Tips for Creating a Gallery Art Wall

First, think about your style

Are you eclectic/bohemian? You may want to round up an assorted group of frames and artwork. And since you’re a free spirit, the sky’s the limit.

Do you love simplicity and order? You may go for a grouping that uses the same frames and sizes, and are arranged perfectly geometrically.

Love a particular color or colors? All of your frames could be black, or gold, or white, art could be black & white photography or green foliage with colorful accents.

Love one subject? Your gallery wall can be based on a theme; anything from fern fronds to African wildlife, still life photos to foreign films.

Art can be very sensitive, make sure you hang it out of direct sunlight.

If part of your gallery wall includes a mirror(s), think about what it/they will be reflecting. You sure don’t want to see a reflection of the bathroom, or a window that showcases the garbage bins outside!

The size of the wall is important, this may dictate how many frames will be included in your gallery wall.

Spacing

Arrange the pieces on the floor first before assembling on the wall. You can either put the artwork on the floor, or cut pieces of paper the size of your artwork (can be easier to rearrange). You can also tape your paper cutouts on the wall using blue painter’s tape (that should ensure that you won’t remove paint when removing the tape). If you’re making a symmetrical grouping, use the tape and a level to make perfectly even lines to line up your art. Make your pencil marks on the tape so you have control of exactly where the art will hang.

You will find some articles that say all artwork should be “X” number of inches apart. But there is no hard and fast rule. Here you get to do what you like. That said, if you’re the “simplicity and order” person, all of your artwork spacing must be a consistent measurement. Ms./Mr. Bohemia – make the differences noticeable, mix big and small, throw in an antler, or hangable WOA (work of art), however your spirit moves you.

One last piece of advice: wait until you’ve got all other furniture and decor items in your rooms, then hang your gallery wall.

Enjoy!