Interior Design

How to Create a Beautiful Gallery Wall

Jan 20

How to Create a Beautiful Gallery Wall

A well-curated gallery wall can be a statement piece in your home. Here’s how to create one that reflects your style and personality.

Select a Variety of Artwork

Start by selecting a combination of the following types of artwork:

By mixing these different styles, you’ll create a diverse and visually engaging gallery wall.

Consider Framing

Framing plays a big role in the overall look of your gallery wall. I love vintage frames, but mixing in newer frames alongside old ones adds interest. Depending on where you fall on the vintage vs new scale, try a 70/30 or 30/70 mix.

Next, think about matting. Some pieces should have no matting at all (canvas pieces, for example), while others might feature a large or small mat. Varying the mat sizes and styles helps create depth and dimension.

Planning the Layout

Before hammering any nails into the wall, consider how you want to hang your pieces. As you acquire artwork, your plan may evolve. I like to cut out pieces of butcher paper, old grocery bags, or wrapping paper in the size of each frame and use painter’s tape to “arrange” the layout on the wall. This allows you to play with the spacing and positioning until you’re happy with the final design, without making unnecessary holes.

You can also explore pre-made layout templates for gallery walls if you want a more structured look.

Keep Colors Aligned with Your Decor

As you choose artwork, be mindful of the colors in your existing room decor. Artwork that complements or contrasts beautifully with the furnishings can tie everything together. Pair your artwork with neutral colors like whites, creams, tans, and blacks to maintain balance in the space.

Reflect Personal Experiences & Travels

Your gallery wall should feel personal and unique. Consider incorporating pieces that reflect your personal experiences or travels. For example, you might use artwork from local artists that captures the natural landscape where you live or feature a piece representing a favorite travel destination. Family photos also work well, especially those that feel candid and impromptu, reflecting the true spirit of your life.

Support Sustainable & Local Sourcing

A sustainable and local approach to sourcing your artwork is always a good idea. Almost all the frames I’ve acquired are vintage, found in antique stores, estate sales, or even on Facebook Marketplace. Etsy is also a great place to find unique pieces—just make sure to read reviews and understand the vendor’s return policy. By choosing local and vintage options, you’re not only reducing your environmental footprint but also supporting small businesses.

Original vs. Print

When buying artwork, it’s important to understand the difference between an original and a print. An original piece is hand-created by the artist, making it one of a kind and often more valuable. A print, on the other hand, is a reproduction of an original work and is more widely available. Both can be beautiful additions to your gallery wall, but be sure you know what you’re getting when you make a purchase. Originals tend to carry more emotional and financial investment, while prints can be an affordable way to curate a collection.

Thinking about adding original art to your home? Here are a few tips to help you find a piece you’ll love:

  1. Get to Know the Artist: Look into the artist’s story, style, and influences. Knowing the journey behind a piece can deepen your connection to it.
  2. Plan Your Budget: Original artwork can fit all price points. Decide what you’d like to invest and explore options within your range to find pieces you’ll treasure.
  3. Measure for Magic: Envision where your new piece will go. Consider its size, room lighting, and how it will complement your decor.
  4. Ask Away: Don’t hesitate to contact galleries or artists for insights on their work. Understanding their inspiration can make the piece feel even more special.
  5. Trust Your Instincts: Find a piece that pulls at your heartstrings. Art is all about what resonates personally, so go with what speaks to you!

Choose Art That Means Something to You

When selecting art, the most important rule is to choose pieces that mean something to you. Whether it’s a painting that sparks joy or a photograph that reminds you of a cherished memory, your gallery wall should reflect who you are. Don’t rush the process—when each piece resonates with you, the final result will be unique and personal, creating a gallery wall you love for years to come.

Cherry Blossom Home recently created this gallery wall with local vintage store finds as well as some Etsy prints.

A vintage gallery wall mixed with modern and thrifted frames.
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