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Handmade Home: How to Design a Gallery Wall
Learn how to transform a blank wall into an eye-catching display — with or without art
A gallery wall is a great way to fill a blank wall with a pretty collection. The wall opposite from our bed has been blank for some time. I decided to make use of it, so I took a few things that I have been collecting to create a wall that reflects my personal style and showcases my finds.
I love mixing finishes and materials — it makes for an interesting arrangement. I used wood frames, a metal grate and a mirror on this wall. Even though all the finishes are different, they work nicely together. Don't be afraid to mix and match for an eclectic look. Here's how:
I love mixing finishes and materials — it makes for an interesting arrangement. I used wood frames, a metal grate and a mirror on this wall. Even though all the finishes are different, they work nicely together. Don't be afraid to mix and match for an eclectic look. Here's how:
by susan duane
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To create a gallery wall you'll need:
• Frames, artwork, photographs, mirrors and other finds
• Hammer
• Nails
• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Tape measure
• Camera
• Frames, artwork, photographs, mirrors and other finds
• Hammer
• Nails
• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Tape measure
• Camera
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| 1. Lay out a tape measure or ruler on the floor, along the width of your wall space. This will provide you with the framework for your project. |
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by susan duane
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| 2. Arrange and move your pieces around until you're happy with the placement. My personal style is simple, so I kept the composition that way, too. Try turning the the frames vertically and horizontally for a varied look. For me, mixing in an oval breaks up the straight lines of the other pieces. 3. Take a photograph with your phone or camera so you can reference your composition. |
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| 4. I taped two pieces of craft paper together so all my pieces would fit on it. I keep a roll of it on hand because it's so handy for projects. 5. With a pencil trace the outline of each frame on your paper. Mark the placement of the nail or hook, too. |
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| 6. Tape the paper to the wall, making sure it's straight. Hammer a nail or hook into each appropriate marking. After all your nails are in place, carefully remove the craft paper. |
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by susan duane
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| 7. Hang each piece in its place, using the photo you took as reference. You've turned a blank wall into something beautiful. |
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by susan duane
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| When you're out looking for items to use, think beyond traditional frames to make your gallery wall unique. This beautiful wood piece was from an old music stand that I found at an estate sale. It didn't have a hanger, so I hung it from some pretty ribbon. |
by susan duane
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This piece is an old heating grate — I found a couple of these at the flea market. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I knew I'd be able to use them someday. The detail is really lovely, and there is a little hook at the bottom that I used to hang an old key.
An all-mirror gallery wall would be beautiful in a living room or entryway. Or how about all-white finishes for a more uniform look? The great thing about this project is that there are no rules!
More: A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
An all-mirror gallery wall would be beautiful in a living room or entryway. Or how about all-white finishes for a more uniform look? The great thing about this project is that there are no rules!
More: A Gallery Wall for Every Personality
Ideabook published on Feb. 7, 2012.
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Having worked for over a decade in fine art galleries, empty frames are for inside a storage closet.