Gallery walls - hot or not?

10 years ago

They seem to be making a splash right now, so of course I'm wondering - what are your thoughts on gallery walls? A good look or not?

A colourful London home · More Info

Featured Answer

PRO

itondoart

10 years ago

I agree with the others that if you like it, do it. It's easy enough to take it out later. But for valuable works, I'd suggest hanging the work directly on the wall with two D-rings and hooks (it's more secure, and less likely to get knocked to the floor). Some practical things to keep in mind:

Ensure the shelving is strong enough to support the weight of the works you intend to display. Groups of glazed works can become very heavy. This also means using the appropriate means of fixing the shelf to the wall, according to what the wall is made of (seek professional advice if you're not sure).
The taller the artwork, the deeper the shelf needs to be to allow enough of a lean.
If installing above a sofa or dining chairs, check for head clearance.
If the shelf is to be installed in a high traffic area (stair well, hallway), consider having a small raised lip along the front of the shelf to prevent the artworks slipping off. All art moves due to vibrations and air movement.
Re cleaning glass and frames: NEVER spray glass cleaner or any liquid directly onto the glass because it will get behind the glass and damage the work. Plus, artworks and frames hate chemicals and moisture! Always use a clean, slightly damp cloth - microfibre cloths are great for this. If you must use chemicals, spray the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth just enough to moisten it, then clean the glass.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (23)

PRO
Luxe Interior Style
10 years ago
Love them! Done well they can really add some personality and interest to a room.
Lynn Robbo
10 years ago
Hi, leave it alone love it x
Related Professionals
Orangeburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Charlottesville Interior Designers & Decorators · New Orleans Architects & Building Designers · Jackson Architects & Building Designers · McComb Architects & Building Designers · Columbus Architects & Building Designers · Gloucester Architects & Building Designers · Buffalo Architects & Building Designers · Monroe Architects & Building Designers · Hopkinsville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gaithersburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Worth Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Webster Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Longview Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Kahului Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Olivia
10 years ago
Looks great!
Janet Burlin
10 years ago
Great look for small spaces
Tracy Sidaway
10 years ago
I love them, I have them on my landing, I often stop and look at the photos.
PRO
User
10 years ago
Fabulous !
Andrew Millar
10 years ago
hmmm...always reminds me of an art store.a bit cluttered, I prefer art on the walls, sorry.
Barbara Craig
10 years ago
More dusting.....
hughhenry
10 years ago
In the process of make a gallery wall, having seen this I'm even more certain it's the right thing to do!
russja64
10 years ago
Forget whether its a "look" or not. If you like it do it. If not don't. Personally, I like it. Seems to be a great way of using pictures that would otherwise sit in a cupboard. And they're easy to re-arrange.
PRO
Glass Rose
10 years ago
Hi always a great look but to my opinion it looks good in a big room, or big wall, never in small areas it would cramp the place.

Thanks hope it helps.
Interior Designer
Pat Auld
10 years ago
I think it always looks good on other peoples walls but personally I couldn't live with it. I'm sure if I tried it with all the various pics I have now stored in boxes it would look like a jumble sale! :)
I suppose if you have or can afford to buy the right pictures it would look ok. But, yes, don't forget about the maintenance (dusting, polishing glass).
Having been through years of having 'collectabes' I am much more minimalist now......still a work in progress!
Let us know what you decide and post a pic
Lena
10 years ago
The photo above is one of my favourites.
Probably it is a question of a personal taste, but I love it.
PRO
Jo Brown Design
10 years ago
Love them!
Jasmine Oliver
10 years ago
yes. love them.
G C
10 years ago
I bought by the ikea picture shelf after seeing this picture when it was originally posted and I painted it to match, I like the arrangement above but I wouldn't want to do the same here because the front row is balanced on the edge and a guest of wind or a door slam would have a picture on your head!

A picture shelf is a great way of do displaying your art collection to suit your mood without marking the walls.
Clodagh McCarthy
10 years ago
Brilliant idea...I have them in my Living Room...really add to the room.
Gerry Rust
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
itondoart Great advice, thank you! I love the look but agree that the location of the shelves and the nature of the art displayed is an important consideration.
Penny Lane-Smith
10 years ago
Love them but not in my living room - great hall, landing, and stairs though. I put some of my favourite photos in groups of subject including the dog from birth to 4 years old, and random garden pictures great memories well worth looking at again,
Alison Gibson
10 years ago
wanted one for ages just shown my partner that one guess what he's doing on his next week off
slimberley
10 years ago
Love them. Planning to create one in our bedroom and in the living room. Like the idea that I can rearrange them when I get bored!
PRO
Nulux Technologies Ltd.
10 years ago
Having had 'top' designers do minimalism until our eye balls have forgotten what it means to enjoy colour, texture, and diversity it's wonderful to see some character and indinidualism coming back into vogue with a vengeance ! Adding art work, funky or classical or a mixture of both, my word what a delight !