Gallery Walls Made Easy!
We’ve all seen enviable gallery walls on social media that look so perfect they seem impossible to recreate. Here’s a little secret: they’re not! Gallery walls may look complicated, but they’re actually much easier than you think. We’re here to demystify the process and guide you step-by-step to gallery wall nirvana.
Make it Custom
First things first, you’re going to want to hang custom-framed pieces. Custom framing allows you to bring out the best in your art and photos through unique moulding options and optimal mat choices. You’ll also be able to get the exact size you need instead of relying on stocked sizes from big box stores. Equally important, custom framing protects your artwork from harmful sunlight and dust with conservation-grade glazing and a sealed backing. Decide on your arrangement, then head to your local FastFrame. Our in-store designers work with you and create handcrafted, custom-frames to create a gallery wall that wows!
Make it Custom
First things first, you’re going to want to hang custom-framed pieces. Custom framing allows you to bring out the best in your art and photos through unique moulding options and optimal mat choices. You’ll also be able to get the exact size you need instead of relying on stocked sizes from big box stores.
Equally important, custom framing protects your artwork from harmful sunlight and dust with conservation-grade glazing and a sealed backing. Decide on your arrangement, then head to your local FastFrame. Our in-store designers work with you and create handcrafted, custom-frames to create a gallery wall that wows!
Be Eclectic
Eclectic gallery walls are extremely popular, but they also look the most intimidating. The secret is to start with a larger statement piece as your focal point and build out from there. Your gallery wall will look best if you stick with one unifying element—like overall color scheme, frame material/color, or art style—for everything you hang.
Another pro tip: before you put any holes in the wall, trace your frames on kraft paper, cut them out, and stick them to the wall with painter’s tape. This way you can test out your arrangement and make changes without damaging your walls. For an extra-funky wall, give your assortment dimension with plaques, wall-mounted planters, and other sculptural objects.
Be Eclectic
Eclectic gallery walls are extremely popular, but they also look the most intimidating. The secret is to start with a larger statement piece as your focal point and build out from there. Your gallery wall will look best if you stick with one unifying element—like overall color scheme, frame material/color, or art style—for everything you hang. Another pro tip: before you put any holes in the wall, trace your frames on kraft paper, cut them out, and stick them to the wall with painter’s tape. This way you can test out your arrangement and make changes without damaging your walls. For an extra-funky wall, give your assortment dimension with plaques, wall-mounted planters, and other sculptural objects.
On The Grid
For a cleaner look, try a gallery wall with a grid layout. You’ll still fill your wall space, but the effect will be less busy. This layout looks best using identical frames, so decide how much space you need to fill before ordering your custom frames. If your grid is going above a piece of furniture, the arrangement should be two-thirds its width, and it should start at least six inches above it. Frames look best when they have at least two inches of space between them, so you’ll need to do a bit of math to determine how many frames will look best in your grid. When it’s time to hang your frames, make sure you have a measuring tape and a level to ensure an even-looking grid.
Go Out On a Ledge
If you don’t like the permanence of a gallery wall, there’s another great option to fill a blank wall. Picture ledges allow you to rearrange your artwork whenever the mood strikes you—without putting any more holes in the wall! This option is perfect if you want to easily swap out family photos and art by the kiddos, or if you have an expansive art collection that you like to rotate. Bonus: picture ledges also allow you to change art with the seasons and be extra festive at holidays. Just decide on a color palette for a unified look and be sure to only layer frames two deep—any more will look bulky.
