Life, DIY, & Decor

5 Steps To Creating A Gallery Wall

 

After moving not so recently, it’s taken us awhile to unpack the boxes and really get all of our stuff together . Hang pictures on walls, put out the knick knacks, and just make this house our home. As someone who has spent the majority of their life moving around. I am happy to be able to really settle in this time. And make this a cozy space. The key to achieving a “homey” atmosphere lies in decorating with pictures of family/friends and comforting memories. So I’m making the focal point of the living room a gallery wall with some of my favorite moments .

 

The great thing about Gallery Walls is that you can use mixed media! Whether it’s wall art (a key, a fish, an arrow etc) or paintings, pictures on canvases, pictures in frames, pictures on wood planks.. the possibilities are endless. It’s a great way to showcase your personality and give your space that little something extra. It’s your chance to convey who you are and what you like to those visiting your home, and a reminder to you of what makes you happy!

 

 

Step One : Figure Out What You Want To Feature

The best way to start is to pick out some of your favorite things that can be hung up and definitely pick out your favorite pictures . A statement piece is always nice as well! I’ve got a sea inspired theme going on, so I’ve got some beautiful metal turtles I’ll be hanging. Along with pictures of the family including a beautiful Planked Wood photo of my son for the focal point. I received it from photography .com. They do such a great job of making gorgeous works of art, out of your photos and I highly recommend them! I’m including a link below, so you can easily find them and purchase your own photo products. Plus by using this link you can take advantage of the Buy One, Get Three Free deal going on for a limited time! Four amazing prints to get you started on your own gallery wall!

Statement Photography

Statement Photography is a great way to showcase your memories.  Using pictures of you, family, friends, or scenery that are printed on mixed media for an artistic impact!

This picture above is printed on Wood! I love the details. The wood has such a rustic charm to it. The Wood prints are made with planked wood. They use High Definition Printing. So, the picture shows up so vibrantly!

I love Photography .Com for these types of products because they offer so many gorgeous options!

Metal Prints -Canvases -Acrylics -Bamboo -Glass -Framed Canvas -Picture Blocks -Picture Plaques -Clocks -Planked Wood Prints -Chalkboard etc.

In addition to the Planked Wood print I also got a Chalkboard from Photography . com. I love that they are stylish, yet functional. They come in espresso or black finishes. When I received the prints I was literally taken back by how well they were translated , they both looked sharp and flawless. And they look amazing on our walls! They offer numerous size options too. So, really whatever look you’re trying to achieve can be accommodated.

 

I just made over my work space, so this Chalkboard is the perfect finishing touch! I’m hanging the chalkboard over my desk. The print I chose is a picture I took in Florida that is relaxing to me. Now, I have the perfect space to stay organized & not get overwhelmed while working!

 

Also, one of my favorite amenities is that the products come ready to hang. They already have all of the necessary hardware attached securely to the back. Which is amazing because when they arrive and you see how good they look, you’ll want to get them up on your walls ASAP!

{These products make such great gift ideas too!;)}

 

Mixing It Up

When considering what you’ll hang, think about mixing up the sizes and colors. You can even mix up the style of frames. Aside from your statement photos consider using: Letters that mean something to you, Words, or a saying.Think : “Home is where the heart is”  “Seas the Day” or “The Smiths” Something that inspires or appeals to you. Also, consider using paintings. This could be something simple to add color or something more detailed like a City Scape or an Animal..

 

 

Step Two: Collect Your Tools

After, you  have successfully decided what you’re arranging on your wall now it’s time to figure out the specifics of where. Ideally you’ll want to use a level to keep things even, and a measuring tape if you want to be precise and figure out exact measurements. You will obviously need a hammer and some sort of nails. I like to use the picture hangers because they just always feel more secure to me!

 

Step Three : Envision The Wall & How You Want To Arrange It

I have been known to hammer in a few nails before actually figuring out exactly where a picture is supposed to be. When that happens sometimes you can get lucky and cover those unnecessary holes with the actual picture, other times they just turn out to be eyesores and they are not attractive, so this time I’m going to do a little planning..just a little . I’m literally just going to lay everything out on the floor near the wall so I can kind of envision how I want them all positioned . That way I’ll have a better idea before I get too far to turn back!

While envisioning the placement, it is important to consider the sizes and shapes of the items you’ve chosen.
I think it looks most balanced if you have a few different shapes (even if they are all squares but one is just slightly smaller or larger etc) As long as you make sure you’ve got balance it will be cohesive.

 

Step Four: Hang Your Art:

The best way to keep track of your idea for the layout is to leave them laid out on the floor and start with one picture at a time! Start with the middle pieces and move out and around from there. By doing this you can make sure it’s centered. Once, one is hammered in securely hung, move on to the next!

 

Step Five: Step back and Admire your work

Now that you’ve got it all securely on the wall, take a step back and really look at it. Don’t be afraid to adjust it and make any necessary changes.

When it comes to decorating there are plenty of dos & don’ts and innovative or classic ideas, but at the end of the day it’s important that the aesthetic you’re creating matches your personality , after all you’re the one who gets to enjoy it everyday and call your house a home!

The Chalkboard and Planked Wood Print were provided to me complimentary, but as always all opinions are authentic and my own. This post contains affiliate links.
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10 Comments

  • Reply
    Victoria
    May 8, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Love that little desk!

    • Reply
      jess
      July 4, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      Thank you!! Believe it or not that was actually an inexpensive black desk. We used contact paper to cover the top & spray painted the bottom!

  • Reply
    Kimberly McGraw
    May 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    These are some great tips! I moved over a year ago and my poor walls are so bare! I will definitely be taking these tips and working on some of my walls!

    • Reply
      jess
      July 4, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Thank you! It always seems like it takes so long to get unpacked, that a lot of times decorating can be put on the back burner. It’s definitely worth it though!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    May 8, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I love how this turned out! I’ll definitely be using these tips while I redecorate my new space!

    • Reply
      jess
      July 4, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      Thank you so much! Good luck with your space! It can be so fun to redecorate!

  • Reply
    Cailey
    May 8, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    Thank you for sharing these awesome tips! I love gallery walls but I can never seem to decide how I want things placed. I love the idea of picking a focal point or statement photo and then rearranging everything around that. I will definitely have to try this!

    • Reply
      jess
      July 4, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      I’m happy to share them! Sometimes decorating is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! & As long as it’s stuff you like, you can’t really go wrong!

  • Reply
    Cathy Welch
    May 9, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    Thanks for the great advice, Jessica! We just renovated a kitchen and laundry room and I have a floor to ceiling white cabinet that is in your face when you walk into the laundry room. I just thought yesterday about making a gallery wall! I have artwork I’ve purchased from people I’ve written articles about and a beautiful granddaughter who I plan to put in this space. One thing you provided that I have never hear before is to start in the middle when hanging a gallery wall. Brilliant!!

    Thanks so much and look forward to more posts!

    Cathy

    • Reply
      jess
      July 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      Thank you Cathy! Happy decorating, that sounds like a great collection of things for your gallery wall! Especially your Granddaughter! There’s nothing better than being surrounded by the ones you love!

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