1. Decide on a Theme
Start by selecting which artwork you want to highlight. Choosing the pieces you want to display is the foundation for every gallery wall. A good approach is to establish a theme—this could be based on a color palette, season, or a specific artwork.
2. Select the Location
Determine whether you'd like to showcase your art on a wide open wall or within a more confined space. Larger prints require more room, while smaller clusters can enhance tighter spaces. Neutral-colored walls offer a flexible backdrop, allowing your art to stand out. For colorful or patterned walls, consider using artworks with passe-partout frames to create a clean separation between the piece and the background.
3. Lighting Matters
Both natural and artificial light affect how vibrant and sharp your art appears. Although it's best to avoid placing pieces in dark areas, keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Aim for soft, even lighting or subtle highlights from lamps or gallery lights to illuminate your artwork effectively.
4. Integrate with Your Interior Design
Consider your room’s furniture and proportions when planning your gallery wall. Large-format art pairs well with oversized desks, while smaller pieces can enhance side tables. As a general guideline, the width of the artwork should be about 2/3 to 3/4 of the width of the furniture below it. For pieces displayed above sofas, leave 8-12 inches between the top of the backrest and the bottom of the frame to create visual balance.
5. Determine the Ideal Height
The height at which people will view your artwork is crucial for its placement. Aim to hang pieces so their center is at eye level, or with the top third above eye level. This height is perfect for appreciating detailed work. In professional galleries, artworks are often hung with the center of the frame positioned 58 inches from the floor.
6. Arrange Your Art
Decide whether you prefer a structured arrangement or a more eclectic display. Either way, you can mix and match frames, formats, colors, and themes into a cohesive composition. Use the edges of the frames as a guide—extend these lines outward to help shape your layout.
7. Test the Layout
Before committing to drilling, sketch out the arrangement first. Cut pieces of paper to the size of your artwork and use painter’s tape to experiment with different placements. Alternatively, lay the artwork on the floor and rearrange until you find the best configuration.
8. Hanging Your Artwork
Check the type of wall material (e.g., concrete, drywall) before drilling and use the right tools like drill bits and anchors to securely hang your pieces. Mark the positions for the screws, starting with the central piece and arranging the rest around it. If you used the paper method from step 7, drill through the paper before removing it. For pieces requiring multiple screws or those that need to be hung at the same height, use a spirit level.
9. Care for Your Art
Avoid placing your artwork in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators. Large-format pieces should always be hung on two evenly spaced nails or screws rather than a single point. When cleaning, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth—microfiber works best.