Curating a Gallery Wall
There are few things more picture-perfect than a well-considered gallery wall. Endlessly flexible and customizable, it creates an instant narrative on even the biggest, blankest of canvases–a fresh white wall.
When it comes to finishing off a room, the gallery wall also takes the pressure off hunting down a singular does-it-all piece of art. No wonder it’s an interior designer’s go-to solution. It’s not, however, as simple as buying a few pieces and clustering them together. From prints to placement, there’s a real art to curating a cohesive collection. “Gallery walls work great in so many spaces, but there’s a lot of planning required,” says Anne White, Anthropologie’s Home Stylist. “You want to create a thoughtful gallery, not a random hodgepodge.” Here, Anne shares her tips—gathered from years of curation for Anthropologie Home customers—for transforming your wall into a personal gallery that complements your space while telling an authentic and unique story.
Keep it Consistent
A unified aesthetic is essential if you want to create a photogenic gallery wall. If it’s helpful, imagine your wall as a literal art gallery—would you expect to find these pieces at the same exhibition? “Ensure there is cohesion through the color palette, border, and genre of the artwork,” says Anne. “Here, the varied abstract paintings complement each other beautifully, ultimately creating a harmonious collection.” It’s also important to keep your canvas in mind. “Consider the size and shape of your wall,” says Anne. “Have a tall and narrow area? Mirror the space through artwork that is framed in a similar manner.”
Tell a Story
The most successful gallery walls do more than paint a pretty picture—they tell a compelling tale. Place your favorite gem in the center and build upon its narrative, creating a unified spirit with pops of color that echo back to the centerpiece. “If you’re a traveler and collector, opt for a more eclectic curation to feature your assorted treasures,” suggests Anne. “Start by selecting a large focal piece to hang first—this will help establish and anchor the story. Next, layer in additional works in a variety of sizes to evoke a ‘collected over time’ appeal.”
Find Your Frame
Frames shouldn’t be an afterthought. Put the same amount of time into selecting your frames as you did your prints—they set the stage for the art and help shape the collection.
“Consider frames as a key part of the overall look, and think of how you want them to impact the mood,” says Anne. “I’m really loving gold frames. They immediately elevate a collection and can soften a more graphic edge.”