Jul 18

What is a gallery wall and why do you need one?

We LOVE to hear about people acquiring art and growing their personal art collections. We even get to see this in action at Panoply Arts Festival, Monte Sano Art Festival, and Christkindlemarket.

Then we think, how will that art be put on display and cherished for years to come?

One such way might just be a gallery wall. We know that a gallery wall is a fun way to display art, as seen in the many Art Tour of Homes tours over the years.

But what is a gallery wall? Is it worth the hype?

And do you need one? We will make a case for YES YOU DO!

What is a gallery wall?

A gallery wall is a collection of artwork arranged on a single wall. Think about the image that comes to mind when you think of an art gallery.

However, unlike a traditional art gallery, this is your personal space and should reflect your personality.

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be restricted to art that “matches” or is arranged in a grid-like pattern. In your own home, a gallery could include artwork, clocks, photographs, textiles, vintage items, and so much more. Anything you love that can hang on a wall could be incorporated into an art grouping.

Why do you need a gallery wall?

There are so many ways a gallery wall can add a special touch to your personal space. If you are on the fence about investing the time and creativity into putting together, here are a few reasons why it’s worth it!

  • Gallery walls are great for showing off some of your art collection
  • They are also wonderful for mixing in favorite photos, travel souvenirs, and vintage finds
  • Fill in between the larger pieces with smaller items that don’t display well by themselves
  • Gallery walls are an easy way to fill up a large space without spending a lot of money on a giant piece of art
  • They are perfect for adding color and character to a space that you can’t paint or above neutral color furnishings

Items accumulated over time, collected together, and prominently displayed are all you need for an amazing gallery wall.

Gallery Wall Pro Tips

Pro Tip #1:

It is helpful if the gallery wall has a common thread. That can be tone, theme, or complementary colors and textures. But don’t despair if you don’t have that. Work with what you have, change a frame or two, and arrange pieces so that the works build into a cohesive overall look once they are all hung together.

Pro Tip #2:

Hang lower rather than higher. An easy mistake to make when laying out a gallery wall is to start too high.

Pro Tip #3:

Take into consideration the furniture below the artwork. Furniture, style, and the colors and look of your accessories can complement or contrast with the overall cohesion of the gallery wall above it.

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