Easy Way to Hang a Photo Gallery Wall Without Measuring
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What is a photo gallery wall?
A photo gallery wall is a great way to transform any room into an inviting and creative space. It is a collection of photos, artworks, and other visual elements that can be arranged in different patterns to create an eye-catching display. With the right combination of photos and decorations, you can add an extra dimension to your home decor and make it look more personal.
Gallery Wall | Bench | Vase | Rug
Whether it’s a single big blank wall or an entire room, the possibilities for creating beautiful photo gallery walls are endless. From choosing the right frames and layout to selecting the perfect pictures and accessories, this guide will help you create a stunning photo gallery wall that will bring your home decor to life! There is also a time-saving, foolproof option included.
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Types of photo gallery walls
There are many different ways in which you can create a show-stopping gallery wall depending on the space and setting. I like to distinguish between two major types – geometric and organic.
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Geometric – A geometric photo gallery wall is one whose outlines are constrained within a geometric shape – rectangle or square. Usually the frames selection is uniform, of the same color and size. A geometric gallery wall is like a grid.
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Organic – An organic gallery wall is one whose outline cannot be contained in a specific geometric form. These gallery walls usually incorporate different styles and sizes of frames. They are free-flowing and do not form a grid.
Choose the right kind of photos
Creating a gallery wall is like creating a work of art. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But if you like to have a more traditional-looking gallery wall, I would frame photos from the same photoshoot. This will make the composition appear purposeful and uniform.
But if you want to display photos that were taken at different times, I recommend converting them to black and white. This will give them the gallery collection style that is so appealing.
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The right frames for your photo gallery wall
The frames you choose for your photo gallery wall can make or break the entire display. There are plenty of options on the market but I recommend spending a little more for a high-quality frame. Cheap frames or frames with a single hook can make the whole gallery appear wonky and you will be forever adjusting the frames. Always opt for frames with two hooks to ensure they hang straight.
A template for your photo gallery wall
If you want to avoid having a swiss cheese of a wall with holes, do this first. Clear out enough room in front of the wall you will be hanging the frames on, and lay them out on the floor. That is the easy part. The hard part is transferring that design onto the wall above it. You can cut out paper or cardboard in the same size as the frames and tape it to the wall with painter’s tape. But that is very labor intensive.
Using Framebridge photo gallery wall kits
Alternatively, you can use a full-service option like Framebridge. You can pick from a number of gallery walls and placements. The service includes the printing and framing of your photos. Or you can send original photos and artwork for framing. Then you receive all the framed photos with a large paper template. I attached the template to my wall with painter’s tape at the corners.
The only measuring you have to do is to ensure the template is level. Yes, this service is pricey but good-quality frames are not cheap. If you were to add up the cost of all the frames and the hassle of printing, framing, coming up with a design, measuring, templating, and hanging, the cost of this gallery wall kit starts to make more sense.
This gallery wall kit is a bit pricey because it takes away all of the measuring and guesswork of the design. If you are willing and able to do a bit of DIY work, these frame sets below are more budget-friendly.
Use the right tools and mounts
Typically, the only tools you would need to hang your gallery frames are wire nails and a hammer. The Framebridge gallery kits come with nails and fasteners. Just nail through the paper template and peel back the paper once all nails are in. The template is designed precisely to the hooks on the frames and they will fit right in place, perfectly spaced. No more shifting the frame over and creating multiple holes in your wall.
Having good quality hanging hardware and a level is also important.
Other decorative elements
Styling up your photo gallery wall with other decorative elements can be an exciting way to add a personal touch to your home. With the right home decor accessories, you can create a unique look that reflects your style and personality.
Whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary, there are endless options to choose from. I added a vintage bench and a large vase below my photo gallery wall. The colorful vintage rug picks up the gold tones of the frames.
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These gallery walls transformed our finished basement into a warm, welcoming, and personalized space.
