Decorating & Design

February 20, 2015

Creating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are definitely a challenge, and although there are plenty of tips on how to figure out your layout, there are a few important things to consider first.

1. Choose varying sizes. A common mistake is to choose art that is too small. Take into consideration how large your wall is and be sure to scale your pieces accordingly. Too many small pieces on a large wall can look overly crowded and busy. Choose pieces that vary in size and shape to create different focal points — the larger pieces will attract the eye, while the smaller pieces will become the supporting elements. Shake up the look with something that is oddly shaped like a piece of sculpture that isn’t framed.

2. Think outside the frame. If you have the opportunity to do so, try to incorporate furniture. Adding a console or credenza to the gallery wall will provide a surface for elements like sculpture or lighting that become a part of the gallery, making it more dynamic and interesting.

3. Make use of the whole wall. A gallery wall should feel loose and collected, and if your gallery is strictly concentrated at eye level or the centre of the wall, it can feel unfinished. Utilize negative space near the ceiling and floor, even though it may feel unnatural to hang art that high or low. Once you step back, the entire collection will feel more finished.

See our photo gallery of Great Gallery Walls for more tips and inspiration.

Author: Jennifer Koper & Gwen Matsell
Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Products:

Black and white scribble art (two pieces), PI Fine Art; black vase, The Elegant Garage Sale; black bowl, Georg Jensen.

Source:

House & Home March 2011 issue

Designer:

Christine Ralphs