They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and they are correct. Pictures and paintings around your home will give it character and elegance and tell a story. But, the point of decorating with photos and pictures isn’t just to hang whatever you want on the wall and be done with it. There are many ways in which you can coordinate the art to make it look like something straight out of an art museum.

What Is an Art Wall?

An art wall or a gallery wall, however you prefer to call it, is a decorative interior design technique where you hang and arrange photographs, pictures or posters on a wall to create a visual effect. It’s a great way of displaying your beloved art or photographs in a fun, interesting and creative way. It’s not a new invention, it’s been around for centuries but it has stuck around because it brings elegance and sophistication to any room.

What Can You Hang?

The options of what you can hang on your art wall are limitless. All types of art will make your wall and your room look like a gallery as long as they are carefully chosen. You can start by implementing incredibly detailed and custom-made poster prints, especially if you have a lot of wall space to fill. When it comes to poster printing, there’s a variety of things you can print to make your art wall the way you want it. You can get those posters online, by ordering them and hanging them. 

However, you can also turn your photos into posters. There are many reasons why you should opt for the second option. First, it will add a personal touch to your space. Posters of your family and friends that were taken during special moments that you want to remember are a great choice. You’ll remember those moments any time you look at the poster and you’ll be able to retell that story any time someone asks about it. 

Another reason is that you can display the photographs that you’ve taken on trips and vacations. There must be at least one photo in your phone gallery that you’ve taken that makes you feel proud of yourself. So, rather than having that photo in your phone why not print it out and display it in your own home?

The quality of the poster prints is important, so you’re going to have to spend quite some time looking for photos online with good quality that you can print, but with your photographs, it will be easy to print them without losing the quality. Another great reason to choose photo prints is their versatility. You can choose any photo you want and make it more diverse and original. They can come in different sizes which will make the art wall much more interesting.

Prints are another great option you can add. They are also versatile and come in different sizes and colours to make the wall more vibrant and elegant. There’s a great option choice and you can even get some customised prints to match your aesthetic and the styles you’re leaning towards.

Paintings are another great choice when it comes to selecting art for your art wall. Original paintings or reproductions can be the focal point of your art wall. They can be abstract, depicting any landscapes or even portraits. They will bring a sense of sophistication and uniqueness to the wall and the room.

Where Can You Hang Them?

The great thing about a gallery wall is that you can turn any wall into it. For example, if your living room has a fireplace, making a gallery wall above it is the perfect stop. However, be careful not to hang the frames too close to the fireplace and expose them to direct heat which might damage them.

You can also do it in the hallway. It’s the first thing your guests will see and be impressed. Also, the hallway seems to be overlooked when decorating, so having art pieces displayed there will only elevate the design of your home. You can also do it above any furniture, such as the couch or even the kitchen table. 

Create a Layout 

After you’ve chosen your art pieces and the wall you want to hang them, it’s time to plan the arrangement of the pieces. Experiment with different layouts and sizes of pictures and consider whether the frames should be aligned or hung in an asymmetrical pattern, and don’t forget to measure the space between the frames. The layout plays a significant role in the final look, so take your time while planning it, so that in the end it looks just the way you like it. 

Combine Colours 

Depending on where you decide to make your gallery wall, make sure to include colours that would suit the room. The colours in the pictures should complement themselves and the frames as well as the furniture around the room. The colour palette can make or break the wall, so pick it carefully, but don’t limit yourself. Feel free to experiment and choose some colours that might stand out and transform the whole space.

Add Lighting 

Having good lighting can do wonders for your art wall. It will draw attention to the individual pieces and accentuate them and it will also elevate the atmosphere and the mood of the room. You can install adjustable fixtures or track lighting to highlight specific artwork. Make sure that the light hits the artwork at the correct angle to avoid glare and to lessen the shadow frame on the wall. Experiment with different intensities to create the desired ambience and enjoy looking at your art wall. 

Designing an art wall is a form of art as well. It allows you to transform your space into a visually stunning room. From selecting diverse art pieces to thoughtful layouts and lighting, every detail contributes to the overall masterpiece. Let your wall tell a story, let your creativity shine through your art choices and watch as your home transforms into a gallery filled with meaningful art pieces.