In a meta sort of way, arranging art is an art in itself. Specific piece selections and arrangements are capable of strongly denoting one’s interests as well as the function of a particular space. Indeed, the way you contextualise and juxtapose different pieces within a gallery wall can even create new meanings and subvert the intent of the artists. If nothing else, a well-executed gallery wall filled with DROOL art prints will certainly transform your wall into a vehicle for your unique personality.
However, while buying stunning artwork from DROOL is simple, cohesively arranging multiple pieces together can be a challenge. If you have particularly eclectic tastes, the challenges can be further magnified, sometimes leaving you just a little displeased with how things turned out. This can be especially vexing if you set up a massive gallery wall only to realise that you didn’t like the results, leaving you with holes in your wall as reminders of your blunder.
Many of the talented folks behind DROOL are also art collectors, so this challenge is familiar to all of us. Thankfully, carefully pre-planning your display can help you avoid many of the pitfalls of setting up a gallery wall. This means no extra holes in your wall and the perfect gallery wall arrangement the very first time you set it. Check out the tips below to help make your art collection greater than the sum of its parts:
1) Plan Your Layout
If you already have some art prints that you plan to hang, lay them out on the floor to better visualise the arrangement. Alternatively, you can also use paper templates on the wall to plan the placement and minimise the holes you’ll drill, later on. Take a photo of these mockups so that you have a handy reference point for further refinements.
2) Mix and Match Frames
Though matching your frame styles does make arrangements easier, don’t be afraid to mix different frame styles and colours for a specific effect. DROOL offers prints in black, white, and natural wood frames, and you can even go unframed for a rougher look. Putting in a piece with contrasting frames can add depth and interest to your gallery wall and could be the detail that sets it apart from other displays.
3) Consider Colours
If you desire a more classic gallery wall, choose frames and prints that complement the colour of your wall. As a general rule, light prints and frames can brighten up a dark wall, while darker frames can create a striking contrast on a lighter wall. Use colour swatches to get a better idea of how different colour combinations may appear in your space.
4) Balance Is Key
Mix large and small prints, and distribute colours and textures evenly throughout the arrangement to avoid one side looking heavier than the other. To make your job easier, choose a central piece that stands out to anchor the whole arrangement and group your other pieces around it. Refer to your initial plan to see if you can further optimise the layout on your wall.
5) Use a Theme
Having a set theme simplifies the decision-making involved in composing your gallery wall. And contrary to what some dogmatists might say, themes can be based on anything. Colour schemes, subject matter, artists, and more are all fair game for your upcoming display. Of course, if your theme is not based on visuals, the work ahead may be a bit more challenging, which bring us to our next tip.
6) Be Careful When Blending Different Art Styles
Blending various art styles and mediums can create a dynamic and unexpected look. However, if the prints are not tied by a specific visual element, getting them to be cohesive can be a challenge. In these cases, you may want to stick with one frame colour or a more established formal gallery arrangement, at least as your starting point. Play around with your initial mockupsto refine your multistyle arrangement before you drill any holes in your wall.
7) Mind the Spacing
Consistent spacing between each frame adds to the overall intentionality of your gallery display. A common guideline is to maintain a gap of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) between each piece, but this can be adjusted based on your preference and wall size. The specific gap size is a lot less important than maintaining a consistent distance between each piece.
8) Hang at Eye Level
Make sure most of your art prints are arranged at roughly eye level, about 60 inches (152 cm) from the floor. You can go 6 inches (15 cm) higher or lower, depending on the size of your artworks and the height of your ceilings and furniture.
Alternatively, you can arrange your gallery so that your key art prints are within eye level and the ones you want de-emphasized are further away from it. Just make sure that none of pieces aretoo close to the floor, since this can make the whole presentation look a bit odd. Go back to your references and mockupsr to make the right judgement calls on the best heights for the prints in your display.
9) Add Personal Touches
In between your DROOL prints, consider incorporating pieces that have personal meaning, such as travel souvenirs, family photos, or artwork created by loved ones. A couple of these may be just what you need to give your gallery wall an inimitable personal touch.
Effortless Wall Arrangements with DROOL Artworks
Building a coherent yet exciting gallery wall used to be an exercise in frustration. To get things just right, you were either left with more holes than you wanted on your wall or you had to pay through the nose to have a professional interior designer execute the display for you. With some patience and pre-planning, you can bid farewell to all the hassles that used to come with creating a stunning art print display. Try planning a new arrangement today to bring a new level of excitement to your DROOL art prints.
