Gallery Wall Design: A Step By Step Guide
One of my favorite ways to personalize a space is with a gallery wall. More than just a place to put up photos, a gallery wall can transform a wall into a stunning focal point, showcasing important moments and memories, or functioning as an eye-catching statement piece. They can be tailored to fit any aesthetic or style and will add dimension and interest wherever they are used. If you’ve been considering adding some visual intrigue and style to your space, keep reading for tips on how to create an incredible gallery wall in your home!
Why a Gallery Wall?
A gallery wall is one of the most versatile interior design trends, allowing you to display art, photos, and mementos in a way that looks and feels intentional and curated. Whether you’re going for a cozy vibe, trying to add a touch of professionalism to a home office, or simply want to create a space that showcases all your favorite memories, a gallery wall will be the perfect, fully customizable addition.
Step 1: Plan Your Gallery Wall
The first step to creating the perfect gallery wall is planning. This will ensure your project looks cohesive and polished, rather than chaotic and rushed. Step One is to determine which wall you’ll be using. A gallery wall works well in large living rooms, hallways, up a staircase, or even on an empty wall in a bedroom. Make sure to measure the space you’ll be using so you can properly place your items as well. You can utilize an entire space, or use a your gallery wall to frame a piece of furniture like a sofa or a hutch.
You’ll also want to decide on a theme. This will help your gallery wall maintain a unified and visually appealing look. Some popular theme options inclu an art showcase, family memories, travel photos, or even a mix of objects and art styles!
Step 2: Gather The Items You’ll Use for Your Gallery Wall
Once you have determined the theme and location, gather all the items you’ll be using. To create visual interest, aim to use a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures. Some of the items you may want to use can include art prints, photographs, textiles, mirrors, decorative items (such as plates/bowls, baskets, or plants), any typography or quotes, even gift wrap.
Step 3: Select Frames and Hardware for Your Gallery Wall
Selecting the right frames and hanging hardware is an important part of bringing your personalized gallery wall to life. You’ll want to purchase items in colors and styles that are complimentary, but not all exactly the same (unless that’s the vibe you want!), and that match the theme you’ve chosen. For example, if you’re doing a black and white photo wall and the background is white, you can purchase a selection of black frames, or a variety of colors if you want them to add a visual burst. The main thing is to make sure there’s a distinction between the color of the background wall and the color(s) of the frames you’ll be using. Use matching frames for a clean, modern look, or vary the style to add character. You can also use matting within the frames if you don’t want the items to go all the way to the edge as well. When it comes to hardware, if you’ll just be hanging the items with nails behind the frames, the color becomes less important; however if you’re planning to use hanging hooks, you’ll need to consider the color and style of those items as well.
Step 4: Plan Your Gallery Wall Layout and Create A Template
Once you have all the materials and know the sizing of all your items, the easiest way to play around with the arrangement of your gallery wall before committing is to lay all the pieces out on the floor on a large sheet of paper. Now, you can start experimenting! Put items in different locations until you find a layout you really love. The easiest way to start is by choosing one large or standout item to be the focal point of the wall. You’ll want to plan for this to be right at eye level, and then you can build the design outwards from there. Keep the spacing between the items consistent, as this will help maintain cohesion across the entire project, even for items of varying size and texture.
Once that’s done, go ahead and create a template for hanging by tracing the location of the items onto the paper, and marking where the nails or wall hooks will go. You’ll then tape this paper to the wall for your template. Precise measurements will be extremely important at this point – measure twice, hammer once! Use hardware that is appropriate for your wall type as well. Using a small 3M Command strip or a tiny nail may be perfect for smaller items, while heavier items might require the use of a wall anchor.
Step 5: Install Your Gallery Wall
Once you’ve got your template on the wall and know where everything is supposed to go, get started! Start by hanging your anchor piece and slowly moving outward from there. This will help you judge in real time if the chosen layout works or if you need to make minor tweaks here and there! Always use a level to make sure the frames are straight, and a ruler or tape measure to confirm consistent spacing.
Final Tips:
- Don’t keep that beautiful project in the dark! Use picture lighting or sconces to ensure your items are properly lit.
- Don’t overcrowd your wall. Utilize negative space between the pieces to avoid the project beginning to look bunched together.
- Play around with textures and depths. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different mediums to add visual interest and personality to your gallery wall.
- Change it up! A gallery wall can be a living project – update it seasonally, as your kids get older, as you travel more… you can update and edit your gallery wall whenever you want to reflect your own personal style and story.
If the idea of adding a gallery wall in your own sounds great, but the thought of doing it yourself scares you, give us a shout! We would love to help you figure out a way to display the things that matter to you in a beautiful and stylish way that is uniquely yours!