6 Common Gallery Wall Mistakes to Avoid for a Professional Look
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I’m obsessed with gallery walls! Give me a blank wall, and my first instinct is to cover it with picture frames. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. My dad always jokes that if a home decor store ever runs out of stock, they should give me a call because I’ve got plenty to spare!
If you're anything like me and can't stop thinking about creating the perfect gallery wall, you're in the right place. In this post, I’m sharing 6 mistakes that are commonly seen and I myself have learned over the years. Follow these tips, and trust me, you’ll catch yourself admiring your gallery wall for hours, no exaggeration!
Understand Various Types Of Gallery Walls You Can Create
Before we begin, let’s talk about the different types of gallery walls you can create. I’m not talking about the artwork itself but the frames and how they’re arranged. You’ll be amazed how much the style of your frames can change the whole vibe of your space!
1. The Grid Gallery Wall:
This is your go-to if you love a clean, symmetrical look. All the frames are the same size, shape, and even color. It’s a classic, timeless style that always feels polished. Honestly, it’s one of my personal favorites—it never gets old, and it works in just about any room.
Check out this amazing set of 9 frames that are PERFECT for a grid gallery wall.
2. The Asymmetrical Gallery Wall
If you prefer a little more fun and freedom, the asymmetrical gallery wall is your friend. It’s like a beautifully controlled chaos with frames of all different sizes and styles arranged in a way that looks random but still totally cohesive. It’s a great way to show off your creative side, and it adds a lot of personality to a space.
3. The Salon-Style Gallery Wall
If you’ve ever seen a wall completely packed with art from floor to ceiling, it’s a salon-style gallery wall. It’s bold and dramatic, definitely for those of you who want to make a statement. Imagine walking into a room and seeing a wall completely covered in frames. It’s a look that demands attention and can turn any large wall into an instant focal point.
4. The Picture-Shelf Gallery Wall
If you like to switch things up from time to time, a picture-shelf gallery wall might be perfect for you. Instead of hanging the frames, they’re layered on shelves, making it super easy to move things around. Plus, it gives you the option to mix in some decorative objects like a vase, small plant, etc. which adds even more dimension to the display.
Now that you're familiar with the different types of gallery walls you can create, let’s get into what not to do if you want that perfect designer-style look. Because, trust me, a few small missteps can take your gallery wall from chic to chaotic in no time.
1. Mistake To Avoid: Not Mapping Out The Layout
I know, it’s tempting to dive right in and start hanging your frames, but taking a moment to plan out your layout can make a huge difference. Without a plan, you risk uneven spacing and awkward frame placement, which can totally throw off the look you’re going for. Plus, given how pricey picture frames can be, this can be a costly design mistake.
To avoid this mistake, try using painter’s tape or brown paper cut to the size of your frames to map out the layout on your wall. This way, you can visualize how everything will look before making any holes. Another great approach is to arrange the frames on the floor, just as you want them on the wall, to get a feel for the arrangement. This can save you a lot of time, energy, and frustration!
2. Mistake To Avoid: Too Many Frame Styles
If you’re a fan of the eclectic gallery wall style, where multiple frame styles and combinations come into play, avoid mixing too many different frame styles. Just because it’s eclectic doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind! To keep things looking intentional and cohesive, stick to a maximum of three frame styles. For example, you might choose a black matte, a white frame, and a neutral or light wood tone frame. This approach will help ensure your gallery wall looks stylish and well-curated rather than chaotic.
3. Mistake To Avoid: Overloading Frames with Too Much Art
We’ve all fallen into the trap of packing every frame with art, thinking it’ll create a vibrant display. But too little negative space can turn your gallery wall into a chaotic jumble. Give each piece of art some room to breathe. Think of negative space as your gallery wall’s secret ingredient. It helps each frame shine and keeps the overall look clean and stylish.
4. Mistake To Avoid: Not Enough Spacing Between Frames
This is an easily overlooked aspect of a gallery wall. You might think, “How much could the spacing between frames really matter?” But trust me, it does! Proper spacing can make or break the overall look. As a general rule in interior design, remember to keep a distance of 2-3 inches between each frame. It’s a fool-proof way to achieve that polished, professional look once everything is in place! So when you’re in the layout stage, make sure to place the frames on the floor with 2-3 inches apart.
5. Mistake To Avoid: Hanging The Frames Too High Or Too Low
One of the most common gallery wall mistakes that even I use to make is getting the height wrong. I ended up either hanging the frames too high or too low. It might seem like a small detail, but it can completely throw off the balance of the room when you see it from afar.
I then learned that a good rule of thumb is to hang the center of your gallery wall at eye level, around 57-60 inches from the floor. If you’re creating a gallery wall above a piece of furniture, say a couch or a console table, leave about 8-10 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of the frames. This way, your gallery wall feels connected to the room and not like it’s floating on its own or sinking too low!
6. Mistake To Avoid: Inconsistent Theme Of Pictures Or Art
While a gallery wall is a great way to showcase your personality, there are definitely a few design rules to follow if you want to achieve that polished, professional look. One tip I’ve learned over time: if you’re displaying family photos, nothing beats black and white. It creates a timeless, cohesive feel. So, try to avoid mixing in other types of images, like travel shots or artwork, in the same space. Keep it purely for family memories.
On the other hand, an asymmetrical gallery wall filled with colorful travel photos or art prints looks fantastic when they’re grouped together. So, here’s the key - black and white for family photos in one gallery wall, and vibrant, colored prints for art and travel photos in another. It keeps both walls looking organized and thoughtful while letting each shine in its own way!
By avoiding these six common gallery wall mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a display that feels cohesive, stylish, and totally YOU!! Whether you're going for a sleek, modern grid or an eclectic, asymmetrical arrangement, a little planning and attention to detail will make all the difference.
Now it’s time to gather your frames, art, and photos and get started! Once you step back and admire your beautifully curated wall, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Happy decorating!
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