create a gallery wall like a pro

There is naturally a bit of trepidation when you are about to hammer a thousand nails to create a gallery wall. Don't worry, if done correctly, the outcome is visually spectacular. It is also a cost-effective way to add the most impact to a blank wall.

Here are 10 expert tips to help you curate a dramatic gallery wall. 

1. SELECT YOUR SUBJECT
Decide on what you would like to put on your wall. Is it going to be family photos only, travel photos, art or a combination of all the above?

2. FRAMING MATTERS
Frames help communicate the subject matter and contribute to the overall look of your gallery wall. Simple, minimal frames on all the pieces allow the art/photos to have a modern and cohesive look. Frames can get expensive, so consider mixing frames or even keeping some pieces (specifically canvas) unframed for a casual unstructured look.

3. ORGANIC OR LINEAR
This depends on your personality type. Whether you're doing an organic pattern — where things feel random but are actually very intentionally placed — or a linear pattern like a grid, proper planning will allow you to plan exactly what size frames you'll need to achieve the desired look. 

4. PLAN IT OUT
Do a trial run of the layout by positioning everything on the floor. Take your time to carefully plan out your layout before you start hammering away.

5. RULE OF TWO-THIRDS 
Let your gallery wall breathe by keeping the entire collection two-thirds the size of the wall. Having white space will do wonders.

6. START BIG
Place your largest frames in the center and then place the smallest on the outside.

7. CENTER OF ATTENTION 
Place the center piece of the gallery wall at 1.5 meter from the floor or around eye level height. A mistake lots of people make is not hanging their wall art at the correct height.

8. FILL IN GAPS
Placing smaller pieces along the perimeter of your collection or between larger frames will help to foster an aesthetically pleasing and balanced look.

9. GETTING SOME SPACE 
Allow 8 to 15 cm spacing between frames. An even distance makes the gallery wall cleaner and does not look cramped.

10. TAPE IT UP - Just before you hammer in the first nail, create a template on the wall by tracing the outside of the frames with painters tape. After all the frames are taped up, step back and see if it looks balanced. The taped up wall will also make it easier to know where to hang the pictures.