Today, we will talk about a super-hot trend that is indeed trending and is timeless as well. We are going to explore a new take on the Gallery Wall. I'm excited about this one because it will be super informative and relative to today’s décor.

What is a Gallery Wall, you may ask? Well, it's a collection of artwork, photographs, and sometimes personal possessions hung in a grouping on a wall. Many of us have seen these walls while growing up. We've seen them at Grandma's house, Auntie's house and other places. But what I'm talking, about does not look like the Gallery Walls of yesteryear. Instead, these walls are more stylized, hipper, and more intentional.

Gallery Wall 1 – White Walls or Non-White Walls

Typically, when people think of hanging artwork, many think it's best to hang the artwork on white walls. This logic stems from how art galleries and museums have traditionally displayed their art collections. White walls work well when the art itself has bold colors and can offer contrast to the white walls. Displaying art against white walls allows it to pop and be the focal point in the room.

Gallery Walls in home — White Wall Gallery

With that said, many art collectors are moving away from all-white walls. Using the non-white wall adapts the theory of looking at the artwork in combination with the room's overall décor. This approach is dramatically different. Now the wall becomes a part of the art installation. The backdrop unifies the pieces and creates a frame around the frames. It's a nice look!

Gallery Wall 2 – Same Frame or Different Frames

Choosing the right picture frames for your artwork and your overall décor is essential. The same frame, color, and size will work for you if you want a unified, organized look. This look is balanced and puts the focus on the artwork and a little focus on the frame.

However, there are those art purists who believe that the picture frame should always complement the image! And as a result, according to them, you will always be able to place the artwork anywhere amongst any grouping. I don’t necessarily agree with that completely because groupings do matter. The Gallery Wall should have a similar colorway or theme. I have seen beautifully done Gallery Walls that combine all different types of framed artwork. At the end of the day, this look feels creative, and whimsical, and less structured. I like it!

Gallery Wall 3 – Black and White Images or Colorful Images

The black and white Gallery Wall is a classic and will never go out of style. Here you want to grab your collection of black-and-white photos framed in a black frame. With this option, the focus is on the artistry of the image or subject. This style says to come to look at my prize collection.

It works well if you choose to do a colorful array of artwork. These colorful Gallery Walls are successfully done when a consistent element or theme runs through them. Not every image needs to incorporate this theme, but you do need to see it as the eye travels across the Gallery Wall.

Maybe it's a color, message, shape, or frame type. There needs to be something that ties the overall scheme together, or it will likely only appeal to you. Maybe that's ok too.

Gallery Wall 4 – Mixing the Big and Small

I love this combination because this allows you to create a focal point within a focal point! Stay tuned for my upcoming video wholly dedicated to creating focal points in your home. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, so you don't miss it.

Mixing large pieces with much smaller artwork on a wall highlights a work of art in a sea of art. The eye lands on the more dominant part and then spans to connect to the other pieces. This combination allows your creativity to flow through a well-orchestrated plan. This Gallery Wall design offers a very dynamic concept.

Big & Small Gallery Frames — Mixed Frames Gallery Wall

Gallery Wall 5 – Symmetry or Random Placement

Do you typically like or need symmetry when designing your space? Do you look for balance on either side of a room's focal point or wall? Well, a symmetrical Gallery Wall is for you! Evenly spacing, the tops and sides are perfectly aligned, resulting in clean lines with a modern and organized feel.

If none of this matters, randomly placing your artwork may work for you. There aren't any rules here, per se. I do personally believe that a theme should run through the gallery wall.

But in terms of the randomness, the good news here is there’s no need to break out the leveler to make sure everything is perfectly even or stress about putting too many holes in the wall. All you need to do is just point and hang. The random approach to designing a Gallery Wall allows the art collection to grow effortlessly over time.

Gallery Wall 6 – Hang it or Lean It

It's normal for us to hang our artwork. Hanging our artwork creates order and permanency. It becomes a part of the overall design of the space. And for most of us, that artwork will remain in place until the next renovation. But, depending on the location, it's necessary to affix the artwork to the wall because it's a high-traffic or unusual area.

Leaning art against the walls is very popular right now. This option allows you to be uniquely you. First, choose an art ledge or a shallow shelf to display your artwork.

You can layer your shelves with large and small pieces of art. Some people add empty frames to the mix creating more depth and dimension in the art. Best of all, this option allows for the most incredible amount of flexibility. You can add, delete, or rearrange pieces at your whim!

Gallery Wall 7 – Collections

Collections are your opportunity to tell a story. A Gallery Wall filled with a collection makes it more personal and meaningful for you and others. Collections can be presented using images from the same artist, different eras, or have the same theme. They can also highlight a specific interest you've had for a long time. Collections introduce different shapes, colors, and textures.

You can have a variety of images at varying heights. And note they don't have to be just pictures. You can use a mirror, statues, or even plants. The best thing about the Collections Gallery Wall, or any Gallery Walls mentioned today, is that they fit within any design, space, or budget. And did I say they were timeless?

Are you up on this trend? Leave a comment below to let me know! Click HERE to see my video dying trends. Until next time!

Gallery Gallery on the Wall