Anatomy of a Gallery Wall

One of the hottest trends in wall decor of late is the Gallery Wall.  Gallery Wall Displays, “a collection of  wall decor elements grouped together to create a visual impact” (my definition), are a great for many reasons.

♦  They create a statement that a single piece of artwork sometimes cannot.

♦  Gallery Wall Displays (GWD as we’ll call them from here on out) can cost less than an oversized piece of wall art.  When it comes to inexpensive frames think Ikea, Goodwill and flea markets.

♦  GWD can be created to work with any design style based on the frames you use, the elements you frame and how the pieces are hung.

♦  GWD are great for personalizing a home and showcasing images and things you love.

♦  You can “create” a theme with GWD where one may not have existed before.

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Here are a few of my favorite GWD , why they work and what I like about them…

This GWD is the perfect filler for this corner space, creating an intimate vignette on the stair landing.  Using narrow frame widths and just two colors of frames, the frames relate to each other. The arrangement plays up the angels created by the handrails and molding.

The theme:  Black and white  and hand-drawn images.

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To create a slightly more traditional feel with your GWD, frame all your art pieces with a similar size mat.  The white mats tie the collection of images together and create visual symmetry. And don’t be afraid to hang art high and low which can make low ceilings feel expansive.

The theme:  People and Faces

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For a more eclectic feel use a variety of frame styles and sized.  Hanging the pieces in more of a random pattern adds interest and pesonality.

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Here’s another example of an eclectic GWD.  A variety of art styles relate to each other in color and also to the decor within the space.

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The beauty of GWD is that just about anything can be used to create the statement. As long as there is a common element like the colors in the art, frame or style the grouping will have a point of view.

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One of my favorite GWD looks is one that combines decorative elements together with functional pieces.  This type of gallery wall is great any room in the home.

tip:  lay your arrangement out on the floor to determine the position of each piece before you begin hanging

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Gallery wall arrangements don’t have to be hung directly on the wall.  You can achieve the same dynamic impact by leaning art on shelves.

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So there you have it, the anatomy of a Gallery Wall.  In the end, creativity is all you need to create a GWD in your own home (well, creativity, lots of nails and patience!) 

If you’re stressing about creating a gallery wall display,  here’s a great tutorial from Brooklyn Limestone and another one from Young House Love!

all image via pinterest