Does anyone have a pic of a gallery wall done with photos stacked on a plate rail/shelf? I want to do a gallery wall, but I want it to be able to hold a lot of photos which I hope to change out and update since my new hobby is photography. I had considered mounting the frames directly on the wall, but I am picky about them being even and straight and I'm afraid I won't like it, or I'll get frustrated and not do it. Also, with a 9ft wall how much of it can I cover without going too high or too low. Do you think I could get 3 shelves and maybe space them 18or 24 inches apart? Any suggestions?

wigardenerwannabe, For years I have picked up frames whenever I would see them cheaply. I have a stash of empty picture frames and when I have enough for spot I pull them out. Sometimes I rummage around and look for ones w/ dings and scratches and ask for a discounted price since the piece is damaged. Then I just take a black sharpie and hide the knick. My frames usually come from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Wal-Mart and IKEA. I always like things to fit into a perfect little box so all of my arrangements are even w/ nothing hanging out on the ends. That's just my personal preference for me. I often admire those gallery walls that I see that are uneven but I like symmetry 95% of the time. Often I will use my DR table as it is a long rectangle and just start laying out frames until I get a look that I like. If the arrangement will be larger I use the floor. I stopped using a tape measure and level a long time ago because when you buy cheaper frames the hooks on the back are rarely in line. I'm pretty good at eyeballing things and have usually been able to just start hanging them one by one w/ minor adjustments on eveness as I go. We'll see how badly that goes when I attempt a grid above my fireplace. And now thanks to my friends at GW who told me about 3M it will go much faster from here on out! pps7 - the wall color is BM Jonesboro Cream.

I like your idea of an accent wall, as long as it doesn't compete with the art work. This post might get more responses on the Home Decorating forum (especially with the paint/wallpaper style question) or the Smaller Home forum. They will really appreciate your creative use of space...and Smaller Homes is a slower forum and questions stay on the first page longer :)

Patricia Colwell Consulting I honestly had never thought of it in that way. Disrespecting the art. The photos I have on display are not mine, but they are matted and framed as you suggested.. And that is what I would be inclined to do again. I think maybe the reason for liking minimalism is the same as liking black and white photography. Colorado TroutguyI like your definition of minimalism, and I appreciate the description of your living vs. studio space. Also, I appreciate your compliment; I am a lifetime amateur, at best. Do you have a website where I could see your paintings? I love huge art. Good resolution overrides size, so I am limited. Luckily, I have a guy who is great at making that determination. It is hard to choose from decades of work. I don’t have an actual studio; I never enjoyed the darkroom process. Perhaps I must adjust to the idea of having a "digital studio.” Fun2BHereI’m not sure yet if I will use that type of arrangement in the main living areas. For certain I will use it in my study and bedrooms. I will look up Sarah Richardson. Thanks. Her name rings a bell.