Photo gallery walls have always been so intimidating to me. Intimidating because one, I can’t wrap my head around photo frames not perfectly lined up and two, having so many photos to look at, I find I can’t seem to concentrate on even one photo.
I have a few places in my house that I have always wanted to attempt a gallery wall but always back out at the last minute. The closest I came to putting up a gallery wall was this:
Which let’s face it, does this even really count as a gallery wall? Probably not…I played it a little too safe. I mean come on, four same size frames, same color, same mat size and even all four photos are in black and white. My rationale was that because this wall was in the kitchen, I didn’t want to post a ton of photos up of my family-just a few of my favorites.
So, I have this big empty wall space going up my stairs and I’m considering using that area for a gallery wall. But, I’ve already failed one gallery wall, should I really keep attempting this project or just throw in the towel that I’m not a gallery wall fan.
Here is a photo of the space I have in mind for a gallery wall:
I’ve spent many hours on Pinterest and scouring magazines trying to find the perfect gallery wall that I could copy. Something that wouldn’t make a type A personality like myself go crazy that things seem to be ‘scattered’ on the wall.
I really like that this one uses different frames but the outside is still perfectly lined up to make a rectangle. Yes, I’m definitely one for clean lines. But, can I really mix and match the frame sizes for my wall? Might be too risky for me!
But then, I visited my friend Emily’s house (stay tuned for an upcoming post when I crashed her house…it’s GORGEOUS!) and saw this:
You would think so many frames would make me crazy but because she uses the same frames and just different mat sizes, it makes the wall seem very cohesive. The number of frames works in her space because she has so much room. This is also a great example of frames being hung so close to one another.
In this photo they have hung the frames further apart but it still looks great as a group because the frames and the mats are all the same size.
Then I came across this..PERFECTION!
Same size frames, same mat size and hung close together. I think I finally nailed it! This would be perfect in the space at the top of my stairs.
I did the happy dance all the way to Pottery Barn to get the frames, but then I quickly did the frowny face when I saw the total cost! Unfortunately, I’ll be buying a few at a time. Bear with me, it might take a few months before this project is complete.
I think in the end, I’ve realized that gallery walls are so personal and you have to find the right ‘formula’ for you and and your space.
so, not related to the gallery wall, i love emily’s runner on her stairs. more info please! 🙂
Vicky-I will find out for you and let you know!
this couldn’t come at a better time…i too have a big open stairwell that i will be lining with frames and it completely intimidates me. i love your inspiration shot, however i think i’m going to go the less perfect route. black and white frames, maybe even some wood ones thrown in there as well, all with white mats to tie them together. different sizes, black and white and color shots all mixed in together. that way i can add photos as time goes by and don’t have to sweat over maintaining perfection. can’t wait to see how yours turns out…i am still selecting which photos to enlarge/frame so i’m a ways away from completion too!
Carrie-Keep us posted on your gallery wall. Would love to see photos when you are done. I will send you some inspirational photos that show images with different size frames and finishes.