Gallery Wall Tips and Tricks

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.

Creating a gallery wall can be intimidating, but my tips and tricks will help you get started.

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Experiment with the Layout. Arrange your art on the floor first. Move things around until you find a pleasing layout.
8. 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 Pinterest Gallery Wall board for more inspiration.

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