Creating a gallery wall can be intimidating, but my tips and tricks will help you get started!
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I have a lot of eclectic art and objects, and displaying them can be tricky. One of my favorite ways to show off these pieces is on a gallery wall.
Gallery walls are such a great way to incorporate art into your home. They can be structured or eclectic, formal or informal.
Whatever your style, there is a gallery wall for your home.
Gallery Wall Tips and Tricks
Use these simple tips to start creating your own gallery wall!
- Gather All Your Art. Don't limit yourself: pull together everything you have, even if you think it won't work. It easier to eliminate art while you're working, than it is to search for the perfect piece after you get going.
- Personalize It. Choose art and objects that have personal meaning. When I was working on the gallery wall in my entry, almost everything I used meant something to me. I love walking by these objects every day.
- Use Various Shapes, Materials, and Textures. Unless you are doing a strict grid, where every frame is the same size, consider including a variety of shapes. Use circles to soften hard edges or place a rectangle next to a square. Include different materials and textures, too: wood and metal, rough and smooth, or refined and handmade.
- Incorporate Non-Art Items. Just because it's not "art" doesn't mean it won't work. Try including a vintage board game, ceramic tray, or other unique item. It will add a lot of interest to your gallery wall.
- Save Money. A gallery wall doesn't need to be filled with priceless art. Rip pictures out of a magazine or a favorite book. Create your own abstract art. Frame pressed and dried plants or flowers. As far as frames go, search the dollar store, IKEA, and even thrift stores.
- Create Balance. Place objects of similar size away from each other, such as in opposite corners. Fill in the space between them with a mix of sizes and shapes. Mix colorful and neutral items throughout the gallery wall.
- Experiment with the Layout. Arrange your art on the floor first. Move things around until you find a pleasing layout.
- Hang It Right the First Time. Always measure twice (or three times) and mark your holes with a pencil before getting out your hammer. Take your time and make small adjustments as you go, if necessary. Finally, don't hang your art too high. You want the center to be at eye-level (unless you are 6'5"; then hang it lower so everyone can enjoy it!).
Do you have a gallery wall in your home?
P.S. Check out my Living Room Gallery Wall and my Pinterest Gallery Wall board for more inspiration.
Hi Ginnie! This is a party feature at The Makers link party this week! I finally tackled our living room gallery wall over the weekend and this was such a great resource!
Thanks so much for sharing and we hope you will stop by again this week. Don't forget to grab a button 🙂
-Katie @ Upcycled Treasures
Yay! Thank you so much, Katie:) I cannot wait to see your gallery wall!
Wonderful tips!!! I think many people get too rigid with their decor instead of just doing what they love and having pieces that represent them. That's why a gallery wall can be so good for expressing your interests! Love it. Loved looking around your blog, too! New follower!
Thanks so much for following, Leslie! I totally agree with you about doing what you love. That's what makes a home unique:)
I am planning on putting up a gallery wall in my office soon and can use all the tips I can find. This post is exactly what I need! Thanks for sharing at The Makers! Pinned 🙂
Love these tips! Thanks. Visiting from the Makers Link Party.
Thank you so much for stopping by:) I'm glad you like my tips!
Love these tips! I'm gathering ideas for a gallery wall and this was very helpful! 🙂 Dawn@730moments.com
I'm so glad to hear that, Dawn! Thanks for stopping by:)
Great tips! Thanks for linking up with The Wednesday Roundup!
You're welcome! Thanks for hosting such a great party:)
Great tips!!! Thanks so much for sharing at The Wednesday Roundup! ~ Angela @ LeMoine Family Kitchen
Thanks, Angela:)
I like the wall gallery ideas you've put together here. I especially like how you say to personalize it and to add various textures and shapes. I always try to do this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Jodee! I love have personal touches like this in my home:)
Great tips! We have a few gallery walls in our house, but they are so hard! Getting a mix of shapes and materials while maintaining balance = so hard! Coming over from the linkup at TT&J.
Hi, Ashley! Thanks so much for stopping by. It's definitely hard ... it usually takes me a while and lots of swapping of items. So awesome when it finally comes together though;)
Love this, im actually working on my wall right now!
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Thanks, Kimberley! I can't wait to see how your wall turns out.