If you’re wondering how to elevate the look and feel of certain parts of your home, photo walls and gallery walls with framed art can be both decorative and sentimental solutions. There’s no question that gallery walls are a huge hit in the interior design world, with over 2 million uses of Instagram hashtags witnessing its popularity. Scrolling through social media or other resources can be a great source of inspiration; however, it can also make one overwhelmed about where to start and which idea to pick that also reflects their unique style.
We’ve collected some interesting ways to incorporate different styles of photo galleries into your interior. Read on to discover tricks that’ll make all your walls stand out!
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Grids or Salon – It’s All About the Layout
Let’s be honest – with gallery walls, the arrangement is crucial. There are a few things to consider when deciding on a layout, and these include the number of pictures you want to display, the size of the space, and the style of the frames. If you haven’t decided which to use yet, you can always come back to this later on; still, it’s good to get familiar with the different types of gallery styles from the very beginning, so it can assist you later in the process.
There are two types of gallery walls: grids, which are more formal, and salon styles, which are more flexible and can be extended over time by adding new frames. Each style comes in countless variations, but some of the popular examples are the pyramid style, the triptych, or the crown.
An Unpredictable Balance
Did you know there’s a science behind the number of frames on the wall? According to neuroscientist and artist Bevil Conway, your eyes (and brain) get bored by rigid and predictable patterns; on the other hand, surprising and unexpected configurations can prove aesthetically pleasing. Conway suggests focusing on something in between to create a satisfying balance. In practice, this would suggest a mix of sizes and an odd number of frames to create a visual variety. For example, if a wall is 3×4 feet, you can fit seven photos on the wall, or you can go with one 16×16 frame or three 8×10 frames, which can also be hung horizontally.
Wall of Theme – Establish a Consistent Style
To create a consistent style, it’s good to decide on one theme you’d like to display, creating a sense of cohesion. For example, you might choose a family photo wall theme, so go through your favorite photographs to display these. You can also narrow it down to photos from only one occasion, such as your wedding or certain life achievements like graduation, or else only black and white photos. You may want to focus on one subject, such as pop art or vintage travel posters, or even a culinary subject, that will make a tasty addition to your kitchen.
Go Eclectic – Mix and Match Frame Styles
Mixing and matching frame styles may sound inconsistent or too chaotic; however, it can fit very well with modern, traditional, or even minimalist interior styles. To use Conway’s scientific example mentioned in the previous point, this approach creates visual variety for the viewer and can break down the monotony of the room, especially on large feature walls. You can mix materials or colors to create an eclectic look, while on the other hand, for a more balanced feel, you can choose different frame styles in only one frame color or else match colors within the artwork. Little Gold Pixel suggests planning it out on the floor first and leaving a couple of inches of space between frames to let the gallery wall breathe.
Thinking Outside of Frame – Unusual Objects
Vintage mirrors, hats, or your favorite record covers can be an eye-catching display as part of your standard gallery wall. To create cohesion between unusual objects and framed art, you can use a ‘baseline’ trick which suggests creating a line on the wall (you can use duct tape when planning) from which you hang art atop and below the line. This quirky method of incorporating unusual objects on your walls can work well in your hallway, living room, or over the sofa.
Choose a Unique Spot
Gallery walls aren’t meant only for living rooms and bedrooms. Every interior is different and you may have a space in your home: a little snug, a space under the stairs, or an odd wall that needs a bit of attention. A plain bathroom wall is also ideal for decoration. Also, think outside of the box but consider the whole space and furniture: would a room look more balanced if you hang your gallery on the left or right side of the wall or furniture, rather than the center? This method can separate the room and create a whole unique spot, rather than using one.
Step Up Your Gallery Wall
If you’d like to make a dynamic statement above your staircase, gallery walls are a way to go as they can create a striking feature. It’s a great way to take advantage of the vertical space, and ‘The Climb’ method of layering your art following the rising of the steps can work wonders here. You can also experiment and try out different templates by creating more symmetrical displays, and use a mix-and-match method to add a playful vibe to it.
Beyond Borders – Get Creative with Wallpaper
We absolutely love this idea by Ideal Home of incorporating wallpaper as artwork. It’s an unexpected way to add extra pattern and texture to your room, without actually wallpapering your walls. It can be done by choosing several different (or the same, if you like) patterns and simply framing them. Ideal Home’s advice is to match the accent colors of the wallpaper with the rest of the room, so it’s all tied together. Consider the shapes of the wallpaper and how it works with shapes in your room, as well as the number of frames you want to have in your gallery. This can be a great way to make your walls come alive and exude some extra energy.
Be inspired by other art ideas on Zazzle Ideas! Read Unique Wall Art Ideas for Decorating Your Home
Whether you choose to create a symmetrical display of photo frames, mix and match frames and objects, or experiment with framing different wallpapers; gallery walls and photo walls are a creative and versatile way to showcase your personal style and add a visual feast to your home.
Since you’re here, why not check out some of the wall art, canvas prints, and posters from Zazzle, which can be a wonderful addition to your gallery? Get inspired and gather your favorite artwork to create a gallery wall or photo wall that will elevate your home decor!
Tena is a Content Specialist hailing from Croatia. She’s always on the lookout for new travel adventures and loves to explore new lands and cultures. You can also find her spending quality time with her pup or wandering around the city in search of new artsy cafés.
