Originally posted on Mtl365 By Joanna Ahti
There are several ways for individuals to use their living space as a form of self-expression. No matter how large or small the space is! All it takes is a touch of paint here, a certain style of lighting there and decorations in-between. The options are endless when it comes to making your space unique. Hanging your favorite photos or artwork is one of the best ways of making it special.
Have you been wanting a gallery wall to enhance your space and show who you are and what you love? Do you have a Pinterest board full of inspiring ideas but don’t know where to start? Try not to feel overwhelmed!
No matter which pieces you wish to hang- black and white, bright and colorful, photographs from films, or oil canvas paintings– as long as you truly express yourself, the rest will fall into place.
Here are a few tips to make the process easier.
Choose Which Wall(s) To Use
Depending on your space, this step may be quite easy. If you are living in a small space, perhaps you already have the perfect wall in mind due to the lack of wall area available. Bigger spaces can make it a bit more difficult to choose the perfect wall. However, no matter what the size is of the area you are working with, there are ways to enhance it. Whether it’s a simple matter of frame positions or the use of other decorations, there are ways to make any surface aesthetically pleasing.
For example, the wall next to a staircase is a great option.
Many people don’t think of this as a possibility because of the incline. When in reality, it is a great use of an area that would normally be left blank. However, make sure to measure the distance of that wall for the best frame positioning.
In fact, according to HuffPost, it’s good to “keep the center of your gallery near the 59-inch (150-centimeter) height, and allow 10 inches (25 centimeters) from each stair to avoid damage when vacuuming.”
The same goes for rooms in pitched roof houses, which don’t have a ninety-degree angle.
Don’t let different angles stop you from using certain walls! There is always a way to make it work. For example, don’t be afraid of having the artwork wrapped around each wall by using the corners of the room as you can see here on Houzz.
It is a misconception that rooms with high ceilings are not a good place for hanging artwork. The assumption that it will look crowded, or “too busy” is not necessarily true. As long as you take your time with placement, having the wall covered from floor to ceiling will give it an art gallery feel (via Chatelaine).
Visualize the Layout
Before you begin to put your art up, prepare the artwork and the frames you wish to use. Once you know the dimensions of each piece, you are then ready to think of where they will go. A good rule of thumb is to put the largest item in the middle, as it will be the main focal point. From there, work around it and see what flows well.
Prior to experimenting with where you would like to place them on your wall, (hence creating several holes), there are ways to finalize the placement of each piece.
Some options are:
- Lay them all out on the floor and rearrange them until you see what looks best.
- Trace each piece on newspaper or kraft paper, cut each one out and using masking tape, arrange the shapes on the wall you wish to decorate.
- Rather than hanging them, you can also use shelves if your space allows it. This way, you can rearrange them as often as you want.
According to HGTV, it is important to keep in mind that if the artwork will be hung above a sofa, chair, or another piece of furniture, do not hang it too low or too high; eye level is best. “‘When installing artwork over furniture, leave at least eight inches between the base of the frame and the top of the furniture.’”
Be Unique
In the end, the most important thing to keep in mind while creating this new setup in your home is to have fun. Enjoy the process! Whether each frame used is identical, or whether you have a more eclectic style, don’t fret too much about making it perfect. As long as your gallery wall displays your passions, your story, or things that bring you a sense of calm, that is all that matters.
See Also:
How To Keep Your Home’s Interior Fragrant And Fresh