Creating a gallery wall in your home is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to fill any blank space with personality, warmth, and style. Whether it’s a large section of bare wall or an otherwise unadorned corner, giving your space some artful flair can be just the finishing touch you’re after.
With countless options available—from original artwork to prints on canvas to framed photographs—putting together your ideal gallery is easier than ever! Read more for essential tips on maximising impact and creating an attractive display that reflects your aesthetic.
Why Displaying Art Matters
Art has always been a means of self-expression and an essential aspect of human culture. Displaying art, whether in galleries, museums, or even in our own homes, serves a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the beauty that artists create. It allows us to appreciate and contemplate the artist’s message, cultural significance, and historical context behind each piece.
Art also can evoke emotions and promote introspection, which can spark meaningful conversations and connections among individuals. Displaying art not only enriches our lives but also contributes to the continued development of the art world. It inspires future artists and supports the growth of arts communities. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with technology and distractions, displaying art reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and creativity that humans are capable of.
Choosing the Right Wall
Choosing the right wall for creating a gallery wall is an important step in designing a stunning display. Incorporating wallpapers in accordance with the latest trends is one way to make the wall more visually interesting. A boldly patterned wallpaper can provide a unique background that adds depth and texture to your gallery wall. When selecting a wallpaper, it’s essential to ensure it complements the artwork and doesn’t detract from it. If you decide to use wallpaper, take cues from the colours and patterns in it to choose art pieces that complement the style of your space.
Another way to incorporate wallpaper trends is by using removable wallpaper, which makes it easy to change up your gallery wall as your style evolves. With so many wallpaper options available, from bold prints to subtle textures, you will surely find the perfect addition to your gallery wall that enhances your decor and showcases your unique style.
Selecting Art for Your Gallery Wall
Looking to create a stunning display for your gallery wall? Selecting the perfect art pieces can be daunting, but you can create a cohesive and eye-catching display with consideration. Start by considering the room’s overall vibe where the gallery wall will be located. Is it modern and minimalistic or more traditional and cosy?
Once you sense the room’s aesthetic, consider the colour scheme and style of the artwork you want to display. Whether you choose abstract prints or classic paintings, the key is to create a balanced combination of contrasting styles and colours. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a visually stunning gallery wall that reflects your unique style and personality.
Creating a Cohesive Theme
Creating a cohesive theme for your gallery wall is one of the best ways to ensure it looks put together and visually appealing. One popular aesthetic keyword trend that can help create a cohesive look in a gallery wall is the jewel tones style. This style uses rich, vibrant emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue. Incorporating pieces with these colours as a base can help tie together different prints and paintings, making the overall gallery wall look more stylistically consistent.
When choosing pieces, stick to a particular style, such as abstract or vintage. A common element in the artwork adds interest and depth to the display while still allowing the jewellery tones to be the show’s star. By paying attention to the details of your gallery wall, you can create a cohesive, stylish display that showcases your unique aesthetic.
Layout Options: Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical
Symmetrical gallery walls are “mirror images” of each other, with equal space between each frame, creating an organized and balanced aesthetic. The frames must be placed in a straight line or a grid pattern, creating harmony and uniformity in the space. This type of gallery wall is ideal for those who love a clean, sleek, modern look. Symmetrical gallery walls work exceptionally well in rooms with formal and sophisticated decor styles, like an office or dining room. However, it may not be the best option for those seeking a more creative, eclectic aesthetic.
On the other hand, asymmetrical gallery walls have a more modern, playful feel. It involves arranging the frames more organically, often incorporating different sizes, textures, and shapes, creating a distinctive look that adds character and energy to your walls. This type of gallery wall is non-linear and more relaxed, offering more creative freedom in arranging the frames. Asymmetrical gallery walls work well in contemporary, eclectic or bohemian-style homes. However, creating a cohesive look with this type of gallery wall can be challenging, and it may not suit your home’s style and existing decor.
When choosing a layout option, you can mix and match to create a hybrid arrangement, combining the best of both worlds. For instance, you can have a symmetrical gallery wall in the middle and an asymmetrical one on the sides, or vice versa. This combination adds interest and allows you to create a layout that is uniquely your own.
Tips for Hanging Art: Placement and Spacing
Placement is Key
The first thing to understand is the importance of placement. Consider the height of the ceilings, furniture placement, and the room’s overall layout. Ideally, you want to hang pictures at eye level to make them easy to see and appreciate. However, don’t be afraid to play around with the placement slightly to create a sense of drama and visual interest. For instance, hanging a series of pictures or photos in a row at eye level can make for a powerful visual statement.
alt text: a white gallery wall with multiple photo frames on top of a sofa
Group Similar Pieces Together
One common mistake people make when hanging artwork is not grouping similar pieces. Instead of hanging individual pieces here and there, try grouping similar items, such as framed photos or artwork, to create a cohesive statement. This helps to give the room an overall flow and focus on a particular theme.
Play with Spacing
Spacing is another crucial element when hanging artwork. Too little space between pictures can create a crowded and cluttered appearance. Instead, be mindful of the spacing and try to give each piece some breathing room. If you’re unsure how much space to leave, try using your hand as a guide. For example, place your palm between each piece to ensure enough distance between each.
Mix Sizes and Shapes
Another effective strategy for hanging artwork is mixing sizes and shapes. A collection of different-sized art and accent pieces creates visual interest, and it’s an effective way to create a gallery wall. This works particularly well when you select pieces with similar colours or themes, providing continuity to the visual story.
Use a Template
Finally, using a template can be a game-changer when hanging pictures. Cut out pieces of paper the same size as your artwork, and create a mock-up on the wall before hanging anything. This is an effective way of getting a sense of spacing, layout, and flow before committing to hanging artwork permanently.
Adding Depth with Frames and Mats
Add frames and mats to create an art display with maximum visual impact. Frames can be a great way to tie the look of your artwork together. For instance, if you’re hanging photos or illustrations, select matching frames in complementary colours or finishes to give the entire wall a cohesive feel.
Mats are another fantastic way to add depth and structure to your artwork. They can also layer different pieces and give them a finished look. Choose mats in coordinating colours or tones, and keep the overall style of your artwork in mind when selecting frames and mats.
Alternative Ways to Display Art
If you’re not keen on creating a gallery wall, plenty of other creative ways to display art in your home exist. Photo ledges effectively show off your favourite photos and artwork without committing to nail holes in your walls. Floating shelves can also be used as a creative way to display artwork. You can easily hang multiple shelves of different lengths and heights, creating an eye-catching display that takes up minimal wall space.
Consider investing in a wired system or art rail for a more versatile solution. These systems allow you to hang artwork without making any holes in your walls and can be adjusted as needed to accommodate new pieces.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to create a gallery wall or display artwork alternatively, plenty of options are available. Be mindful of the space and ensure your artwork is hung at eye level for maximum impact. Group similar pieces together, mix sizes and shapes for added visual interest and don’t forget about frames and mats as an added layer of depth. You can create an art display that perfectly reflects your style with some creativity and planning.
