Gallery walls have become a popular design choice in both homes and workplaces, offering an engaging way to display inspiration and ideas. They serve as a personal touchpoint for those who live and work in these spaces while also offering a visually compelling experience for those simply visiting such spaces.
Curating a selection of pieces that reflect your values and personal journeys, can create a space that truly feels like “you’ in your place of residence. In professional spaces, on the other hand, curated gallery walls can highlight the ethos of a brand, helping even casual visitors understand the business’s values and vision.
In either case, making a gallery wall speak your truth will require a bit of planning and common sense. You don’t just want to pay attention to the message your gallery wall is saying but also the overall effect on your space. These tips should leave you with a tightly curated wall that not only gets your message across but also provides your home or workplace with significant artistic value:
1) Begin with a Theme or Concept
The key to making a strong gallery display is to first think about what you want it to say. This will play a role in your selection of various pieces and allow you to hit all the marks in terms of message and aesthetics. Fortunately, DROOL’s offerings cover a wide gamut of styles and themes, making it significantly easier to choose pieces that build up an intentional-looking display.
2) Select a Consistent Colour Palette
Again, DROOL’s wide selection of artworks makes things simple by allowing you easy access to pieces that feature similar or complementary colour palettes. You can also order your DROOL art pre-framed with black, white, or natural wood finishes so that you can more easily keep to a consistent colour palette.
Of course, there is the challenge of choosing a colour palette to start with. Colour is a personal or brand-related choice, but there are a few guidelines that will help you succeed. If your space is minimalist, consider a more monochromatic palette to increase the odds of harmony. If you love colour combinations, look up colour swatches and experiment with complementary tones to add a different dimension to your space.
3) Plan Your Layout Before Hanging
Even as you select your DROOL wall art, you must take the time to plan the arrangement before you start drilling or hammering nails into the wall. Lay the frames or mockups on the floor to experiment with different configurations. If you have limited floor space, use paper cut-outs of each frame’s size then tape them to the wall. This will help you visualise the final look and ensure balanced spacing and alignment while also minimising the necessary damage to your wall.
4) Install Lighting to Enhance Your Display
Chances are, there are only certain walls in your space that are suitable for a large gallery display. If there’s insufficient lighting illuminating those walls, you may want to install picture lights above the frames or use rail-mounted spotlights to bring attention to certain pieces. You don’t have to make your lighting especially fancy. Even simple fairy lights or a lamp positioned nearby can add warmth and make the gallery wall feel more inviting.
5) Mix Different Frame Styles and Sizes in Larger Collections
The larger your collection gets, the more sense it makes to play with frame styles and sizes to avoid an overly formal style and offer a more approachable display. Likewise, you can consider mixing frames to add depth and visual interest, but you will probably want to make sure that art with frames that “stick out” is carefully located since these will draw more attention. If you’re new to gallery curation, stick with uniform frame styles for a cleaner feel and more ease in integration.
6) Include a Variety of Styles and Art Forms
Your gallery wall doesn’t have to be limited to framed art from DROOL. Consider incorporating other objects and art forms such as mirrors, sculptures, pottery, textiles, or hanging plants, to strategically break up the visual flow and add texture. These types of mixed-media displays add a bit of dynamism to your gallery that can help keep it interesting.
7) Use Available Negative Space Wisely
Leaving some space around certain pieces gives the eye a place to rest, allowing each element in your display to shine. While it may be tempting to fill every inch of wall space, leaving some negative space can create a more balanced, uncluttered look.
8) Try Refreshing Your Gallery Wall Occasionally
You don’t have to put up everything you have on your wall at the same time. You can keep your gallery wall dynamic by updating it seasonally. Replace a few pieces to reflect changing seasons or special occasions, like birthdays and holidays. This small adjustment can give your gallery and the room it’s in a new look without requiring a full redesign.
Of course, to do this easily, it helps if each one of your artworks is expertly framed. DROOL’s frames are built to stand up to the rigours of regular handling, making them a much-recommended option for anyone serious about setting up a curated gallery.
Your Perfect Gallery Wall Awaits—Begin Curating with DROOL
Gallery wall curation is an art in itself, and it may take you time to find your own voice in this wonderfully accessible craft. With DROOL’s long roster of artists, wide selections of styles, and curator-friendly display options, you have all you need to build a wonderful display at home or wherever real art is appreciated. Explore DROOL’s offerings today to visualise your next gallery display.
