Gallery Wall Layout: How To Make Gallery Wall To Spruce Up Your Home (2024)

Looking for gallery wall layout inspiration? Here are some ways to better incorporate a gallery wall into your home!

Looking at a blank wall in your home can be like facing an artist's untouched canvas—intimidating yet brimming with potential. I understand that feeling all too well, and I'm here to guide you from uncertainty to gallery-grade grandeur.

Consider this post your personal walkthrough for crafting a gallery wall so compelling, it might just become the centerpiece of conversation. We'll cover the nuts and bolts of selecting frames, plus tips to hang them up with ease and precision.

So roll up your sleeves; it's time to sprinkle a little enchantment on those walls!

This post is all about gallery wall layout.

Gallery Wall Layout

Creating a Gallery Wall Layout

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of creating a gallery wall layout that'll turn your blank walls into a conversation starter – Yep, we're talking about giving those Instagram-worthy home decors a run for their money.

It’s all about picking the right pieces and placing them perfectly.. like playing Tetris, but with art.

Determining frame sizes and layouts

I've got a plan for making my favorite gallery wall pop! It's all about getting the size and layout just right. Here's how I tackle it:

• First, I take a good look at my room and the wall space. My living room is pretty big with a 9 - foot ceiling, so I know I need larger frames to fill it up.
• Next, I grab some printer paper and tape—this will be my secret weapon. I cut them to match various frame sizes like 16x20 and 18x24 inches.
• With my paper cutouts and some painter's tape, I start arranging them on the wall. This lets me play around without making holes or mistakes.
• I make sure not to crowd the smaller pieces; they need breathing room too! So even though 12x16 sounded good at first, going bigger really brought balance next to my sofa.
• Shapes matter as well. Mixing verticals with horizontals guides the eye across my gallery wall ideas.
• Sometimes, I'll hop on Photoshop or Canva. These tools are super helpful for seeing how all my art prints will look together before hanging anything up.
• Spacing is key—I keep it consistent between frames. A little space can make each piece stand out.
• Taking a step back helps—I spot any gaps or overcrowding from afar and adjust accordingly.

Selecting frame colors and art prints

So, you've got your frame sizes and wall layout down—nice work! Now let's talk color and art. Picking frame colors can be super fun. I love to play with a mix of black metal, white, and natural wood frames.

It gives my gallery wall a cool vibe with different looks.

Art prints are where your gallery comes to life! Etsy is my go-to for finding those perfect digital downloads that don't break the bank. You want to spend time here—trust me. See how different prints look in various frames; it's like trying on clothes for your wall! Mix modern pieces with family photos or add some quotes that make you smile every time you walk by.

Remember to match up the art after picking out the frame colors—it just makes things easier.

Now grab all these ideas, head over to Photoshop or Canva, and start playing around with them until everything feels just right. Seeing it visually helps heaps when it’s time to put hammer to nail—and there's no "oops" moments because something didn't turn out as awesome as you thought it would in your head.

Visualizing the collection using Photoshop or Canva

I love playing around with Photoshop and Canva to see how my gallery wall might look before I start hammering nails into the wall. It's like having a magic crystal ball, but for design! You just upload pictures of your art pieces and try them in different frames and layouts.

It's super fun to swap things around until everything feels just right.

Ever changed your mind about an art piece once it's on the wall? Yeah, me too. But using these tools, you can be sure about your choices without making extra holes in the wall. Move that stunning landscape print over here, or see if the abstract goes better there—all without lifting a finger..

well, except to click your mouse! Trust me, planning becomes as easy as pie—sweet!

Tips for Choosing Frame Sizes and Layout

Finding the perfect frames for your gallery wall can feel like fitting together a puzzle where you make the rules—sounds fun, right? It's all about playing around with different sizes and layouts until everything just..clicks.

Using printer paper or scrap paper with measuring tape and painter's tape

So, I wanted to put up a gallery wall in my dining room. But first, I had to figure out the right layout. Here's how I did it:

• Grab some printer paper or scrap paper; that's your starting point.
• Pick up a measuring tape, because you'll need to measure your wall space.
• Find some painter's tape—this stuff is gold because it won't mess up your walls.
• Start by laying the papers on the floor to mimic your wall. Move them around until you like what you see.
• Measure the wall where you want your frames. You’ll want to know how much space you've got.
• Take those measurements and mark them on your floor layout with the paper—keep it accurate!
• Use painter's tape to stick papers on the wall where you think the frames should go. Imagine these are your frames.
• Step back and take a look. Does it feel right? Or maybe a bit too tight?
• Consider sofa size if you're hanging frames above one—as I did—and make sure your frame sizes match well with it.
• I thought 12x16 and 11x14 inches would work. Turns out, sizing up made everything look better.

Avoiding frame sizing mistakes

Oh boy, picking the right frame sizes can be tricky! But, I've got a neat trick. Just take some printer paper or scrap paper and tape it up on the wall where you want your frames to go.

It's like making a pretend gallery wall before the real deal. You get to see how everything fits together without any oops moments.

And here's another tip – start with choosing your frame colors first. That way, you can pick art prints that look awesome inside those frames later on. Trust me, it makes things way easier.

Keep these little steps in mind and you'll dodge those common size mistakes that can make a gallery wall look off-balance.

Selecting Art Prints and Frame Colors

Alright, let's dive into the fun part - picking out the art and frames! Imagine this..you're on a treasure hunt for pieces that scream 'you', mixing up colors and prints like you're some kind of home decor wizard.

Experimenting with different frame layouts

I love shaking things up with my gallery wall layouts. It's like a puzzle, finding the perfect spot for each piece of wall art. Here are some ways I play around with frame arrangements:

• Grab some paper and cut out shapes that match my frame sizes. I stick these paper frames on the wall with painter's tape to try out different spots.
• Sometimes I get all digital and use Photoshop or Canva. They let me move images around until everything looks just right.
• Mixing it up is fun! I put big frames next to small ones and see how they look together.
• I think about balance a lot — not too heavy on one side or the other.
• Playing with symmetry is cool, but asymmetry can look awesome, too. It gives the gallery wall a more dynamic style.
• I aim for a mix of art prints, personal photos, meaningful pieces, and quotes in various frames.
• Choosing different colors for my frames adds spice. Once those colors are set, picking art prints becomes easier.

Mixing and matching art prints

So, you've played around with frame layouts and now it's time to get creative with the art prints. This is where the fun really begins! Picture this: modern wall art sitting pretty next to your favorite family photo, or a splashy quote print bringing words of wisdom into the mix.

It’s all about balance and feeling out what looks good together.

You might start by choosing frames in colors that catch your eye. Maybe go for bold black borders, sleek silvers, or warm wooden tones. Then comes the best part – seeing which artworks look like they're meant to be in those frames! Trust me, sometimes an unexpected combo can make your gallery wall pop.

And remember Etsy? That place is like a treasure trove for digital art downloads that won't break the bank. So let loose and see what magic happens when you start mixing things up!

Incorporating different color frames

Choosing frame colors can be a game changer for my gallery wall. I love to mix it up, maybe with a classic black or white and then throw in something bold like gold or blue. This way, the whole collection pops! It's like having a party on the wall where each frame is a guest showing off its own style.

I make sure not to rush this step — picking out which art print goes into what colored frame matters. Trust me, swap them around until it feels just right; you'll know when everything clicks together.

And if I'm feeling stuck? A quick peek at Pinterest for some color inspo does wonders!

Printing and Framing Art

Alright, dive into the wonderful world of Printing and Framing Art—trust me, when you snag those gorgeous digital art downloads from Etsy and pair them with just-right frames, it's basically like seeing your wall come to life (no green thumb required!).

Want in on how to get that upscale look without draining your wallet? Keep reading, 'cause I've got some budget-friendly secrets up my sleeve..

Buying digital art downloads on Etsy

So, here's the scoop on snagging digital art downloads from Etsy. It's like a treasure trove for folks who love unique pieces without breaking the bank. I just hop onto the site and find dozens of options that catch my eye—everything from minimalist line drawings to vibrant landscapes.

Once you pick your favorites, it’s as easy as clicking 'buy,' downloading them right away, and—you guessed it—printing them out at home or at a local shop.

Honestly, this route is super budget-friendly because you're not paying for someone else to print or ship anything to you. Plus, framing them myself lets me choose just the perfect frame to make each piece pop! There's something really satisfying about seeing these beautiful prints come to life in frames that match my room's vibe perfectly.

Affordable printing options

After picking out some fantastic digital art downloads from Etsy, it's time to talk about printing. Bringing those images to life without breaking the bank is easier than you might think. Here's a rundown of affordable printing options:

• Costco is a solid choice for keeping costs low. You can get an 8x10 print for only $1.79. Imagine how sleek that would look on your gallery wall! And if you want something bigger, no problem—11x14 prints are just $3.99 and 16x20 are $6.99.
• Don't forget about Amazon for quick delivery and competitive prices. They often have deals, especially if you're a Prime member.
• Walgreens can be handy when you're in a hurry. They often run same - day pickup deals—we love instant gratification!
• CVS is another pharmacy chain offering photo printing services with frequent discounts available via their app or email coupons.
• Shutterfly is perfect for customizing prints with text or other fun features, and they regularly offer freebies—just pay shipping!
• Staples may surprise you with their quality photo printing service; plus, look out for their discount codes online.

Hanging Gallery Wall Frames

Once you've got those frames filled with art that speaks to your soul, hanging them up is the next adventure — and trust me, it's not as daunting as it sounds (if I can do it, anyone can).

So grab a laser level and let's get those beauties on the wall—it'll be like adding a dash of "you" spice to your space! Stick around; there are some nifty tricks ahead that'll have you turning heads with your gallery wall game.

Identifying the center point

So, you've got your frames and art prints ready to go. But where do you start hanging them? First things first, let's find that center point on the wall. It's like playing darts; you need to know where the bullseye is before you throw.

For my gallery wall in the home office, I made sure it was spot-on by using a laser level. Trust me, this little gadget is a game-changer – it shoots a straight line across your wall so every frame lines up perfectly.

And here's a pro tip: always start from the bottom-most frame and work your way up. You'll want to give each piece its own space by leaving about 2 inches between them. Now, I thought about using those handy command strips but ditched them because my frames were too thin.

Instead, I grabbed some sturdy nails that can hold up to 30 pounds—better safe than sorry!

Using a laser level

I grabbed my trusty laser level, ready to tackle the gallery walls. Let me tell you, this little gadget was a game-changer! It shot out a perfectly straight line across the wall, which was super helpful when I wanted all the frames lined up just right.

No more second-guessing if everything's even - with each red line beaming across the wall, I could see exactly where to place my hooks.

Hanging pictures can get tricky, but not with my laser level by my side. It made sure that each frame found its spot in a nice neat row—or in whatever pattern I chose. And spacing between frames? The laser took out all the guesswork there too.

Making sure they were evenly spaced apart was a breeze because that beam doesn't lie—an absolute must for creating that professional look at home without any fuss or muss.

Choosing the right hanging tools

So, you've got your frames all leveled up and it's time to give them a good home on the wall. Let's talk about nailing this part—literally! I went for frame hanging nails strong enough to hold 30 lbs, because nobody wants a midnight crash party with their art.

These nails are real heroes, doing the heavy lifting without making too much of a fuss on your walls.

Now, you might think about those Command strips that promise no mess and all ease. Here’s the thing—I ditched them. The frames I chose were too thin and just not buddies with the strips.

Instead, sticking to sturdy nails made sure my gallery stayed put. Trust me, having peace of mind that your art won't take a dive is totally worth these little guys!

Showcasing the Finished Gallery Wall

And there it stands—or hangs, I should say—the crowning glory of our domestic art world: the finished gallery wall. It's where form meets function, and my once-bland space now brags with panache, showcasing that eye-popping display set against just the right mix of furniture and decor to make everything sing.

Furniture and decor items used

So, my living room got a major boost from this gallery wall I put together. Let me spill the beans on what furniture and decor items I paired with it to make everything pop. The couch is this cozy grey number that invites you for a nap every time you look at it.

Right above it, the gallery wall comes alive with frames I adore – think black, white, and hints of gold for that touch of glam.

I threw in some pillows with funky patterns to jazz things up against the neutral backdrop. Plus, there’s this super sleek coffee table where all my art books stack up perfectly – gotta have those within reach when friends come over! A couple of green plants here and there bring in a splash of color; can't go wrong with a bit of nature inside your home.

Just picture sitting back on that couch, sipping some tea, surrounded by cool art and comfy vibes – yep, that's my happy place right there!

Specific products and ideas

I loved picking out just the right frames and art for my gallery wall. It felt like putting together a puzzle that tells your story. For me, wooden frames with a touch of black were my go-to – they match almost anything and add a timeless look.

I snagged some amazing digital art downloads from Etsy; there are tons of talented artists showing off their work there.

Okay, let's talk about those ideas to make your wall pop! Mixing up sizes and colors is key. You don't want everything looking the same or it gets boring fast. Also, throwing in personal items like a cute clock or some small shelves can give your space more life.

Don't be afraid to get creative!

Ready? Let's grab that hammer and get those frames up on the next step!

Conclusion

Alright, so you've got the scoop on making a gallery wall that really pops. Remember to play with frame sizes and colors, mix up your art prints, and use those handy paper mock-ups.

Trust me, it's all about having fun and putting your unique stamp on the space. So go ahead—grab your hammer, line up those frames just right, and create something amazing! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

This post was all about gallery wall layout.