How to Create a Gallery Wall Like a Pro
Hello Posh Tribe and Art Enthusiasts,
Gallery walls are a beautiful, personal way to add character to your home and fill blank wall spaces. It’s easy to design a gallery wall with your favorite art and photos, 3D elements, textile hangings and more. And the best part is that you don’t need a lot of space to make it work
Creating a diverse gallery wall can be a fun and creative way to showcase your personal style and add a unique touch to any room. However, it can also be overwhelming to know where to start and what to do (or not do) to create a cohesive and visually appealing display.
I love collecting meaningful art pieces to display around my home. We have prints and art that is from different occasions or times in our lives, so it doesn’t necessarily “match” in a traditional sense.
That’s why I love an eclectic gallery wall — it allows me to display many different kinds of art in one place to make a cohesive and interesting collection that is a beautiful representation of us.
I get so many questions about our gallery wall and I wanted to share some answers here and some tips if you want to make your own. The only rule? That there are no rules.
What is an Eclectic Gallery Wall
An eclectic gallery wall is a collection of various art pieces, photographs, and decorative items that are arranged together on a wall.
Unlike a traditional gallery wall where all the pieces match in terms of style, size, color, or theme, an eclectic gallery wall embraces diversity and mixes different art styles, colors, and sizes to create a visually interesting and unique display.
Why Create an Eclectic Gallery Wall?
Creating an eclectic gallery wall allows you to showcase your personal style and interests in a creative and visually appealing way.
It gives you the freedom to mix and match different art pieces that may not necessarily go together in a traditional sense, creating a one-of-a-kind display that reflects your personality. An eclectic gallery wall also allows you to incorporate various mementos and meaningful items into your home décor, making it a special and sentimental space.
Tips for Creating an Eclectic Gallery Wall:
1. Start with a blank canvas: Clear the wall and remove any existing artwork or decor. This will give you a fresh space to work with and allow you to have a clear vision of how you want your gallery wall to look.
2. Collect a variety of art pieces: Gather different types of art, such as paintings, prints, photographs, and even three-dimensional objects like sculptures or masks. Look for pieces that speak to you and reflect your interests, whether it’s abstract art, vintage art and photographs, or contemporary prints.
3. Mix different sizes and shapes: Play with different sizes and shapes of art pieces to create visual interest. Mix larger and smaller pieces, vertical and horizontal orientations, and different shapes such as squares, rectangles, and circles. This will add dimension and variety to your gallery wall.
What Elements Should I Consider When Designing an Eclectic Gallery Wall?
When designing an eclectic gallery wall, there are several elements that you should consider to create a visually appealing and cohesive display. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Theme or Concept: Determine if you want to stick to an overall theme or concept of your gallery wall. It could be based on a specific color scheme, a particular style (such as vintage or modern), or a specific subject matter (like landscapes or abstract art). If the concept is more of a collection of pieces that reflect your life, that’s okay too! Having a cohesive theme will help tie the diverse elements together.
2. Layout and Arrangement: Plan the layout and arrangement of your gallery wall before starting. I like to do this by taping out the dimensions of the gallery wall on the ground and testing out different arrangements. Consider the available wall space, the size and shape of each piece, and the desired overall look. You can opt for a symmetrical layout with equal spacing between the frames or a more organic arrangement with varying sizes and heights.
3. Balance and Proportion: Achieving balance and proportion is crucial in an eclectic gallery wall. Make sure to distribute the visual weight evenly across the display by mixing larger and smaller pieces, both vertically and horizontally. This will create a harmonious arrangement and prevent any one element from overpowering the rest.
4. Color Palette: Pay attention to the color palette of your gallery wall. Choose colors that complement each other or stick to a specific color scheme to maintain a cohesive look. You can achieve this by selecting artworks or frames with similar hues or by incorporating a few accent pieces that tie the colors together. We went with mostly black and white pieces for our current gallery wall, with small color accents.
5. Mix of Artwork: An eclectic gallery wall is all about mixing different types of artwork. Include a variety of mediums such as paintings, photographs, prints, and even sculptures. Mix different styles, eras, and genres to add depth and interest to the display. Consider incorporating at least a few personal photographs or sentimental items to make it truly unique and meaningful.
6. Framing and Matting: Consider the framing and matting of each piece to enhance its presentation and create a cohesive look. Choose frames that coordinate with the overall style and color palette of the gallery wall. You can also use matting to create a visual separation between the artworks and add a polished touch. If professional framing isn’t in the budget, Ikea and Target both have really affordable frames, and you can buy custom-sized mats on Etsy.
7. Hanging and Placement: Take your time to properly hang and place each piece on the wall. Use a level to ensure that all the artworks are straight and aligned. Consider the visual flow and balance as you arrange the pieces, and leave enough space between them to avoid overcrowding (frames that are almost touching and have no breathing space are a huge pet peeve of mine!). Play around with different configurations until you find the perfect arrangement.
Lastly, HAVE FUN with it !! Putting up a gallery wall can feel daunting, but once it’s up it’s incredibly satisfying.
