How to Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are set to be one of the biggest trends of 2016 and provide a visual focal point that makes a fabulous alternative to traditional wall art or wallpaper. Whether you are looking to create a sleek and stylish arrangement of artwork, inspired by your favourite modern art gallery or a mix and match of vintage frames full of photographs, quotes and posters; a gallery wall is the perfect way to showcase your individual style. I have taken a look at 5 of the best gallery wall designs and styles that are sure to create a real statement in any home interior.

Vintage

To create a vintage style gallery wall the key is to select a wide range of mix and match frames in classic wood or painted designs and display in a non linear group formation on your chosen wall. Try finding ornate carved designs with a shabby chic paint finish and hang alongside plaques and signs of classic quotes and vintage posters and postcards for a chic and cosy look. When selecting your photos opt for black and white, greyscale or sepia prints that will give them an aged look that works perfect with this style of gallery wall. Opt for frames of varying sizes and choose traditional shapes such as squares, rectangles and ovals.

Monochrome

A monochrome colour scheme will give a sleek and sophisticated finish to a gallery wall design and is perfect for adding detail to a minimal home interior or an air of glamour in a living room or dining room area. To accentuate this look select frames of the same shape but varying sizes and opt for black frames in different thicknesses for varying impact. This design works extremely well with contemporary black and white photography, pencil sketches and greyscale prints as well as album and magazine covers to give a refined designer look. The frames can be hung in a linear cube or rectangular formation or leant against the wall on crisp white or black shelves.

Contemporary

If you like the streamlined simplicity of modern home interiors then a contemporary style gallery wall will create a chic and elegant focal point on any feature wall. Monochrome, oak, silver, gold or white frames work well with this style of wall and can be used against a plain painted area or a wallpapered wall for added visual impact. Select frames that are all the same size and shape and keep them either all the same colour or alternating between two tones. Square frames work really well and can be used to showcase some photography or artwork with a framed insert for a more professional and crisp finish. Display the frames in a linear formation ensuring that all the edges are in line for a streamlined finish.

Kids

If your children are anything like mine then they will frequently come home from school with a mountain of doodles, stories and paintings that they have spent hours of fun making. Instead of tucking them away in a folder or allowing them to pile up in a drawer, why not showcase their talents with their very own gallery wall in their bedroom or playroom. Select a range of brightly coloured frames in a variety of shapes and sizes and hang them above their bed, desk or on a main feature wall. Include their pictures and poems, handprints and favourite posters and you could even frame some leaves or pressed flowers that they find on their adventurous days out.

Multifunctional

A gallery wall does not have to be something that you simply look at; it can also provide a variety of useful features that are practical in everyday life. As well as using your gallery wall to display your photographs and art work why not create a wall of mirrors that will create a sense of space and light, especially in smaller hall areas, Select straight edged or frame-less mirrors for a modern look or more ornate rococo style designs for an opulent and glamorous look. Clocks will also provide a similar effect or use several different clocks to represent the different time zones. If you are using a gallery wall in your hallway or entrance space then include some coat hooks in your frame arrangement for a stylish and functional storage area.

For more ideas on creating a gallery wall in your home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Gallery Walls