Incorporating art into your home is a great way liven up a space and share moments from your favorite trips, pieces you’ve collected or special momentos with guests. Whether you decide to display one large scale piece of art or create a gallery style wall, it can transform you house into a home.
Once you’ve selected the location where you want to hang your art, it’s time to think about the pieces you want to display. Today I want to share a few tips and ideas on how to select, arrange and display the pieces on your art wall.
Select your pieces
The key to selecting the right pieces is incorporate art and objects you absolutely love! A gallery wall is the perfect opportunity to show off special and meaningful pieces to your family and share them with your guests. Whether it’s art you’ve collected over the years or gorgeous family photos, you want to line your walls with things that bring you joy. Allow your art to share your story!
In first image below, we take you to this bright and colorful nursery we designed for Houston color enthusiast Carrie Colbert, we created a gallery wall around a small watercolor painting from a personal family friend of Carrie’s and a fabulous Gray Malin elephant photograph, all tied together with gold brushed frames from Frame Bridge. Each of the pieces on the wall tell a special story for her and her little girl. It’s such a sweet part of the nursery!
Decide on the layout
There are three main ways to arrange your art on the wall – in a linear style, in a gathered arrangement or by using a single, stand alone piece. The linear style is similar to what you would traditionally find in an art gallery, while the gathered arrangement is a bit more modern and, when done successfully, can create a beautiful impact in your home.
As you think about which style would be best for your space, it’s important to keep in mind the size and shape of the pieces, the room’s color palette and the layout.
1. Size and shape
Curating images in a variety of shapes and sizes adds visual interest to an arrangement and allows you to use a mixture of paintings, photographs and even your children’s artwork in the space! Choose one image for the center of the arrangement that will serve as the focal point and will help command the attention of the viewer’s eye.
2. Color palette
As you explore color options for your artwork and frames, consider the other colors and patterns you’re using in the room. The overall arrangement should feel cohesive and flow with the rest of the space. I recommend using pieces in a single hue or color family if there’s already a lot of pattern in the room to keep the space from getting too busy. Or if you want a more neutral arrangement, you might consider using metallic frames mixed with black and white artwork for a classic, timeless look.
3. Layout
Be sure to measure and tape out a space on the floor that’s the same size as the wall. Use this area to test out different placement ideas until the look and feel of the artwork is just right before you permanently drill those holes in the wall!
Light up the space
Always remember – lighting makes a huge impact on viewing artwork! If the gallery wall area doesn’t have great natural light, consider adding some additional lights. You can pinpoint a spotlight or use overhead or recessed lighting to highlight the area. That way you and your guests will be able to enjoy every detail of your collection.
Before you place art in your home, start by considering the vibes you want each room to have and what pieces will help you achieve that look. Knowing this up front will help you decide the hanging style and placement that will best show off your artwork. And don’t forget to adjust the lighting to really show off your collection!
For more ideas on how you can design your gallery wall, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.
