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Planning and styling a gallery wall can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and creative project. Here are the key steps to follow:
1. Choose a theme or concept for your gallery wall. It could be based on a specific color scheme, a favorite artist, or a collection of personal photographs.
2. Measure the wall space where you plan to create the gallery. This will help you determine the number and size of artworks or frames you need.
3. Gather a variety of artwork, including paintings, prints, photographs, and even three-dimensional pieces. Mix and match different sizes and styles for visual interest.
4. Lay out your artwork on the floor or a large table to experiment with different arrangements. Play with the spacing and balance until you find a configuration that works well.
5. Consider adding other decorative elements, such as mirrors, shelves, or wall sconces, to enhance the overall look of the gallery wall.
6. Once you’re happy with the layout, start hanging the artwork on the wall. Use a level and measuring tape to ensure everything is straight and evenly spaced.
7. Finally, step back and admire your gallery wall. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments or swap out pieces as you go along to keep it fresh and inspiring.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your personal style shine through in your gallery wall creation.
Creating a well-designed gallery wall can have a transformative effect on your home. Not only are they visually appealing, but a carefully curated display can turn an empty wall into a statement piece in no time. According to interior designer Loren Audrey Taylor, a gallery wall, also known as a salon wall, is a wall adorned with a collection of artworks, photographs, mementos, or objets d’art, often following a specific theme. This method of showcasing art originated in 17th century France, where French salons started filling their walls from floor to ceiling with art due to limited wall space.
However, putting together a stunning gallery wall requires time, patience, and the right tools. To help you through the process, we reached out to some interior designer friends for their expert advice. From selecting picture frames to hanging techniques, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan, design, and create a unique gallery wall in your own home.
Step 1: Find Inspiration.
Before designing your gallery wall, Abbe Fenimore from Studio Ten 25 suggests determining the type of arrangement you want, whether it’s an asymmetrical display or a clean-lined grid. “Have a clear vision of the look you want and search for inspiration on Pinterest or other design websites,” she recommends.
Step 2: Choose a Theme.
Once you’ve decided on the style of your salon wall, the next step is to select the images you want to include. Kendall Wilkinson advises starting by choosing a theme. “Do you want to showcase your family, wedding, travel adventures, or children? What story do you want to tell?” After determining the type of images you want to display, Wilkinson suggests opting for a mix of different images to create a dynamic arrangement. “Select pictures in color, black and white, and various sizes. Don’t be too rigid or precise,” she advises.
Step 3: Select Frames.
After choosing the artwork, Wilkinson recommends considering the type of frames that would work best. “While you can use a variety of frame styles and finishes for a gallery wall, it’s often helpful to have a unifying element,” she explains. If you’re unsure about which frames to use, she suggests using frames with the same color or using white matting to create a cohesive look.
Step 4: Create a Plan.
Prior to hanging your artwork, Taylor emphasizes the importance of having a solid plan in place. “Start by sketching on grid paper or laying the items on a blanket on the floor to visualize how they interact with each other,” she advises. Taylor also suggests using craft paper to create templates that match the size and shape of each piece of art, allowing you to experiment with different arrangements until you find the best one.
Step 5: Choose a Focal Point.
Once your artwork is framed, Jade Joyner of Metal + Petal recommends selecting a main centerpiece to anchor the gallery wall. “I like to start with the main centerpiece and then build around it,” she explains. “You can create symmetry by evenly spacing the other pieces.” To ensure a balanced display, Taylor suggests hanging the main piece at eye-level and centering the rest of the design around it.
Step 6: Prepare your tools.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having the right tools for your gallery wall. According to Wilkinson, you will need either a hammer and nails or 3M Command Strips, a level, blue painter’s tape (for marking the top and bottom of each frame to ensure proper spacing), and a lead-based pencil (for easy clean-up). Additionally, have a measuring tape and yardstick on hand in case the painter’s tape loses tension.
Step 7: Time to hang.
Once you have a solid plan and centerpiece in place, Wilkinson suggests starting with hanging your main picture and then building the layout around it. Determine the number of images for each row and use painter’s tape to mark the top and bottom of the pictures. Remember to remove any pencil marks and leftover tape after you’re done.
Step 8: Change it up.
One of the great things about gallery walls is their flexibility. Fenimore explains that you can easily create a new atmosphere in a space by changing the image or art. To take it to the next level, she recommends replacing frames with a mix of styles and finishes while keeping the subject cohesive. Incorporating framed pieces with glass and art on canvas in floating frames is a personal favorite.
