Gallery Wall Art Ideas to Make a Stunning Statement
Many of us get the same idea: this is the year when I will get my family photos organized! Or maybe: this is the year when I will decorate the large, barren wall in my home/apartment/condo. If you are a creative type, or even if you’re not, we have a project that can help you accomplish both of these goals before the end of the month with these gallery wall art ideas.
Gallery Wall Art Ideas – Getting It Together
Everyone has that box, or tote, in the basement that houses all of their old family photos. And everyone has that folder on their computer desktop that houses more recent digital photos. The trick is to get these photos together to create a visually stunning, heartwarming display in your home.
When it comes to pictures that are already developed, choose the photos that are clear and blemish-free. Blurry pictures, no matter how heartwarming they might be, are not good choices when it comes to creating a wall of memories.
When it comes to your digital wonders, most drug stores have photo departments where pictures can be printed at a fair price with good results. Once you have an idea of what pictures you would like to use, you can think about the frames.
Frame It Up
The type of frames you will use for this wall depends strictly on your preference. You can use the same frame size and style in the same color for a uniform look, or you can mix it up. Try different sizes in the same color, or pick one or two different colors for variety. We do not recommend using more than two or three colors, as this could cause a negative distraction. However, if you choose the same size and style of frame, a few different colors could work out well as long as they are basically neutral (think natural wood, grey, white, black).
If you choose frames of different sizes, you’ll want to print out a few of your digital photos in sizes to fit. And you might even consider a shadow box or two that display crafts that you or your children have made.
Where To Place
Now that you have a collection of great pictures fitted into some fantastic frames, you’ll want to decide just where you want to put it all. Of course, if you have a great wall in the living room with a lot of blank space on it just waiting to be filled, by all means you’ll want to put it there. However, if you don’t have large wall in a main room, you can be creative with your project.
Hallways and foyers are excellent places to construct a gallery and by putting your display outside of a generally high-traffic area, it gives your guests time to actually look over your work. A quiet hallway on the way to the restroom allows guests a moment to slow down and peruse the pictures without feeling rushed.
Lay It Out
Now that you know where your photo gallery is going, you’ll want to get an idea of how to line it all up. We recommend laying out the pieces in the order you like them in a large area such as a dining room table, or even on the floor. This way you can move pieces around until you see your vision come to life exactly as you like it before you begin pounding nails into the wall.
Measure the total length and width of your layout and make sure that it will fit into the space allotted by measuring the wall. If your space is smaller than your gallery, consider bringing the pictures closer together, branching out to go lower or a bit higher, or even removing a picture or two.
Once you have the perfect layout, you will need to get it from the floor to the wall. Consider making a template on the wall with painters tape, marking where each picture will go. Or, you can arrange the whole display on a piece of Kraft paper, trace the frames and then tape the paper to the wall. Using a nail, mark each spot where you want to place your hangers, then take down the paper. Here, rather than photos, is a gallery of plates and bowls.
Light It Up
For an extra special decorative touch, you can frame your display by placing wall sconces at either end to provide light and drama, especially if you do decide to put the display in a hallway or foyer. Something subtle by Chelsea House, such as the Burkhart or Botanical Leaf Sconce, would be ideal. Or, as shown above, recessed ceiling lights work well also.
We hope that these gallery wall art ideas have been helpful. Now that you have a beautifully decorated wall and a display of all the photographs that have been waiting to come out, sit back and enjoy a job well done. Now you have the rest of the year to tackle your other resolutions. Good luck!
Photo source: Best Design News
