If you were asked to define the unassuming term “Gallery Wall”, you may share something similar in phrasing to ‘a collection of prints of images that work cohesively to be an eye-catching design feature’. What the accepted definition seems to wholly omit is the clause “that though it is seemingly a DIY, it can conjure feelings of inadequacy or downright fear similar to that of a (naive little) deer in headlights.” If this resonates, read along as this post is for you! We will tackle the formidable Gallery Wall with not just loads of inspiration but tips to implement using only blue tape, nails, and a hammer!
We will also include theme ideas, sources, and more so read on!
KNOW THE BASICS
Minimal frames and a tight color palette of neutrals allow the variance of shapes to make a cohesive statement. #hallwaytoheavenclient
The best gallery walls have one or two unifying threads…this could be the color scheme, motif, frame finish, size, or type of print. While we love an eclectic, curated collection, that is a bit more challenging than having some level of repetition to provide some unity.
SELECT A THEME
A nautical theme emerges from differing depictions for a well-balanced collection. #goingthedistanceclient
Here is a chance to brainstorm when deciding on a direction….think of vacation spots, favorite hues, items in nature that you admire, lifestyle influences, an era of time, or an opportunity to be whimsical, reflective, peaceful, even humorous! From coastal vistas to 1960s pop culture icons to maritime artifacts, this can be as formal or informal as you please!
START SMALL
Three images work together with shades of black to create a small vignette. #twoeyesondesignclient
Experiment on a small scale instead of feeling like you need to conquer a large canvas. Select 3-5 pieces and group them in a few different formations to get a feel for what you like best and how the colors or prints relate to each other.
ELEVATE THE UNEXPECTED
Scorched bread linens are an unexpected objet d’art. #jetsetclient
Let overlooked objects have their moment! These vintage French bread linens shown above bring patina and texture to an airy hallway. Other items to consider displaying include straw hats or baskets, mirrors, textiles, or more personal items such as framed handwritten recipe cards or letters, vacation souvenirs, kids’ artwork, pennants from favorite teams, and of course the humble yet timeless Polaroids. We also love incorporating a non-framed item into a group of frames to inject a little surprise factor!
“FRAME” YOUR GALLERY WALL
Green plants and sconces are an easy trick to add organic and metal finishes, respectively. #yesifitswhiteclient
Just like an outfit, accessories to complement a look make all the difference! Bring more colors, texture, and even function to your installation with art lights or library sconces, a vintage rug, a bench or small furniture piece, or indoor plant to add more dimension to your collected works.
PUSH THE BOUNDARIES
An inspiring space to start the day. #goingthedistanceclient
Go beyond the usual 60” height to hang art by leaning a bit asymmetrical in placement, or reach lower to keep it unexpected and casual. The vibe above is whimsical and inviting for the breakfast nook of a fun client’s active family!
HANGING THE PRINTS
There are two approaches - one more hands-on and one more go-with-the-flow. With either approach, we suggest that you anchor the collection with the largest print and build out from there.
METHOD 1
Select your pieces and then lay them out on the floor until you are satisfied with their placement. There should be about 3” between each frame or object. You can then use brown Kraft paper to cut the size of each print and tape to wall in the same placement combination you created on the floor. Label each brown template with the print “name” so you can avoid sizing confusion. Once the brown paper are placed on the wall to your liking, hold each frame to the brown paper and give a gentle push to create an indentation on the brown paper of where the hook is located. You can then hammer in the nail and pull away the brown paper prior to hanging the print! Repeat and step back and enjoy!
SOURCES
ART
We are always updating our offerings on our Kate Marker Home website! From vintage to new, canvas to more traditional frames, there is definitely something for everyone! Shop our wall art as well as our latest print collection with Carly Tabak Prints. We also like the extensive yet economical selection from Minted.com, ArtfullyWalls.com, JuniperPrintShop.com, and Society 6. Etsy is a treasure hunt of vintage oil paintings with landscapes and portraits. TIP: Buy unframed oil paintings and then have them custom framed, skipping the glass so the strokes and textures come through.
FRAMES
We like Framebridge.com! They have a large selection of frames and they make the process seamless from start to finish with options for digital uploads or sending a pre-paid envelope to send your prints in for framing. You can also purchase a hanging guide to put your walls making this process even easier!
A local frame store is also usually very customer-focused, and seeing the frame options in person or working through matting options can be very helpful. We just advise keeping the overall look clean and simple, nothing elaborate or fussy! Speaking of simple, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, and IKEA are all economical options too for straightforward hanging.
