things—having a clear idea, picking the right art, planning how it will look, choosing nice frames, and adding your own style—you can make a beautiful art display that shows off your taste and makes your home look great. Remember, the secret to a good art display is to make it your own and enjoy the process. Have fun decorating!