9 Expert Tips to Curate a Gallery Wall

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Creating a gallery wall in your apartment is a wonderful way to infuse your space with personality, style, and visual interest. This versatile design element allows you to showcase your favorite artworks, photographs, and treasured items, turning a simple wall into a captivating focal point.

In this ApartmentGuide article, we share nine expert tips to help you design a stunning gallery wall that reflects your unique taste and creativity. So whether you’re selecting the perfect pieces for your rental apartment in New York, NY, or your townhome in Boston, MA, these tips will ensure your gallery wall becomes a striking and cohesive statement that enhances the beauty of your apartment.

1. Create a grid to map out your wall

Not sure where to start when designing your gallery wall? An almost foolproof option is to design a grid to display portraits, using frames of the same size and spacing the frames the same distance apart. 

“I love designing gallery walls with unique mat sizing, too. Try a wide mat to display black and white portraits. The best part about a grid gallery wall? It can be easily reconfigured if you move or decide to alter your design,” shares Veronika Paluch Photography.

2. Mix different shapes, sizes, and pieces 

Mixing different shapes and sizes adds visual interest and depth. This variety ensures a balanced and cohesive display, where each artwork stands out while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the gallery wall.

New York newborn and family photographer Jennifer Young Photography states, “I like to see a mix of sizes, shapes, colors, and genres of art. One idea to make it personal is to include not just traditional art but framed mementos that are meaningful to you. This could include a wedding invitation, a coaster from a special restaurant, a child’s drawing.”

“When decorating your gallery wall, consider mixing various frame sizes and styles for visual interest. This approach adds personality to your space and allows you to showcase your artwork or photos,” adds digital marketing agency CamRojud.

3. Create groupings that tell a story 

Creating groupings to tell a story allows you to convey a cohesive narrative or theme, making your display more meaningful and engaging.

“An 8×10 is so much smaller on a wall than you imagine. Either think bigger, and really fill your space, or create a grouping that tells a story,” recommends Shayna Image.

4. Choose a color palette 

Choosing a color palette sets the tone and mood of your space. A well-chosen palette ties together different elements of your decor, creating a cohesive and balanced look.

“When designing a gallery wall in a modern apartment it is important to choose a rich, cohesive color palette to give the wall a little richness and also tie together diverse works of art, says  Patrick Nugent of Camera 1. “I always like a minimalist look when it comes to frames as to not pull the eye away from the artwork or photograph that is being presented. A timeless thin black frame always works wonderfully in this setting, offering just enough separation from the wall.”

5. Or go with black and white

Going with black and white photos is important because they add a timeless and sophisticated touch to your space, emphasizing texture, contrast, and composition without the distraction of color. 

Park City Family Photographer Stephanie Neal Photography remarks, “Black and white photographs, paired with an assortment of black, metal, or wood frames will never go out of style, and can be passed down for generations. You can artfully arrange a variety of frames, shapes and sizes sporadically in a grouping on a wall, and add to them as your family grows.”

6. Find frames from thrift stores, yard sales, and antique shops

Finding frames from thrift stores, yard sales, and antique shops is a great way to discover unique, character-rich pieces that add personality and charm to your space. 

“I mix and match frames in terms of size, color, and materials. I find them in thrift stores, yard sales, antique shops, or given by friends. I cluster smaller frames around a larger frame but save some large frames for the top of the wall. We have very high walls and small framed pictures would be hard to see at the top of the wall,” shares travel blog A Small Case Across India.

7. Create a “loved-ones wall”

Creating a loved-ones wall is important because it celebrates cherished memories and personal connections, transforming your space into a warm and inviting reflection of your life’s journey.

CG Photography notes, “When curating a gallery wall I recommend featuring professional loved ones portraits, as what can be better art than your loved ones? Consider mixing those with some of your favorite snapshots and art pieces that are sentimental to you. Prioritize high-quality prints in different finishes to add flavor yet create a polished, cohesive display.”

8. Go with odd numbers

Going with odd numbers in your arrangements is important because it creates a sense of balance and visual interest that naturally draws the eye.  

“Choose an odd number for your gallery,” recommends Innovative Images. “We say no more than five total images. Make sure the images have been cropped as much as possible for maximum impact. Choose images that blend together but avoid repetition.”

9. Choose a wall that serves as a focal point

Choosing a wall to serve as a focal point is important because it draws attention and anchors the room, creating a central feature that enhances the overall design.

“When curating a gallery wall in your apartment, space can often be a limiting factor in your design. Start by choosing a wall that works as a natural focal point in your apartment, such as above a sofa or along a hallway. Maximize space and visual impact by selecting frames of various sizes and styles and consider using mirrors or reflective surfaces to create the illusion of more space,” shares St. Louis Photographer Kelly Laramore.



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