Tips for Creating a Gallery Wall

Thank you for all of your kind comments on my Kid’s Artwork Gallery Wall. You make a girl blush. After the big reveal, I promised to give you the “how-to” and some tips for creating a gallery wall of your own. So let’s get to it!

This gallery wall was designed specifically to display my boys’ artwork, but these tips will help with any gallery wall you want to design.

1. The layout

If you’re working with a defined wall space, like I was, mark off your dimensions on the floor using masking tape so you can visualize the area. Looks a little like a gallery wall crime scene, huh?

Then you’re free to try out different arrangements and you can see how they will fit your space. There are no rules or magic to it. Just keep moving things around until it looks good to you.

Most of my frames came from the thrift store and garage sales. A few were found on clearance at Joann, Target or Kohls. I’ve been stashing them away for a while with this project in mind. A little white spray paint (Rustoleum Blossom White) and they all miraculously match!

2. Add in some other stuff

It adds depth and dimension when you add other interesting things into your gallery wall. My small bulletin board is currently holding a painted letter, but I will probably use it for another bit of kid’s artwork later. Some other things you can include in a gallery wall? How about plates, monograms, letters, architectural pieces, clocks, socks, poodles or baskets?

Lots of you asked about this beautiful piece of artwork. It’s a part of the
Urban Soul Collection at Dayspring. It was only $17 and you can get 25% off by using the code SPRING25. That makes this beautiful piece of typography artwork only $12.75!!! AND Dayspring offers free shipping on all orders over $50! I bought several pieces of Urban Soul artwork and I ADORE them all.

3. Include some frames without the glass

I hung several frames without the backs or the glass. The artwork is stuck directly to the wall with fun tak. When I want to change out the display, I can easily remove the old pieces and try out some new masterpieces.

Also, if you’re doing a kid’s gallery, I would suggest hanging several frames that can accommodate standard size (8-1/2″x11″) construction paper. The kiddos bring home tons of artwork in that size.

4. A color photocopier is your friend

Sometimes you just want a small piece of your kiddo’s artwork. But you don’t want to destroy the original by cutting it into pieces. That’s where a color copier comes in. Make a copy of the original (and resize it, if necessary) and you can cut it up without risking howls and tears.

Now it’s your turn…What interesting things do you have hanging on your walls?