Displaying Artwork in Style: Suggestions and Concepts for Exhibiting Your Artwork
Transform your living space with a personalised gallery wall that tells your unique story. Here are some tips to help you create a visually appealing and cohesive gallery wall.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Select a wall that is visually prominent but free from competing features such as fireplaces, large windows, or TVs. Ideal spots include above a sofa (centered with the furniture), on a long blank wall needing visual interest, near a reading nook or accent chair, or on a hallway-adjacent wall leading into a living area.
Creating the Gallery Wall
To ensure your gallery wall complements your room's style and layout, follow these principles:
- Cover around 60-75% of the chosen wall to create a balanced focal point without overwhelming the space.
- Position the center of the gallery at roughly 56 to 60 inches from the floor to align with typical eye level.
- Maintain consistent spacing of 1.5 to 3 inches between frames for a cohesive, polished look.
- Before hanging, arrange the frames on the floor or use paper cutouts taped to the wall to experiment and finalise the layout.
- Avoid overly cluttered arrangements by balancing a focal piece and building around it.
Personalising Your Gallery Wall
To make your gallery wall truly unique, consider the following:
- Arrange photos in a cohesive way, such as by date, event, or theme.
- Incorporate small souvenirs from your favorite places, like ticket stubs from concerts or events, or snapshots of friends at special events.
- Label items with dates or descriptions to add context and personalise them further.
- Mix different sizes and shapes for visual interest.
- Ensure frames complement your room's design, whether it's classic, contemporary, or playful.
Frame Selection
Choosing the right frames is essential for a beautiful gallery wall. Here are some frame options to consider:
- Wood Frames are classic and warm, great for traditional art.
- Colorful Frames add a pop of color, ideal for playful art.
- Metal Frames are sleek and modern, perfect for contemporary pieces.
- A Single Mat provides a simple, clean look that highlights the art.
- A Double Mat adds depth and dimension with two layers.
- Floating Frames create a modern look, allowing art to stand out.
Protecting Your Art
Use clear frames to protect delicate pieces, and acid-free mats to protect your art from damage. Matting adds depth and interest to your art, and colored mats can introduce color to match or contrast with the art. Custom Cut Mats offer unique shapes that add a personal touch.
Incorporating Memorabilia
Incorporating memorabilia can enhance your gallery wall, such as displaying awards or certificates that inspire you. Frame postcards from your travels, or use family portraits to show love and connection. Mix black and white with color for visual interest.
Enjoy the Process
Lastly, enjoy the process and express yourself through your gallery wall. Taking your time to arrange your gallery wall is important, so step back often to see the whole picture and make adjustments as needed. By following these tips, you'll create a stunning gallery wall that complements your room's style and layout, and becomes an intentional, personalised feature in your home.
- To reflect your personal style and lifestyle, enhance your home-and-garden space by creating a unique and cohesive gallery wall as a centerpiece of your interior-design.
- By incorporating memorabilia, photographs, and souvenirs that tell your unique story, you can turn your gallery wall into a visual representation of your life and lifestyle, blending seamlessly with the design of your home.
