Create the Perfect Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a fun and unique way to decorate a space and make it your own! It takes a little bit of work and imagination to create a beautiful and meaningful gallery, but you will enjoy the final result for years to come.
There are several different ways to go about creating a gallery wall. There is no right or wrong way, but we have some tips that will help make the process a bit easier! As you know, we are photo printing experts here at Mastercolor Labs. Read on as we walk you through the gallery wall process from start to finish.
How to Create a Gallery Wall:
Step 1: Identify your space. This may sound like a no-brainer, but the first step is to identify the location and size of your gallery wall. Will your gallery wall be the space above your couch? Stairs? Mantle? Bed? Desk? Will it be a small wall in your kitchen or office? Will it be an entire wall in a nursery or child's room? Will it be on a shelf or built-ins?
Choose your location and measure the approximate dimensions of the space you want to fill. You will want to avoid getting too close to the ceiling and surrounding walls.
Here are some great examples of potential gallery wall spaces:
Above the Couch via Mastercolor Labs
Up the Stairwell via Philly Magazine
In the Office, On Shelves via Popsugar
Down the Hallway via Luxe
For more great ideas, make sure to check out the gallery wall inspiration board we created just for you on Pinterest.
Step 2: Choose a theme or "look". Gallery walls come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and motifs. Some gallery walls have a standard shape, with the same size photos, frames, or canvases. Some have a standard shape with various sized photos, frames, or canvases. Some gallery walls have a more organic shape, with each piece being different. Some galleries take up an entire wall!
Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a Theme:
Shape- Do you want the edges of your pieces to form one solid shape, or do you want a more organic shape?
Size - Do you want all of your pieces to be the same size? Do you want them all to be different sizes? Do you want to have sets of different sizes?
Color - Will your photos be color, black and white, or a combination of both?
Type - Will your wall be all photographs? All canvases? A combination of both? Or will it be a "collected" look, with a combination of photographs and other wall decor?
Frames - How will you display your images? Will you print the photographs and frame them? Will all the frames be the same size with the same size mat? Or the same size frame with different size mat? Will your frames be the same color? Will you use frames at all, or will you have Mastercolor mount the photographs and add a floating mount? Or will you print all canvases, and eliminate the need for frames altogether?
Here are some themes that we think work really well:
A grid shape with the same size photos, mats, and frames via Studio McGee
A grid shape with different sized canvases via Robinwood Photography:
Step 3: Select your photos. Choosing the photos you want to use will help determine the number of photos you will print for your gallery wall, which will help determine size. Consider the orientation of the images. Are they portrait or landscape, or a mix of both? How will they look together? Only select photos that you really love, in order to make this a meaningful gallery.
Step 4: Visualize the gallery. By this point you have already identified your space, chosen a theme, and selected your photos. It is time to put the pieces of this puzzle together.
Keeping your location, theme, and photos in mind, try to visualize your images on the wall in the space. Grab a pen and piece of paper and roughly sketch out your gallery wall. Draw the shape you have in mind, or if you are not using a shape, try to create a flow for your images. Let your shape (or lack of) guide you to decide where your images will go, and what size they will be.
Here are some handy guides to help you determine the spacing and sizing of your images within your shape or flow:
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
Step 5: Put together a mock wall.
Gather some kraft paper or newspaper, scissors, tape, and a ruler, and plan out your gallery wall! Measure and cut the pieces to the size that you want. Tape the pieces to the wall in your desired shape, making sure to leave at least an inch or two between each piece of paper. Make sure to consider the composition of your wall, and make sure it is centered vertically and horizontally. Take a step back, examine the wall, and make any adjustments as needed. Once you get your mock wall set up as you see fit, you are ready for the final step... ordering your photos!
Image via Momtastic
Step 6: Order your photos!
Congratulations! The hardest part is over. It is now time to order your photos. Mastercolor Labs will ensure that this is by far the easiest step of the entire process. Bring your digital files to Mastercolor Labs and let our expert staff advise you on printing. It's easy: just put your files on a thumb drive, and stop by our store Monday-Friday between 9am-5:15pm. If you all you have is a hard copy of a photo, no problem. Bring it by our store and we scan your original and reproduce a copy.
Mastercolor can turn your files into printed photographs or canvases for your brand new gallery wall! If you choose canvases over photographs, you will eliminate the need for frames. We will print your files on canvas and stretch them over a frame with the hardware on the back - ready to hang!
Lucky for you, Mastercolor is running a HUGE canvas sale right now! Order a bundle of canvases, and save on the whole order. Clink on the image below to see more about our special offer.
If canvases are not your thing, no problem! Mastercolor specializes in photo printing as well, and we have several mounting options, including a floating mount that is ready to hang. If it's just the photographs you need, we will be happy to print for you and advise you on where to go for framing.
Give Mastercolor a call at 336-275-2846, or stop by our store at 2006 N. Church Street in Greensboro. We look forward to printing for you!
