There is a reason the gallery wall “trend” hasn’t gone away: it’s not a trend at all. Decorating with gallery walls has been around for hundreds of years, and doesn’t seem to be on it’s way out anytime soon. Often, the styles and designs that clog your instagram feed may feel temporary or fleeting, but gallery walls have been around since museums began displaying art for the public, as far back as 17th century Paris. Subsequently, gallery walls have a transformative nature that will give an average space a dramatic twist. Also known as a salon wall due to its advent in art galleries and salons, gallery walls have reflected many different eras of interior design styles. A quick google search will reveal minimalistic, symmetrical gallery walls or a bohemian collection of mismatched frames and knick knacks.
As a college student, I’ve moved in and decorated three different bedrooms in the last three years, and every time I think I’ve figured out exactly how I want to arrange my art pieces and photographs, I switch it up the next year. Gallery walls are one of my favorite ways to fill a wall space with life — whether or not you choose to arrange art and prints, or family photographs, or perhaps a mix of both, gallery walls are a way to show off your personality and the things you cherish in a stylish and eclectic way. Plus, there’s a million ways to arrange a gallery wall, guaranteeing that this decor will be unique and fresh in every home. There are tons of tutorials and examples all over the internet, and I’ve narrowed down a few of my favorites that are gonna have you grabbing your frames and your tool kit and transforming your living space in no time.
- Keeping It Simple
Not sure that a gallery wall is the right fit for your clean, minimalistic space? Start out with something simple and elegant, like this symmetrical wall. Framing posters allows you to curate the colors and images of your gallery, while keeping it as minimal as you’d like. Plus, home goods stores often sell posters and prints in sets so that you can have your gallery wall looking like this in just one trip to the store. If you’re collecting posters on your own, a good rule of thumb is to stick to odd numbers. Follow the rule of threes: an odd-number grouping is eye-catching and effective, and a collection of 3 or 5 will draw the eye in without cluttering up a space.
2. Utilizing Unique Spaces
Not sure how to decorate an odd corner or perhaps a long hallway or stairwell? One of the best things that a gallery wall will do for your space is make it feel larger. For small or cramped spaces, a collection of photos and different shapes will elongate the space and give the space drama and depth that it was otherwise lacking. Using a corner, for example, is a fun twist on the gallery wall that’s been done before. Hallways are also a great way to utilize a gallery wall – often it’s hard to figure out exactly how to decorate a long stretch of hallways, and you might end up hanging a few photos and calling it a day. Well, here’s your challenge to go all out and try a floor-to-ceiling gallery look for your hallway. Give this underused space a sense of life and personality, and make your homey hallway feel like a modern art gallery.
3. Making it personal
I know that with my own personal style, I’m always scouting for gallery wall accents in antique stores or on vacations. I like my decor to have distinct meaning and personality. After all, our living spaces are a reflection of us. We spend nearly 90% of our time indoors (according to the EPA)– that’s why decorating in a way that brings you joy and contentment is essential. Why fill your home with pieces that you don’t like or don’t have a connection to? Gallery walls don’t just have to include framed prints or photos. Hang up knick knacks or textured pieces that give depth to your decorated space. More importantly, those somewhat quirky pieces that only you could find are what will serve as conversation-starters or storytelling works of art.
Are you inspired yet? If you’re looking for a sign to transform your space with something affordable yet still dramatic, this is that sign. Happy decorating!