Creating a gallery wall.

 

Gallery walls are beautiful focal points, accentuate architectural detail in a room, and express personality in so many ways. Whether you collect posters, original art, photos, or empty frames, there are a few things I recommend to help fit your needs and style. 

1. Gather cohesive pieces for a more formal style....keep the same color in all of the compositions, or use the same frames with different photos or art.  You can even stick to a theme of the same style art.  Don't forget the use of a tryptic -A series of artworks that are meant to be put together with distance between them.  This is a great look for symmetry, and formality,

2. Mixing large and small pieces on the same wall is a good idea so your eye can focus on multiple areas on the wall .  Depending upon the sizes of art, I often hang one large piece first then work everything else around it.

3. Spacing matters.  I often keep spacing the same between all frames sometimes hanging small two matched frames over a large one for a symmetric look.  Keep the thickness of the frame in mind, since you'll sometimes need to tighten up the hanging so that frame looks balanced. 

4. Using the same sized frame creates elegance while the art can be unique and different in each one but don't  be afraid to mix compositions and styles if you want interest and your personality to shine. 

5. You can absolutely mix color and black-and-white, keep your frames consistent and it all works.

6.  Don't hesitate to mix shapes and elements.  An architectural element or favored platter can work well together. 

 7.  Be sure to incorporate your existing furniture and lighting. A pair of symmetric lamps frames this gallery, and assymertric art stacked or grouped on a wall can balance a large curio or armoire. 

The best way to create any art gallery wall is to set all of your pieces on the floor before you hang anything - unless you truly " see" the right layout.  It's easier to move them around that to patch holes. There's another option where you can cut butcher paper or newspaper to the size of your art and using blue tape, put the paper on the wall where the art we go.  When I'm hanging large and unusual pieces,  I often use blue tape to mark off corners so I get the layout right the first time.  There's always the option to draw a scaled layout on paper. The more formal you're home, the more precise you will want your spacing, and sometimes if you just "see" the way it should look you can start with one piece and spread out over time with others. It will look natural and personal.