Gallery walls are a great way to not only showcase your art collection or cherished memories and photographs, but create an iconic focal wall in any room. Gallery walls have been popular for generations, with people hanging tasteful arrangements of artwork and photographs for as long as the mediums have existed.

As expert framers here at OAI Art Services, we are here to share a couple of our favorite tips and tricks to help you create a stunning gallery wall of your own.

Getting Started

Plan and Visualize

Before you begin the process of actually hanging your frames, you should take the time to plan your gallery’s layout first. Take accurate measurements of the wall space you plan to use and then arrange your frames on the floor to give you an idea of how they will look together once hung.

By doing this, you can play around with various different arrangements before making any final commitments. You will eventually settle on an appealing layout, but by laying it out first you don’t have to worry about possibly not liking the layout or wanting to change it – which is harder to do when you’ve already committed to hanging the art.

There is still more work to be done, so consider your first layout as your starting point.

Select a Focal Point

You want there to be a focal point for your gallery wall. That should be placed in the center of your display. The focal point might be a particularly large piece of artwork, a special photograph, or perhaps even a uniquely framed piece. Begin by building your gallery around this chosen focal point.

Create Balance and Symmetry

Make sure that your frames are evenly distributed, creating balance and symmetry. Begin with your focal piece, arranging your frames around it, and making sure that you balance the colors and sizes throughout. You want to maintain an equal spacing between your frames, which helps with creating a harmonious arrangement.

Mixing and Matching

You shouldn’t be afraid to mix and match different frames – whether that be their styles, sizes, or colors. By combining frames with different textures and finishes, you add visual interest to your gallery wall. With this, however, you want to aim for a cohesive look by either maintaining a consistent theme or a color palette. An example would be utilizing frames that are in the same color family, but crafted from different materials.

Mix in Other Art Objects

Another way to add to your gallery wall is by adding other decorative art objects, such as mirrors, wall sculptures, or other objects. It’s an excellent way to add depth and diversity, granting it more visual interest.

Time to Visualize Your Gallery on the Wall

Make Use of Templates and Guides

Before you begin actually hanging your artwork, create paper templates of all the different frames and objects you intend to use. Do this by tracing their outlines onto paper. You can then tape these templates to the wall, experimenting with different layout choices, before you make the final commitment and start hammering in nails.

If you would prefer, you can also purchase and use hanging guides or templates that are readily available in framing or home improvement stores.

Consider Your Frames’ Placements

Before you begin hanging the frames, keep the central or focal point artwork at eye level for an optimal viewing experience. If you are creating a larger gallery wall, you can play with different heights and frame positions to help create visual dynamism.

Test the Layout Before Committing

Before you begin hammering or drilling holes for nails, ensure that you use a level to ensure that the frames will hang straight. Double-check your layout by placing the frames on the wall without affixing them permanently and adjust as needed before making your final commitment.

Be Flexible

It’s important to keep in mind that gallery walls are an ever-evolving statement. Feel free to rotate or add more artwork to keep the display fresh and reflective of your tastes and evolving collection.

Lighting Matters

When crafting your gallery wall, consider the lighting. Proper lighting should highlight the artwork while also adding depth to the display. Some options include track lighting and wall sconces or even picture lights to help enhance your gallery wall’s visual appeal.

Ensure Your Frames’ Protection

When you begin the process of hanging your artwork, ensure that you use the appropriate hardware that’s suitable for the wall. You want to prevent damage to the walls and the frames, too, so make sure to pick quality hooks, nails, or anchors that will securely support your artwork.

Personalize

Mix personal touches into your gallery wall to let your personality shine. Mix together family photographs, travel mementos, and favorite artworks to create a display that mirrors your unique life story and values.

It can take time, patience, and creativity to create a captivating gallery. With these expert tips, you will be well-equipped to create a beautiful gallery wall that showcases both your unique artwork and your cherished memories.

Enjoy the process and let your creativity fly as you bring your vision to life!