GALLERY WALLS: ALL YOUR TIPS, TRICKS AND THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

So, you may not realize this… but I’ve been dubbed the gallery wall goddess.

Yes. It’s true. While this is a big title to own, I’m here for it. Because, guys. I freakin’ love a good gallery wall.

But, when I say good. I mean it. Actually more than good, it needs to be great. So here I am, pouring my little gallery wall lovin’ heart out to you! Are you ready for it? Go find your tape measure and nails, because after you read this, you will be feeling the gallery wall love, too!

Interior Designer: Lisa Gilmore | Roohi Photography

RULE #1: A GALLERY WALL SHOULD BE SPECIAL

One of the saddest things I stumble across is a rushed gallery wall. I think this is a result of the “want it now” society we live in. We have that one big blank wall (or multiple) in our house and we get tired of seeing it blank. So you get the impulse to go out to your nearest home decor or craft store, scour the aisles looking for anything that jumps out at you to nail on your wall.

Stop. Just STOP.

That defeats the entire purpose of the gallery wall. A gallery wall is supposed to be special, collected and meaningful. All things that bring a smile to your face.

While I understand the want to fill the space as fast as possible. Do yourself a favor and let it evolve over time. My suggestion is to concentrate on the center of the wall with as little or as many items as you have and allow it to naturally grow outward as you collect. I promise, you will be much happier in the long run, rather than shoving a million quotes, initials and random things that mean nothing.

Look for things that speak to you - nothing is off limits!

RULE #2: DECIDE WHAT KIND OF GALLERY WALL YOU WANT TO HAVE

There are many types of gallery walls - for all different styles. Deciding what kind of gallery wall you would like to feature is important. This will determine the subject, framing style and hanging orientation.

Modern gallery wall interior design — **MODERN APPROACH**

With a modern approach for a gallery wall - you are choosing to be more streamlined and symmetrical. All of your framing should match, your content be in the same style and your measurements and spacing be exactly the same from frame to frame.

eclectic gallery wall_interior design — ECLECTIC APPROACH

With an eclectic approach to the gallery wall, you have a bit more freedom. However, please do not get this confused with just throwing random things and objects. There still needs to be a rhythm that moves the eye across the installation. For an eclectic wall approach you may include an array of subjects, paintings, photography, objects and other collections. Frames can mismatch (but should relate) and spacing can vary where it feels right.

RULE #3: SPACING IS KEY

This is a very important factor to creating a harmonious gallery wall. Spacing: the distance between each frame. So, let’s go ahead and start with the easy explanation.

The modern approach: If you plan to do a modern approach (photo example above) It is important to decide what that spacing will be first. For the above photo we did a very tight grid locked installation. There was very little breathing room between the frames. We wanted a BIG impact. So to achieve that we framed all of the images in the same frame, same size and nearly butted them up to one another. For a more simplified modern approach (below) simply doing a grid, and deciding the spacing in between. For instance, with this modern gallery grid, we opted for a three inch space, centered over the sofa.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

The eclectic approach: As mentioned before, with the eclectic approach you have a little more freedom and room for whimsey. Frames do not have to be exact, subjects can vary and spacing is also a moving variable. I personally like to layout my gallery on the floor to brainstorm this one out. It really helps you get a real handle on placement and balance. With an eclectic gallery wall, spacing is still important. I like to keep my frames around two-three inches from each other. I personally love it when they nestle corners just right into one another, it’s such a win! Whenever you have those awkward spaces that feel too open, be on the hunt for perfect little object to provide just the right juxtaposition to make the awkwardness feel intentional and balanced. (see cute little giraffe head below!)

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

** One final tip about spacing! If you are doing your gallery wall over a console or table of some sort… don’t underestimate the power of what you put on the actual table. Let those objects flow with your gallery wall and visually fill as well! (see staggered hand sculptures and lamp above)

RULE #3: FRAME ORIENTATION

As important as spacing is, so is framing orientation. You simply cannot have a lopsided amount of vertical and horizontal images! So when selecting your subjects to showcase, keep a mental note of the ratio of horizontal and vertical, I’m not saying they have to be exactly matched, just balanced. Balance is key.

RULE #4: THINK OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE

Alright, so this rule only applies to the eclectic style - push yourself to think outside of the square. It doesn’t have to be a perfectly bound gallery wall. Allow it to spill around furniture and create and interesting shape. As you collect in can travel along your wall!

RULE #5: DON’T BE AFRAID TO DRESS THAT TV!

My pal Kristen of Interior Design Alchemy in Portland, Oregon simply KILLED it with this gallery wall. I always love it when we can balance that bland boring tv with beautiful art - she also has a great approach to laying out her gallery, creating templates and taping it to the wall, nothing short of perfection!

Well, there you have it. My top tips to perfecting that gallery wall! What do you think? Are you ready to tackle the task at hand, get creative and create a gallery wall you simply love?

Just in case you need a few extra pointers in the right direction, here is a gallery of our favorite collections over the years and ideas of different subjects to incorporate on your wall: