How to Make a Gallery Wall
How to create a gallery wall in 12 easy steps.
Using artwork to liven a blank wall is a fun and creative process that can help showcase your favorite memories and art, while adding visual interest to the room. Though it may seem tough to curate the right pieces at first, once you understand a few design basics you too can learn how to make a gallery wall. You don't have to be a design professional to use these easy tips and tricks to make a successful statement home gallery wall.
How to Make a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall comprises a curated collection of art that is grouped closely and displayed on a wall. If you are looking to find out how to make a gallery wall you should know that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this creative process – only simple guidelines to help ensure you end up with a pleasing result. Here are a few gallery wall ideas to get you inspired.
1. Begin With the Layout
Before you begin creating your home gallery wall, you would do well to map your layout first. Place the artwork on the floor or create paper templates and stick them on the wall – doing this will allow you to check for symmetry and give you a better idea of what the end result will look like. By doing this you can alter and rearrange your pieces more easily, no matter if you choose a linear grid or free-flowing layout.
Tip!
Try to keep your artwork around three inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
2. Size Matters
When you choose your gallery wall pictures, a good rule of thumb is to start with the largest piece in the middle (just off center) and move outward in descending sizes, placing the smallest artwork on the edges. Using the largest piece to anchor your collection should help create balance. It is also helpful to intersperse petite works throughout your gallery wall to fill in any blank spaces. Get additional help using our guide 4 Genius Hacks for Hanging Your Wall Art.
3. Choose Your Frames
Frames are an important consideration when learning how to make a gallery wall. Different artwork requires different frames, and some pieces don't need a frame at all. To keep your gallery wall from getting too chaotic, start with three framed styles at first. A mix of simple and ornate or large and small frames will create visual interest, while leaving some unframed can help to lighten the space.
Another starting point to work from is by identifying a theme. Artwork with a particular subject, black and white photos, family portraits, or even a mix of them all can work well if you execute the layout in a striking and aesthetically pleasing manner. There is no exact science to pairing art and it is up to you what you decide to showcase. All the best gallery walls have balance, no matter how that is achieved.
If you don't have a particular subject matter to focus on, you could instead try to create a color palette. Use artwork and images with similar tones and intensities to spread colors through for a pulled together look. Repeat those colors at least two or three times to tie everything together. You could also try to match your wall color for a more curated look.
Unless you are choosing to go with only photos or one particular type of artwork, you should try to mix and match frames and mediums for more interest. Get creative with statement pieces and different art styles to create an eclectic collection of gallery wall pictures, but try to repeat each one at least two to three times. To keep your space looking fresh, you can even swap out a few pieces when you feel in need of a change.
If you are unsure how make a gallery wall more dynamic, try to add some mirrors. They will make the space feel larger by bringing in light and movement. For something different, you could invest in mirror sets and create a gallery wall from just the looking glasses themselves. This process is entirely personal, so you should choose whatever you feel works best.
When you consider gallery wall ideas, remember that you need not only use hanging artwork. Shake things up with ceramic pieces, textiles, or other wall decor items. Even a round piece can add a visual break in your layout. Choosing artwork alternatives gives you a great opportunity to complement your current pieces and make your gallery wall even more personalized with your own flair.
It is easy to create visual balance with symmetry. Although you don't have to hang your artwork in a linear grid, you still want your photo galley wall layout ideas to achieve harmony. Place frames of similar sizes on either side of the gallery, create a grid above the couch, or carefully stagger your artwork until you have the perfect layout.
10. Alternate the Orientation
Try to alternate the orientation of your artwork to keep things interesting. If your largest piece is horizontal, then try to place a smaller vertical piece next to it. You can even use artwork pairs if you please, as long as you try to avoid having too many works with the same orientation next to one another.
It is likely that the pieces in your artwork collection will all be strung differently. For this reason you should be careful when you position them on your home gallery wall. It's a good idea to ensure each artwork is level on its own and that they are all level with one another – especially if you are using a linear or grid pattern where the frame's lines will be more obvious. Read How to Hang Wall Mirrors for a little inspiration for hanging.
12. Consider Your Spacing
To keep your gallery wall from looking cramped and cluttered, try to keep between 3 and 6 inches of space between each artwork. Start around 6 feet from the floor and then place your other pieces around the center work. Make use of negative space as well. Although uneven spacing can make the wall look awkward, there is no rule that says you have to use a standard spacing. As long as you can create balance, you're good to go.
Now that you know how to make a gallery wall, you can create a successful conversation piece that your guests won't soon forget.
