Handmade Home: How to Design a Gallery Wall
Learn how to transform a blank wall into an eye-catching display — with or without art
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A gallery wall is a great way to fill a blank wall with a pretty collection. The wall opposite from our bed has been blank for some time. I decided to make use of it, so I took a few things that I have been collecting to create a wall that reflects my personal style and showcases my finds.
I love mixing finishes and materials — it makes for an interesting arrangement. I used wood frames, a metal grate and a mirror on this wall. Even though all the finishes are different, they work nicely together. Don't be afraid to mix and match for an eclectic look. Here's how:
I love mixing finishes and materials — it makes for an interesting arrangement. I used wood frames, a metal grate and a mirror on this wall. Even though all the finishes are different, they work nicely together. Don't be afraid to mix and match for an eclectic look. Here's how:
To create a gallery wall you'll need:
• Frames, artwork, photographs, mirrors and other finds
• Hammer
• Nails
• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Tape measure
• Camera
Private Comment
• Frames, artwork, photographs, mirrors and other finds
• Hammer
• Nails
• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Tape measure
• Camera
| 1. Lay out a tape measure or ruler on the floor, along the width of your wall space. This will provide you with the framework for your project. Private Comment
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| 2. Arrange and move your pieces around until you're happy with the placement. My personal style is simple, so I kept the composition that way, too. Try turning the the frames vertically and horizontally for a varied look. For me, mixing in an oval breaks up the straight lines of the other pieces. Private Comment
3. Take a photograph with your phone or camera so you can reference your composition. |
| 4. I taped two pieces of craft paper together so all my pieces would fit on it. I keep a roll of it on hand because it's so handy for projects. Private Comment
5. With a pencil trace the outline of each frame on your paper. Mark the placement of the nail or hook, too. |
| 6. Tape the paper to the wall, making sure it's straight. Hammer a nail or hook into each appropriate marking. After all your nails are in place, carefully remove the craft paper. Private Comment
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| 7. Hang each piece in its place, using the photo you took as reference. You've turned a blank wall into something beautiful. Private Comment
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| When you're out looking for items to use, think beyond traditional frames to make your gallery wall unique. This beautiful wood piece was from an old music stand that I found at an estate sale. It didn't have a hanger, so I hung it from some pretty ribbon. Private Comment
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This piece is an old heating grate — I found a couple of these at the flea market. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I knew I'd be able to use them someday. The detail is really lovely, and there is a little hook at the bottom that I used to hang an old key.
An all-mirror gallery wall would be beautiful in a living room or entryway. Or how about all-white finishes for a more uniform look? The great thing about this project is that there are no rules!
More: A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
Private Comment
An all-mirror gallery wall would be beautiful in a living room or entryway. Or how about all-white finishes for a more uniform look? The great thing about this project is that there are no rules!
More: A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
Comments
Laura says:
I love the mix and match frames!! More inspiration: http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2011/01/decorating-ideas-how-to-arrange-art-on.html
3 months ago ·
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lafayetteann says:
Love the idea of using craft paper to make a template for hooks. That makes things easy. Thanks!
3 months ago ·
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colorlift says:
Empty frames bring disharmony according to the mysterious art of Feng-Shui.
Having worked for over a decade in fine art galleries, empty frames are for inside a storage closet.
Having worked for over a decade in fine art galleries, empty frames are for inside a storage closet.
1echogram says:
I have to agree with colorlift - don't like empty frames. If you come to my house I won't sit with my cup of coffee and give you an empty mug, handmade and beautiful though it may be.
nasafemme says:
We have a wall that is 20 feet high at one end and slopes down to 12 feet at the other end. We would like to hang black and white photographs (all framed in black) and of mostly uniform size. Any suggestions for an artistic arrangement of uniformly sized frames on a sloping wall?
3 months ago ·
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Susan Duane says:
i guess you could just treat the sloping wall like any other. i'll look around for an inspiration photo!
3 months ago ·
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