Gallery walls can be such a game changer for a space. In case you aren’t aware, a gallery wall is a curation of artwork, photos, posters or prints nicely displayed on a wall. You can really play with your gallery wall feature and truly make it your own. If you’ve been looking around your space recently and are unsure of what to do, this could be just the ticket. A lot of people love the idea of adding personality to a space with this idea, but they’re unsure of how to make a gallery wall that actually works.
We’re here to help give you all the tips in terms of ideal placement, deciding on a theme and choosing the right photos and artwork. It’s good to really think about curating a gallery wall that fits into your space seamlessly, but it’s also important to just have fun with it. Because in the end, they exist to bring in some uniqueness and personality. So, let’s dig right into how to make a gallery wall that’s perfect for you!
How to Make a Gallery Wall for Beginners
Does my wall have to be painted white?
When gallery walls first came onto the design scene a few years ago, most people were displaying them on white or light colour walls. But now, people are realizing the true versatility of a gallery wall, especially in terms of interior painting options. They have come to see that not only do they work perfectly on white walls, but they can make just as big of an impression on interior walls painted your favourite colours too.
It all depends on what room and what wall you’re going to be implementing your gallery display on. Gallery walls can make a huge impact on even darker colour interior walls as well. For instance, a gallery wall could really make a statement in a living room or bedroom that’s painted Rockies Brown. It’s rich and beautiful. Or if you’re more into teals, Slate Teal is another gorgeous choice to make a statement for your interior painting. And if you want to go with a white wall, that’s more than okay too! Chantilly Lace is always a crisp and clean choice.
How to make a gallery wall: Theme & measuring up
It’s important to remember that your gallery wall can exist however you want it to. At its core, it’s meant to be a source of inspiration and inspire curiosity. With that said, a lot of people find it helpful in terms of curating their gallery wall when they incorporate a theme. It can look really beautiful to stick with a cohesive colour palette. So, when you’re picking out your photos and prints, look for ones that are similar in tone and intensity. Also, this is a good time to think about your frames as well. Do they all match up nicely, or do you want to play with them a bit?
While you’re thinking about all of that, it’s also best to actually measure up the space where your gallery wall will be displayed. Once you have those measurements, you can start to assemble a grouping of photos and art that will fit within that region. Even more, once you know what you’re working with, it can be really helpful to measure that out on the floor. That way, you can experiment and see what’s going to work without making any holes in your walls!
Picking your prints & placement
The thing about bringing a gallery wall feature into your space is that you will finally be able to display some of the artwork and prints you’ve been collecting over the years. Whether or not you go with a theme, more likely than not, you have a lot of pieces that you’re just dying to get out. You could always start by picking a print or photograph that means something to you. Maybe it’s a photo of somewhere you’ve travelled, or maybe it was the first big art piece you ever bought. Usually, once you consider a place to start, things really begin to take shape.
Oftentimes, individuals find it most helpful to start with your largest piece of artwork. It can act as the anchor for your entire gallery wall. You could start with that in the center or even slightly off-center works well too. From there, it can help to bring in a slightly smaller piece — probably somewhere in the mid-size range. And try and see how that looks on a diagonal level from the largest piece. If that works, then bring in some of your smaller and other mid-size pieces. You’ll see where they just naturally want to fit in. Again, be sure to place your choices on the floor first to get the placement just right.
Some last tips for your gallery wall…
When you’re thinking about how to make a gallery wall, it can be a little nerve-wracking. After all, you really want to make a lasting impression. Here are some last helpful tips for you to consider:
- Don’t be afraid to mix your horizontal prints with your vertical prints. A range really works for a gallery wall to make an impact.
- Also, you could try “twins” as well—two like objects directly next to each other. They can work well to create some interest.
- Also, don’t be afraid to add some texture to your gallery wall as well. Not everything has to be a print or photograph. Try a textured art piece, a beautiful piece of vintage china, or a small mirror. Anything goes!
Innovative Gallery Wall Ideas
Casting your vision for a gallery wall is the first step to actualizing a unique, expressive piece of wall art. Here are some innovative gallery wall ideas to inspire your creative journey:
- Colour Block Collection: Group art pieces by colour to create a visually captivating ‘block’ effect. This approach can work exceptionally well in a room with a monochromatic or neutral colour scheme, where the colour block wall becomes the focal point.
- Vintage Elegance: Pair old family photos with vintage prints for an heirloom gallery wall. Sprinkle in family keepsakes or antique finds for a personal touch.
- Travel Storyboard: Showcase pictures, postcards, or souvenirs from your adventures around the world. This unique gallery can be a meaningful conversation starter with guests.
- Floating Shelves: Use floating shelves to give your gallery wall depth and dimension. You can mix small sculptures, plants, and decor pieces among the frames for an interesting three-dimensional effect.
- Eclectic Mix: Pair different artistic mediums together—oil paintings with sketches, and photographs with textile art. The key is balancing disparate elements to create a harmonious yet stimulating display.
- Black and White Theme: Black and white artwork can create a simple, yet powerful gallery wall. You can either go strictly monochromatic or add a few pops of colour.
- Grid Style: Arrange same-size frames in a grid layout for a clean, modern look. This symmetrical approach can bring order and sophistication to a space.
- Mirror Gallery: A stunning idea is to integrate mirrors of different sizes and styles into your gallery wall. Not only does this create an attractive aesthetic, but the mirrors can also help reflect light and give the illusion of a bigger space.
Remember, the best gallery walls reflect a part of the homeowner’s personal style or story. Experiment, rearrange, swap pieces, and don’t forget to have fun throughout the process. After all, your gallery wall should be as dynamic and ever-evolving as you are!
If you’re in need of some interior painting inspiration, head over to our Pinterest page!
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Of course, if you are looking to do some interior painting work prior to making your gallery wall, why not let Home Painters Toronto take a load off your back? With over 36 years of experience in home painting and renovations, why not let our professional painters handle the work? Call us NOW at 416.494.9095, or email us at Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get a FREE estimate for your interior painting project and consultation about what paint to choose. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
