A gallery is a wall-passage in an interior of a building or other structure, often lined with arcades or windows and usually used to display works of art. A gallery can also refer to an architectural feature such as a narrow balcony or platform that runs the length of a building or structure.
The work displayed in a gallery is often for sale, and the gallery acts as the dealer that connects the artist with buyers. This includes marketing and publicity, exhibition management, invoicing, tracking the value of a piece of artwork as it moves through the professional art market, and more. Gallery owners and managers are also responsible for educating their clients about the art they’re showing, as well as helping them learn how to build a collection.
One way to help create a more cohesive look for your gallery wall is to choose a theme or color scheme and stick with it. For example, if you love the look of a European cafe, fill your walls with vintage travel posters and photos or add in some modern abstract prints with thin black frames. Aim for consistency with your frame sizes and styles to keep the overall look feeling intentional and well-designed.
Gallery walls are a beautiful way to showcase your personal style and tell a story. However, getting from a bare wall to a flawlessly hung gallery can feel intimidating for even the most confident DIYers. So whether you’re an avid collector who wants to make over a large wall or a beginner who just needs a little nudge to get those frames off the floor, read on for the nitty-gritty details of arranging a gallery like a pro.
First, find your inspiration. This is where the fun really starts! Consider the things you love and want to showcase most, like your growing family, travel memories, or favorite furry friends. You can even add a touch of personality by mixing in a few personal items, such as a cocktail napkin from your first date or your ultrasound (Emily Henderson Design framed theirs and it’s super cute).
Then, start with your biggest pieces. Position them on the bottom and center of the wall — or top and bottom, if you’re going for a more balanced look. Then, work inwards from there, making sure to place vertical and horizontal pieces evenly spaced.
Another technique that will help you nail down a layout before drilling into your wall is to map out the entire configuration on paper. Trace your frames onto a sheet of paper and tape them to the wall to see how they will fit together before you actually hang them. This will save you a lot of time and stress when it comes to hanging your gallery.
When deciding how high to hang your artwork, remember that you want it to be able to easily be seen from your seating area. For this reason, it’s important to start at eye level if you’re working with a standard wall-mounted piece. However, if you’re working with an arched or vaulted ceiling, it may be best to hang your pieces slightly higher or lower than eye level.