Creating a gallery wall in your home is a great way to showcase your favorite pieces of art and wall decor in a personal way. Gallery walls aren't just for displaying art and framed pictures — you can also include shelves for potted plants, books, desk clocks, and knickknacks. Wall decor pieces like urchins, hanging terrariums, and metal wall art add a 3D element. Use this step-by-step guide to create a gallery wall that will show off your style and add some personality to your home.
Getting Started
Start by gathering everything you'll need to complete this project and keep it within arm's reach. Grab a measuring tape, pen or pencil, ruler, scissors, masking tape, hammer and nails (or adhesive wall hooks if you want to avoid making holes in your wall), and kraft paper. If you want to add circular elements to your gallery, you might need a compass as well. Once your tools are all set, collect the art, frames, and decor you want to use.
If you don't already have a layout in mind, there's no shame in looking online for some inspiration. Now it's time to get some inspiration. Saving your favorite ideas on Pinterest is a simple way to keep them centrally organized for easy reference.
Measure Your Elements
This step may take some time, but when done right makes all the difference. Start measuring each element. You can trace them onto kraft paper or measure and mark the dimensions. Small or unusually shaped items are most easily traced.
Determine a Layout
Cut out each silhouette and label each piece so items of similar sizes and shapes don't get confused. Look to your inspiration pictures to get an idea of how you would like the finished product to look. Laying out the silhouette pieces on the floor or large tabletop allows you to easily move pieces around as you work toward your final layout.
If you are drawn to circular designs, it's best to start in the middle of the design and move outward. For mirrored layouts, measure and tape off a line in the center of the wall both vertically and horizontally. It's easiest to start with your largest piece and build out. If you prefer a cleaner, more symmetrical design, align elements or try working left to right or vice versa.
Tape It Up
Now that you have an idea of what your gallery wall is going to look like, it's time to start taping up your cutouts. It's easiest to start from a corner or end of a wall. Don't worry about leveling or making things perfect, you're not hanging the actual elements yet. One strip of tape should be plenty for each piece, and it'll make the process easier later on. The purpose of this step is to make sure everything fits and looks balanced before making things final.
Step Back and Take a Look
Once you have all your silhouettes in place, take a step back and critique your work. If it looks too cluttered or feels lacking somehow, don't be afraid to remove or add pieces. You may even want to leave some open space so you can add to your gallery wall over time.
Prepare Your Pieces for Hanging
During this step, take time to notice what you like about your layout and what you would like to change. This is the last chance to make adjustments and changes before you start putting pieces on the wall. Depending on the layout you've chosen, it may make sense to start with the largest piece or a corner and work your way out or across.
Hang Your Decor
If you're using adhesive wall hooks, follow the included instructions carefully for maximum hold. If you're armed with only a hammer, try to be precise as you place your nails. Mark the nail placement on each piece's silhouette. Drive the nail through where you marked it and remove the paper. Now you're free to hang the picture frame or decor. Use your level along the top or bottom to make sure nothing goes up crooked. One by one, replace the placeholders with your decor elements until your gallery wall is complete.
Make Adjustments
One of the benefits of using adhesive wall hooks to hang a gallery wall is that you are able to make small adjustments without having to make unnecessary holes in your wall. Before you walk away from the project, straighten elements and rearrange them if you need.
Enjoy Your Handiwork
Step back and take it all in. You did it! Now go and take a well-deserved break before tackling your next home project.
Home Decor Specialist
Jennie finds joy in creating beautiful spaces. She lives in downtown Salt Lake with her super cool husband, deaf mini Aussie, and the oldest lab-chow ever. She is a DIY-er, crocheter, organizer, and gardener.
