These are the key steps in creating an impactful art gallery for any room design in your home:
Create the layout and mark the perimeters of the total area you would like top place your gallery. Note the dimensions.
Select the type of Layout you would like for your Gallery.
Grid Layout- this type of gallery is done with artwork that is all the same size, with or without, the same style. The layout is placed in an evenly spaced grid pattern.
Collage Layout- these galleries have large, medium and small sizes of art. This gallery style typically has various types of art, family photos and 3D wall decor placed in an uneven layout.
Centered Layout- this type of gallery is done with one large piece of art centered in the area with small art placed at each side or all sides of the large piece of art.
Whatever layout you choose to do, make sure you consider the spacing between each piece of art.Divide the overall area with the various shapes that will reflect the shapes of artwork and wall decor that you would like to include. Leave a 2” space between each shape and measure each shape. This will serve as a guideline when you start to shop for artwork, mirrors or wall decor.
Determine the color scheme and style of art and decor you would like to showcase. Consider the existing furniture and decor in your room so that the gallery complements your space beautifully. There are no rules in designing an art gallery! You can create a black and white photo gallery of animals, architecture or landscape. You can create a collage of artwork, vintage mirrors and 3D wall decor. Or you can do a gallery of all family photos in different sizes and shapes. BE CREATIVE!
Refer to your layout and measurements and start shopping for artwork, wall decor unless you have the items at home. Regardless, start to assign the shapes with the actual art piece so you can plan the assortment. We suggest creating paper patterns from cardboard or craft paper of the actual finished sizes to temporarily tape to the wall. Putty adhesives are a good alternative to tape. This is an easy way to lay out your gallery especially if it is a collage layout. The other layouts are easier to plan.
When you have determined the center point of each piece of art (aligned and level), measure the actual mid points of the art hardware to the top of the frame at each side to make sure the manufacturer set the hardware evenly.
Inspect the wall for the type of material: cement, drywall, block? These materials all require different nails and anchors and tools. Use an accurate level.