How To Create A Gallery Wall: A Step-By-Step Guide
Creating a beautiful gallery wall is a fantastic way to showcase your precious memories or add a personal touch to your home decor. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to embark on a new project, this step-by-step guide will help you create a stunning focal point for your home that reflects your unique style.
What Is A Gallery Wall?
The perfect gallery wall is a collection of items, including frameworks, prints, objects, photographs and personal treasures, that are grouped together and displayed on a wall. They are typically found in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways but can be used to decorate any space.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the 10 essential steps involved in hanging a gallery wall, from collecting your pieces to admiring the final result. So, grab your tools and let's get started!
Step 1: Collect Your Pieces
Before diving into the hanging process, take some time to gather pieces of art and photographs you want to include on your gallery wall. Choose a mix of different sizes, shapes, textures and art styles to create visual interest. Make sure to collect enough pieces to fill the desired space, allowing for flexibility when you arrange them later on.
Here's some inspiration for you! Head over to our wall art page to browse some more…
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Step 2: Picking Your Frames
Choosing the right frames is essential to enhance the overall aesthetic of your gallery wall. Consider frames that complement your artwork and the style of your space. Use frames of varying styles, colours, textures, and materials to add some depth and visual interest. However, matching frames can also help create a flowing theme between the pieces too.
TOP TIP! Take the size of your frames into consideration, as you will want to make sure there is plenty of room between each piece of your gallery!
Step 3: Time To Arrange
Before making any holes in the wall, experiment with different arrangements by placing your pieces on the floor or arranging them on a large paper template. This step helps you visualise how the gallery wall will look all together!
To create an even gallery wall, keep consistent spacing between wall art pieces, using a ruler for guidance. A general rule of thumb is to keep a 3–6 inch gap between each piece and frame edges. Larger art should have wider spacing, while smaller pieces can get away with being more grouped together. Allowing ample room between frames, trim, and moulding ensures the gallery wall will appear well-ventilated.
Step 4: Measure!
Measure the wall space where you plan to hang your gallery wall. This step is crucial to ensure that all your arty pieces fit well together. We recommend using a measuring tape to determine the dimensions and marking the boundaries on the wall using painter's tape or pencil.
TOP TIP! Trace and cut out all gallery pieces on paper to create templates. You can use craft paper for this step, but wrapping paper will also do the trick! After you've done this, you can stick them to your wall to get a proper idea of how your gallery will look! PS - Remember to label them!
Step 5: Hang It Up
Now that you have your pieces and frames ready, it's time to start hanging! Whether you're aiming for a symmetrical arrangement or an eclectic mix, knowing how to hang your artwork effectively is essential.
Begin by focusing on the central piece and work your way outward, always hang your biggest piece first! You can hang your pieces by either using the traditional hammer and nail method or using adhesives such as Command Strips.
If you are using a hammer and a nail, start by drawing lightly on the walls where the top corners of the frames will be. Measure and mark how much lower down the picture frame you want your nail holes, then start hammering and get them all up!
If you are using Command Strips, make sure to firmly stick them to the sides of your frame (not the centre!) before firmly pressing them onto your wall. After attaching them, hold the frame in place against your wall for at least 30 seconds across all sides.
TOP TIP! Use a spirit level to make sure everything is straight and even!
Step 6: Admire & Alter
As you progress in hanging your gallery wall, take a step back every now and then to admire your work. This will give you a better perspective on how the overall arrangement is coming together.If you're not entirely satisfied with the positioning or arrangement of any piece, don't hesitate to make alterations. Gallery walls are flexible and can be changed as often as you like, so experiment with different layouts until you find the one that speaks to you!
Hanging a gallery wall may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and tools, it can become a fun and rewarding project. By following these 6 easy steps – from collecting your pieces to arranging them– you'll be well on your way to creating a unique gallery wall that adds personality and charm to your space. Happy hanging!
