Are you looking for a unique way to display your family photos? Gallery walls are an easy way to add visual interest, whether you live in a small apartment or a big house. It's a fantastic way to show off your unique sense of style and a great way to start a conversation.
To help you get started, I've put together some tips for designing and building a gallery wall that fits your personality and the style of the rest of your home. These tips can help you envision the perfect artwork display for you!
Start planning ahead of time.
Before starting to hang anything on the wall, gather all of the items you wish to include in the display and arrange them on the floor. To decide which arrangement will look best on your wall, try out a few different variations. Depending on your preferences, you might prefer things to be arranged asymmetrically, or you might like your pieces neatly lined up. One of the many appealing aspects of a gallery wall is that there is no one "correct" way to make one, so you can choose an arrangement that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Also, take pictures of each possible arrangement to help you decide, so you can give some thought to the different options by comparing the photos. Once you choose an arrangement, you can also create a mockup directly on the wall with painter’s tape to visualize the spacing and size.
Go with a theme or just use your imagination to get creative.
If you want your gallery wall to have a particular theme, consider color schemes and artistic styles. A family gallery wall can include art and quotes that are important to you and your family; it doesn’t have to consist of only photos. If you'd like, you could even frame some of the artwork your kids have made and include it in your gallery wall. Any pieces of family history (photos or other items) are also a great addition.
Selecting individual works that speak to you is a better option if you aren't interested in creating a collection around a central concept. Look for a variety of textures, frames, and possibly even some three-dimensional pieces to add visual interest. If you plan to gradually add more items to your gallery wall, this more organic style works well.
Gallery walls work in many rooms.
Although gallery walls are typically arranged along the length of a hallway or hung above a sofa in the living room, there are many other choices. The space around your television, the staircase wall, or even the bathroom can all be improved with a gallery wall. Don't restrict yourself to just the primary rooms in your home when you're decorating. A simple gallery wall can breathe new life into a space that has been neglected or is otherwise unattractive.
Look around your home for areas that seem empty, such as a long hallway or the space between a shelf's top and the ceiling. Even though you could hang a couple of framed pieces on each of these walls, you should consider setting up a gallery instead. It is a great way to display all of your family pictures and to spruce up those unattractive areas.
Everyone has space for a gallery wall!
Even if your home is small or you don't have a lot of open wall space, you can still have a gallery wall. All you need is some intriguing artwork and some frames. Look for spots on the wall that are just a few feet wide or corners that might benefit from some visual interest. You could even change it up and build a vertical gallery wall, which is an excellent way to spruce up a small room in your house. Additionally, a gallery wall that reaches all the way to the ceiling can make it appear as though the ceiling is higher, which will make the space feel larger.
Your gallery wall doesn't have to take up an entire wall; it can simply be a section of one. Your dining room or kitchen may have a nook that could use a little something to liven it up. Make a gallery wall that wraps around the corner, covering both walls, giving this otherwise boring area depth and interest.
Look for additional areas to add some art.
If you do not have enough wall space to display all of the artwork or family photos that you would like, look for spaces like shelves, coffee and end tables where you can display your photos by displaying them in portfolio boxes or standing frames. You can even place some portfolio boxes or framed prints on top of a bookshelf or cabinet if you create a gallery wall above it to give your décor more visual depth and interest. If you do this above a fireplace, the finished product will have an added level of sophistication.
There will always be room in your home for a gallery wall, regardless of how you decide to design it, for you to display the treasured photographs of your family as well as the works of art that are your personal favorites. It just takes a little thought and creativity to create a fun and fashionable gallery wall.
If you want your gallery wall to include professional family portraits, let me know! I can help you incorporate them and plan your session to fit with any style or color scheme you’ve chosen. I can even help you plan out your design. Send me an email at hello@alyssakosterphotography.com, or fill out this contact form to start!
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