How to Create the Perfect Gallery Wall

Whether in a bedroom, living room, hallway or stairwell - with just a little planning, a well curated gallery wall can add a fun burst of color and personality.

Have a fabulous art collection? Or a number of family photographs you want to display in a big way? A gallery wall is a great way to infuse your space with personal style. Whether in a bedroom, living room, hallway or stairwell – with just a little planning, a well curated gallery wall can add a fun burst of color and character to your space. Take a look at these inspiring examples that illustrate some great ways to get that cohesive, collected look.

Colorful gallery wall
Photo by Jean Allsopp

Mix and Match

Twin Construction interior designer Lydia Smith gave these Edgewood homeowners the collected look they desired with a mix of frames in various shapes, sizes and colors. “They wanted color and an eclectic vibe, which fits their personalities perfectly,” she says. TOUR THE HOME

Photo by Jean Allsopp

Balance Old and New

Designer Ware Porter adorned this living room wall with a collection of oil paintings in gold frames. Ware balances the classic art display with edgier pieces such as the contemporary coffee table. “I don’t think rooms should be too serious, ” says Ware. “I’m not a stuffy person and need some aspect of whimsy in my rooms.” TOUR THE HOME

Photo by Jean Allsopp

Play with Scale

Interior designer Melissa Salem allows her colorful art collection to tell a story. The variety of scales and mixture of mediums and subjects complement each other rather than compete. TOUR THE HOME

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Gallery wall of children's art
Photo by Jean Allsopp

Be Playful

Finding a way to display your children’s artwork can be a challenge. Here, designer Paige Schnell of Tracery Interiors, created organized chaos off the kitchen with a haphazard arrangement that is equal parts playful and imaginative. TOUR THE HOME

Photo by Sarah Arrington

Showcase your Interests

Designers Annie Goldberg and Ginny Maguire of AG Interior Design kept the atmosphere fun in this den/family room with a wall of eclectic artwork. The collection features a velvet Elvis purchased at a yard sale years ago, a giant pink donut indicating the family’s love for The Simpsons television show, and a Widespread Panic painting by Frenchy that the couple received as a wedding present. TOUR THE HOME

Photo by Jean Allsopp

Create a Story

So So Spiffy owner Barbara Cooney’s expansive gallery wall features a variety of styles and pieces by local artists and artwork purchased during travels. “The portraits are fun,” she says. “I don’t know the people in them, but I am so curious about their stories. I like to conjure up a narrative behind the faces, and it makes the art come more alive for me.” TOUR THE HOME

Click here for interior designer Melissa Salem’s tips for curating a meaningful art collection

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