Guest Picks: Not Just a Blank Wall
I love the look of this picture frame! The fact that two of the corners are rounded adds to its appeal. Hanging just one on a wall would make a statement, but I think it would look fabulous in groups of two or more.
I own this print and love the whimsical touch it adds to my gallery wall. It's also fitting for my family because my husband is a hunter. Regardless of your recreational interests, this handmade print would add a special touch to any gallery wall.
If you're not quite sure how to create a gallery wall or are in need of a starting point, this frame set might be just what you need. It is available in three colors (black, espresso and white) that should coordinate well with most decors.
Gallery walls don't have to feature just pictures of your kids or your family. Fill in spaces with fun prints that are meaningful. My gallery wall has a print of the state of Virginia with a heart over the city where I live. I love that it adds an extra element of personality.
While I'd much rather stumble across a set of heirloom frames at an estate sale or antique store, I'm glad that retailers offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase items like these frames from Pottery Barn. I love their look as is, without any pictures. I think they would add a focal point to a gallery wall and break up the monotony of picture after picture.
I'm a huge fan of monograms, and what better way to add a personal touch to your gallery wall than an oversize letter hung on the wall? I prefer using the first letter of my last name, but you can add a letter for every member of your family or just keep things simple by featuring the initial of your first or last name.
I absolutely adore the bold look of these mirrored frames, especially the 18-inch option. They will add a touch of contemporary fun and a great contrast against most wall colors.
I know, I know — this is meant for kids, but I do believe this quatrefoil-inspired mirror would accent a gallery wall in a very mature, sophisticated way. I love it.
I'm almost 100 percent certain that I gravitate towards the shabby chic look because I am slightly obsessed with beachy decor. These whitewashed frames from World Market appeal to the shabby chic lover in me, and I must have them for my next gallery wall project!
Gallery walls don't need to feature just framed pictures or prints hung on a wall. Use a wall ledge to feature photos or prints that you would like to rotate periodically. Even better yet, if you have children, use the ledge to feature some of your children's artwork.
One of my favorite features of my entryway gallery wall is the framed monogram of my husband's and my initials. I ordered a vinyl monogram similar to this one on Etsy and framed it between two pieces of glass. The transparent background allows the wall's paint color to show through, and it makes the gallery wall just that much more personal.
I totally believe that a gallery wall should feature favorite things or hobbies too. In the one in my living room, I have a shadow box filled with sand dollars that my family has found during our many beach trips. If you don't have a collection to show off, then maybe something bold, like this oversize sand dollar, would do the trick.
I love a clean, sleek-looking collage frame. This one from Crate & Barrel is definitely not the kind of frame I remember from childhood (you know what I'm talking about if you grew up in the '70s and '80s). It's simple, geometric and elegant.
A fun gallery wall idea is to frame a print of meaningful song lyrics. Whether it's "your song" or just a few lines from a favorite song, it will add a lovely personal touch. Mine features lyrics from songs by The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons.
While I love the idea of keeping your frames in the same color family — you know, black, brown or espresso — I do love using frames that coordinate with the decor and add a pop of color. These Rustic Cottage frames would add the perfect amount of color to my gallery wall.
Having a gallery wall does not mean using only photos that you've taken. Feature the photography of an artist, especially if you can get photos of one of your favorite places. My family loves to vacation on Hatteras Island in North Carolina. This photo by Scott Geib hangs proudly on our gallery wall.
If your wall is spacious enough, add a group of small mirrors to break up the frames and add some interest to the wall. I love that these all hang from chains, and I like how one of the chains is embellished with a ribbon in this photo.
I love the rounded corners of this frame. Hang them in a row or column of three, or be bold and group these frames in a set of nine. Boom — there's your gallery wall!
When planning your gallery wall, don't forget about your pets. The gallery wall in my living room features a painting I made using a picture of my Boston Terrier, Frisco. If you're not a painter, you can always turn to Etsy or your favorite online retailer for a print of your special four-legged friend.Next: 8 Therapeutic Benefits of a Family Photo Gallery
I love the look of these because they are not your typical frames. They'll add some pizzazz to your gallery wall.
Q