Creating an exceptional wall display is about more than just the individual pieces of art. The way you arrange them is just as important as the images themselves. Here are some tips for selecting your frames, combining them into a stunning arrangement, and optimizing their placement in various living spaces.
Selecting the artwork
Choose images that not only reflect your tastes, passions, and personality but also complement each other.
Find a common thread
Focus on recurring elements to unify your composition. For instance, you might choose a dominant colour, an intriguing theme, frames made of similar materials, or a distinctive medium such as watercolour or black-and-white photography.
Even very diverse works, like family mementos and children’s drawings, can form a coherent set by following this strategy. For example, the floral character of the Nolana canvas painting could serve as a starting point, guiding you towards pastel reproductions and sketches highlighting other botanical motifs.
Draw inspiration from your environment
Wood and metal frames in neutral tones create a visual boundary between each piece and the wall colour, offering some flexibility. You can still repeat shades, materials, and themes already present in the room for more harmony.
For example, a few airy abstract canvases, photographs of Scandinavian landscapes, and a Nivad natural oak wall clock could bring soothing warmth to a modern decor.
Arranging 3 frames or more
Depending on your desired style, you have many options for arranging your frames. Here are a few elegant strategies:
Classic grid
Precisely aligned frames of identical dimensions, materials, and colours create a clean, modern, and sophisticated appearance. Maintain consistent spacing between the frames to enhance the symmetrical effect.
Row of frames
Arrange a series of similar artworks in a single row using matching frames. The earthy tones and rustic borders of the Nymphea abstract canvases demonstrate that even just two paintings can create a cohesive and attractive display.
Square or rectangular arrangement
Arrange frames and wall art elements of different sizes within the boundaries of an invisible square or rectangle. This approach creates a structured composition while allowing you to play with various formats.
The intriguing colours and lines of an abstract piece like the Nalaki canvas print are equally calming vertically or horizontally, providing great versatility for any arrangement.
Asymmetrical arrangement
Unleash your creativity by combining frames of different shapes, sizes, and materials based on your inspiration. This method offers maximum flexibility but may require more experimentation to find the perfect arrangement.
Start by placing the largest piece first, then position the second one slightly off-center. Continue filling the space with frames of different sizes and orientations.
Installing the frames
Experiment and preview
Achieving a fully satisfying arrangement often takes a few tries. Before picking up a hammer, lay your frames on the floor in front of the wall you plan to decorate. Rearrange them as needed until you find the perfect layout.
Another method is to trace the outlines of your pieces on large sheets of kraft paper, then tape these templates to the wall with repositionable adhesive tape. This allows you to visualize the final arrangement and determine precisely where to place your nails or hooks.
Follow essential measurements
Position the center of your frame arrangement at eye level, about 5 feet from the floor. For rooms with high ceilings, aim slightly higher to utilize the extra space.
Center the arrangement on a horizontal axis, whether above a low piece of furniture or between two architectural elements like a door or window.
When hanging frames above a sofa, console table, or sideboard, leave a gap of 6 to 12 inches. The arrangement should occupy about two-thirds the width of the furniture, creating a harmonious visual balance.
Leave approximately 2 inches of space between the different frames (adjust according to their respective sizes) for an airy presentation.
Ideal locations for gallery wall frames
Living room frame wall
This spacious and welcoming room is perfect for showcasing an impressive wall of frames. Utilize the vertical space above a sofa, following the two-thirds rule mentioned earlier, and incorporate some of the furniture colours into your artwork and frame choices.
Hallway frames
Bring life and personality to this often-underutilized transition space. A row of frames is particularly suitable for this narrow environment, telling a story through the artworks.
Bedroom frame wall
Beautify the space above the headboard with a calming frame arrangement, following the same principles as above a sofa or low furniture. Use the intimate nature of your bedroom to display personal images, like wedding photos or life drawing sketches.
Staircase frames
The opposite wall of a staircase, whether at the top or bottom, is a prime spot for displaying frames. For a spectacular effect, arrange a series of works or photos following the ascending slope of the steps. Use a long strip of masking tape as a guide to facilitate installation.
Choosing and showcasing artwork is a deeply personal process. Trust your instincts to create a wall art arrangement that reflects your tastes, individuality, and life experiences. As long as the final result brings you joy and satisfaction, that’s all that matters.
