Displaying a gallery wall is an inexpensive and stylish way to exhibit your favorite posters, art work, vision boards and keepsakes. Creating this alluring focal point in your home will provide warmth and comfort while personalizing the aesthetic of any room. Don’t sleep on the power of art — your gallery wall is more than just a pretty centerpiece, this visual will tend to your subconscious on a daily basis.
Here are six simple steps to creating a gallery wall at home:
1. Determine your theme
What do you want to convey? Decide what speaks to you at this moment in your life. If you’re homesick, a wall of family photos and hometown landmarks will be comforting. If you’re wanderlust, a travel wall will get you energized. Put some thought into it.
2. Determine your location
Once you determine your theme, decide where it will have the most impact. I created my gallery wall when I first transitioned into writing full time. I needed a strong visual reminder of the wonderful writers, activist, artists and influencers that inspire me. My workspace is the perfect location for this sanctuary of inspirational quotes, life goals and action plans.
If you want to give your gallery wall a beauty and cosmetics theme, then in the bathroom near your vanity will be a good spot. You can keep your glamour goals visible as you’re styling your hair and applying makeup.
3. Collect your materials
This is the fun part! Grab your hoarders stash of keepsakes, posters, vintage family photos and scribble art from your baby cousins coloring book collection. Nothing is off limits. Once you get your images together, grab a few frames from the bargain bin at the secondhand store – the more tattered, the better. Frame your paintings, pictures and whatever else you find, and get ready to channel your inner art exhibit designer.
4. Staging
Now for the mechanics. Go ahead and gather your hammer, nails, measuring tape and framed pieces. Measure the area of the hanging space on your wall and then outline those exact dimensions on the floor. Grab your photos and stage the formation on the ground. Take your time and move things around. Sit with it for a while to make certain that it’s exactly what you want before you start nailing holes in the wall.
5. Hanging
Now it’s just a matter of taking each frame one by one and mirroring the arrangement you decided upon on the wall. If you’re a numerophobe like me, this process will get tedious and frustrating – you might begin to question your purpose in life. Don’t sweat it, invite your geometrically-inclined friend over for this productive alternative to Netflix and chill. A little measuring, a bit of calibrating and voila – your gallery wall is finished!
6. Host an unveiling reception
You’ve worked hard on this project, don’t be afraid to embrace your inner ‘extra.’ Make it an event! Gather your girls for a night of wine, cheese and #TGIT to unveil your master work.
