How to Create the Perfect Gallery Wall
Tips for Displaying Artwork in Your Home
The days of needing a statement wall or accent piece to fill your home are long gone, with many people turning to their favourite memories to stand out instead. Gallery walls are becoming increasingly popular, partially because of their simplicity and because being surrounded by the things we love makes us happier overall. If you’re considering a gallery wall for your art, consider the following techniques to get the perfect look for virtually any room in your house.
Determine Your Theme
Far too many people believe a theme means one subject, which is not true. You want the prints to look right together if you’re creating a gallery wall, whether a collection of black and white images or a vibrant wall full of colour. Consider using grey tones, black and white, or muted colours for a dramatic pop if you have a bright-coloured wall. For neutral walls, bring colour into the room with coloured photographs that draw the eye in.
Don’t be Afraid of Large Prints
The larger your wall art is, the more significant the statement will be. Treat the entire collection as one large print (even with 24 individual frames) when creating a gallery wall. Every piece within the gallery needs to coincide, making it a cohesive and flowing design.
Start by identifying two or three of your favourite photos and have them printed at least two sizes bigger than the other images (for example, 24” x 36” prints). These will be your anchor photos (the photos that stand out first). Add in several smaller images to complete the look (8” x 10”, 11” x 14”, and a few 5” x 7” for fillers).
Keep the Art Centred on the Wall
Keep the center of the art approximately 60” off the floor when building your collection. Most galleries will cover a specific area, whether a hallway or a living room wall. Build around this location in multiple directions while maintaining balance on all sides.
Before hanging anything on the wall directly, consider cutting frame sizes out on paper. Using painter’s tape, determine the proper flow between the images without looking bulky or over-the-top. When you’re happy with the arrangement, take a picture with your cell phone to remember the pattern.
Don’t be Afraid of Different Frames
Gallery walls are meant to be statements; there are no rules regarding the frames or styles you must use. If you like the look, you can mix the frames between thin minimalistic frames and heavier antique styles throughout the gallery wall. Remember, cohesive doesn’t mean identical. It simply means having a group of pictures that work well together. You can also mix framed prints with other print mediums. The image below showcases a combination of framed and acrylic prints and works beautifully together.
Consider the Spacing for Your Wall
Maybe you prefer to have some photos close together (like a mini-series of 8” x 10” frames, for instance), or you’d rather have your photographs spaced apart; finding the perfect balance isn’t always easy. Minimalistic and clean lines require equal spacing and frame sizes. Organic and moving galleries allow for flow and a bit of chaos. Lines don’t have to be even, nor do the frames have equal space.
Bring the Photos Down the Wall
While the center of your gallery should be approximately 58” to 60” off the ground, areas with high ceilings bring more flexibility. For example, if you’re creating a gallery to run up a staircase, consider bringing the photographs down to 12” above baseboard level. Larger prints work better in these environments, bringing the eye up and looking less cluttered.
Sometimes Less is More
Gallery walls don’t always have to be substantial to be beautiful. Even four or five significant photos can look professional and inviting. Consider hanging images of your family (pets included!) in an intimate collection above your couch or fireplace. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to your wall – as long as you make it significant!
I hope you found this article helpful.
Do you feel a deep connection with your dog? Seeing their face makes you smile and feel like the world is a better place, right?
I believe pets make us better people and your time with them will never be long enough.
Photographs are the only way to keep them with you forever. As an award-winning photographer specializing in pets and their people, I’m here to capture those precious memories and create lasting artwork for you.
Book a free consultation with me to chat about how we can create something meaningful and joyful for your home.