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ashley_burke2

gallery hallway help

21 days ago

I really need help figuring out what to do with this long curved hallway in my new home! I think it would be prime real estate for a ton of photos but I’m not really sure how to go about it since I’m concerned the curved nature of it will make large pictures hard to hang? I had a smaller gallery wall in our old home (pictured) and I’d love to incorporate that, but not sure how to add frames without making it look disjointed. Can I put up just the ones I have and then add later or will it lack cohesion that way? If anyone has any tips please pass them along!

Comments (18)

  • 21 days ago

    I think there’s two mindsets on this. Do it all at once or add as you go. We did tons of photos in our office and filled most of one wall and then over years it spilled to second wall. I love it so much and you can actually see our family changing across the room. But that’s just me.

  • 21 days ago

    I would love to do it that way! Seems much less intimidating and I want to be able to add good ones over time. Did you scatter the original photos throughout the whole wall at first, or keep them centralized to one area? And did you keep a theme with the frames or just make it eclectic?

  • 21 days ago

    Eclectic and no plan. I kind of just threw stuff up and then added more over time. I literally started on the left of a wall and went right. Maybe I shouldn’t be followed for advice lol.

  • 21 days ago

    Everyone is going to have a different opinion!

    I couldn't live with this mix below, but it isn't my house!

    I would want a bit more of a theme and/or pattern for the frames and layout

    Los Gatos Residence · More Info


    This one is less random on the frames and has a more organized layout.

    Miami Living Room ReStyle 2007 · More Info



    This one looks like a mix of the two styles above. Some pattern to the layout and some of the frames are slightly different.

    Photo collage · More Info


  • PRO
    21 days ago

    Question: Why do you have hooks as part of your arrangement?

  • PRO
    21 days ago

    We need to see the complete upper floor walkway to advise you correctly but THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR SMALL FRAME FAMILY PHOTOS. You need to consider the scale of the two story space and that any items on the wall will likely be viewed from the downstairs foyer.


    Selecting large wall décor or canvases will read well from the lower level.



    Here's a good examples of how that 2nd story space appears when one large piece is displayed versus smaller photos. IMO the single canvas is far more effective and will not need the constant attention framed photos will require.



    There are other ways to address a long wall like you have. 3D objects can be assembled and displayed on the wall as an art assemblage.






  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    This is not an easy project.

    1. Small pictures will be lost on the expanse of the wall. Be prepared to add larger sizes and balancing each time it‘s enlarged. First decision: be sure you like the look.


    2. Look for examples on line that are practical, based on your comfort level and commitment.

    3. Then decide on/purchase frames. Make templates, find wall‘s centre and start experimenting with locations and spacing.




  • 21 days ago

    I'm all for adding as you need, but would start in the center and work out.

    The first ones, the largest portrait style frames, gallery style, centered at eye level.

    I am guessing it's a personal choice.

  • PRO
    21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    IMO all that finding, cropping, matting, framing, templating, arranging & installing is way too much work for poor end results.

  • PRO
    21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    That wall has a decided curve so I do not think frames will hang properly at all . I would wall paper that wall and save the "gallery wall for a flat wall BTW the one you had, no way that would be all out of proportion. I trully hate what people call gallerty walls there is no gallery hangs a bunch of stuff together on a wall that are just random pics . Think about how you eye goes to that wall and do sometinh fabulous A mural would be awesome BTW thta curve will affect even small pieces

  • PRO
    21 days ago

    Patricia, the curve only impacts large items, not small items.

    For the large canvas, if the curve is an issue, you can just use a wire on the back of the canvase and two hooks on the wall to secure it.



  • 21 days ago

    Try putting up your assemblage of loved photos in their current frames using Command (3M) hooks. Give it a few days or even weeks to see if the overall look makes you happy. Don’t worry about “impact.” This is your home, not the Guggenheim museum.

  • 21 days ago

    The pictures you are showing are so small, I think they will get lost. You need to think not just about the size of this wall but the size of the whole space. It is vast. I'd prefer to see larger pieces of art hanging here because it just makes more sense with the grand feel of this staircase and hallway. I'd find another location for your gallery wall.


    You seem to have already started a photographic tribute to your family at the bottom of the stairs. Is there any space nearby to continue the family photo binge?

  • PRO
    21 days ago

    Would you consider a large wallpaper mural instead of a grouping of photographs?


  • 21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    I would consider using picture shelves. It will be much easier to add photos over time. And in the interim you can fill the spaces with art, framed kid's art, pottery, etc.

    Your curved wall presents challenges but you should be able to figure something out. Based on your photo, I would start on either side the double doors and work out.





  • PRO
    21 days ago
    last modified: 21 days ago

    If bound and determined you will do it, right?

    I will admit, I've never loved the clutter; which will be doubly cluttered in a view from the first floor and thru the rail etc.

    Nobody ......guests for example - has a destination to second floor, unless grands baby sitting, staying the night. The rest of the time it's just photos you pass so many times, you no longer see them , but do have to DUST them! Straighten them! The appeal is admittedly lost on me.

    The only way I would consider is extremely pared down to black and white LARGE , such as this and anything BUT WHITE as paint backdrop



    ( 25" x 25" up above.)

  • 21 days ago

    I think it's a great project to be done over time but as others mention, your current frames are kind of small but they could easily be incorporated into a complete gallery. I like your frame finishes using black and gold combinations so you might want to keep it cohesive in the same way when adding more. Don't be rushed but maybe decide what your larger pieces would be by measuring off the area and doing a graph paper layout to follow as time goes by to add to it. Lots of examples for doing this on Pinterest.

    On the wall left of door consider something more whimsical so the gallery stands on its own.

    It will be lovely, and you'll enjoy walking this pathway.





  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    I don't think the wall needs anything but there is no context. Is it even visible from below?

    A console table with doors will ground the space. And you have an outlet for a lamp.

    These have curves which echo the curved wall.




    Congrats on your new home.