One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.
Why Choose a Gallery Wall Hanging System?
The beauty of a gallery wall hanging system lies in its flexibility and ease of use. Traditional picture hanging methods can leave walls full of holes, making it cumbersome to adjust placements or update the display. A hanging system, however, allows for easy adjustments without additional damage to your walls. This feature is particularly advantageous for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their decor frequently.
Designing Your Gallery Wall
The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.
Materials You Will Need:
- A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store.
- A collection of frames and artwork.
- A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.
Creative Arrangements
The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste:
- Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance.
- Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity.
- Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look.
Enjoy curating a space that is uniquely yours, evolving with your tastes and lifestyle.
Installation Tips:
- Measure Your Space: Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.
- Lay It Out: Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This "dry run" is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.
- Install the Rails and Hang Your Art: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position of each piece easily.
- Balance and Symmetry: Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.
The beauty of a gallery wall hanging system lies in its flexibility and ease of use. Traditional picture hanging methods can leave walls full of holes, making it cumbersome to adjust placements or update the display.