After years of living with a red entryway wall, I finally decided it was time for a change. I started off with the intention of a gallery wall but then realized that the position of my mirror at eye level didn't give me much space for one. I ended up painting my wall a deep chocolate, I was scared to go that dark but the color completely transformed the space, it feels bold and sophisticated, and it gives the entryway real presence when you walk in. I ended up hanging my artwork on all the surrounding walls. I'm going to share the changes I made, from paint choices and tips on how to build your gallery wall. I will also be sharing everything I learned about choosing artwork, mixing frames, and planning a layout that actually works.
Paint Choices
When it comes to paint, one lesson I’ve learned: never go too cool. It’s much harder to warm up a cool-toned space than to cool down a warm one.
Color, in general, is back (as opposed to white walls). The cool gray walls everyone loved five or ten years ago are starting to feel a bit cold and lifeless, almost like cement. Warm tones like rich browns, are popular now. Conversely hunter green and navy have had their moment. Here are Benjamin Moore's best selling paint colors.
Limewash and Venetian plaster finishes are trending right now. Also painted ceilings are having a moment too, it's called color drenching. Some designers say statement walls are “out,” but I still love mine. A single bold wall can give a room so much character.
If you’re working with a small space, don’t shy away from darker colors. Dark paint does not make a room feel small! A deep, moody hue can make the room feel cozy and intentional, almost like a little jewel box. Eggshell finishes work best for dark walls because they keep the color looking soft and sophisticated. Here were some inspiration photos for me. Teal was my runner up color for my wall, specifically the shade Pacific Ocean Blue.
Art and Frames
Once the paint dried, I turned my attention to the artwork. A mix of frames brings a wall to life. If you're wondering what type of frame to buy for your artwork here's guide. Wood frames add warmth and pair beautifully with nature scenes or portraits; minimalist frames suit modern and abstract art; while ornate ones can make traditional pieces feel special again. Don’t worry about matching everything, a mix of different frames on a gallery wall adds depth and personality. Framing is just as important as the art itself. Experiment with matting and frame sizes to create depth and interest. I used Frame It Easy for my frames, I received it 2 days after I ordered it! They offer glare free glass which you will never get on some cheap frame from a mass market store.
I still had on display my original artwork. lol I switched it out with a framed list of my travel bucketlist and favorite destinations I've been to. I read that keeping your bucket list visible turns it from a wish list into something real. It’s a reminder of what inspires you and helps you make small choices that move you closer to those experiences instead of saving them for "someday." Seeing it often keeps your motivation alive, reignites that spark, and makes it more likely you’ll actually do the things you dream about. I just booked my trip to Uzbekistan for next year, and I couldn’t be more excited! I wrote about my Namibia trip here and Cartagena trip here. I visited Moraine Lake in August and absolutely loved it! So far, I’ve only had a chance to write about the first stop on my trip in Calgary.
All of my artwork came from Etsy. I've wanted this Paule Marrot piece for years but it was pricey so I found an affordable dupe. I also bought a Yayoi Kusama print. I love colorful retro, pink abstract art and vintage travel posters.
When placing decorative items on a shelf or console table, make sure that you have at least 2 inches of additional space for there to be breathing room between the item and the edge of the shelf. The mirror over your console table should not be too high.
Creating a Gallery Wall
Size matters. Don’t go too small. Your art needs to be visible and make an impact. Variety is important. Mix paintings, prints, mirrors, and sculptures. Combine vintage pieces with newer ones to make the collection feel curated, as opposed to purchased. Play with asymmetry to draw the eye around the wall. Art is not just for walls. Sculptures or textured pieces add height and dimension to a room.
When hanging your art, keep the distance between pieces uniform, around 2 to 3 inches between pieces so they feel connected but not crowded. And if you can, skip the glass on framed artwork, it cuts down on glare and gives everything a more relaxed, gallery-like look. Etsy and Minted.com sell affordable framed art and downloadable prints directly from small artists. If printing yourself, use matte paper to reduce glare.
Trace the frame onto newspaper, mark where the nail goes, and arrange the cutouts on the wall first. Hang each piece at eye level, about 60 inches from the floor. Mistakes can be fixed with a wall patching kit. Planning your layout is important. Most people underestimate scale. Too-small art or overcrowded frames just looks off. Leave breathing room around the edges and between the ceiling and the wall. Negative space keeps your gallery from feeling cluttered.
Personal touches make a wall sing. Toss the macrame, skip generic prints from IKEA and mass-market quotes like Live, Love, Laugh, and no horse photos. Showcase your travels, collections, and memories. Art communicates your style, culture, and personality. My mom collected sculptural wall pieces from our travels around the world, mainly African and Asian. I love that influence in her home.
A gallery wall is more than decoration. It is a way to express yourself, and make your home feel lived-in. Try and create something uniquely yours.
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