I’ve always loved the look of gallery walls because they add so much visual interest to a space. As I’ve learned, even though wall galleries sometimes look haphazard and random, they are actually carefully crafted so that there is a visual balance in terms of both weight and color. With that in mind, it’s important to have a plan in mind before you start your project, so here are 10 for creating a gallery wall.
Types of Gallery Walls
There are many different types of gallery walls. Some are symmetrical and structured with matching frames, and assuming you have the wall space, you can add to them over time by just continuing to expand the shape.
{via Pottery Barn}
Sometimes, they take on an organic shape with a mix of frames…
…and other times, there is a mix of frames but an organized shape.
And this amazing gallery wall takes up the entire wall and becomes the focal point of the room!
But the look that I’m talking about today is a collected look. You might be wondering, “What is a collected gallery wall?” Well, it’s a gallery wall that has a common color scheme, but a mixture of prints and art, different frames, and other wall decor added to the mix.
A collected gallery wall is a little of this and a little of that but with lots of meaning
Here are some other examples of collected gallery walls that I love…
10 tips for creating a Collected Gallery Wall
1. If the gallery wall is visible from the side angle, look for pieces that are relatively similar in terms of depth so that one doesn’t stick out further than the others.
2. Try to incorporate only pieces you love because it will make the entire gallery more meaningful to you.
3. If you want a more formal display, use matching frames and hang them symmetrically. For a more casual look, try different frames in different sizes with an organic shape.
4. Unless you are going for an eclectic look, your pieces need to have at least one thing in common with each other so that the grouping feels cohesive. So even if you use different frames, keep everything within a particular color palette. Also ensure that you have some repeating sizes (see below).
5. Again, unless you want to create an eclectic look, ensure that there is some uniformity among the frames so that your eye can detect a pattern. You can use different frames, but stick to 2-3 sizes and make sure that you have more than one of each size so that there is some repetition.
6. Get creative! With a collected look, you can mix and match wall decor, so in addition to framed prints or photos, think about mirrors, wooden letters, clocks, signs, even jewelry or vinyl sayings!
7. When creating an organic shape on your gallery wall, ensure that you maintain a weight balance left to right and top to bottom.
8. Visually, the middle of the wall isn’t always the best place to start! Instead, think about the Rule of Thirds as defined in photography, and imagine a grid on your wall. I’m still learning the art of photography and am not an expert, but there is a good explanation of the Rule of Thirds located here.
9. Hanging Help: I came across this handy idea from 320 Sycamore for laying out and hanging a gallery wall using paper templates so that you can move them around until you get them positioned just how you want! See the full details {here}.
10. Layout Help: I also came across this great visual on Pinterest that shows many different ways to lay out a gallery wall if you’re too intimidated to try without first having a plan in mind.
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I love that you mentioned that your pictures should have at least one thing in common. I have a lot of artwork that I need to frame, and I loved these ideas. I will have to find a service that will do custom framing for my pictures.
To hang the picture on the wall there are various ways which you can apply as hanging picture on the wall could be difficult if you not maintain all the steps properly as mentioned in this post beside this you can additionally put safety measures while hanging the art work or picture.
Kim,
I love wall galleries and there are truly inspirational ones here. I have always loved your gallery around your TV. Fun post, thank you,
Karen
I can do this. Thank you!
Great tips..
Thanks for sharing.
Great tips! We’re creating a gallery wall in our master bedroom and have been a little lost. This helps give me some direction.
So glad you found this helpful! Good luck with your project. :)
Great visuals. I’m working on a gallery wall for one of our rooms right now. I’ve decided there has to be order so I’m keeping the perimeter pretty straight.
Stacey – What a fun project! Good luck and hope to see pics!