Tips for Creating a Gallery Wall with Digital Prints
Gallery walls have become a popular trend in modern home decor, allowing homeowners to display a variety of artwork in a creative and visually interesting way. And with the rise of digital prints, it's easier than ever to create a gallery wall with a cohesive theme or color scheme. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of creating a gallery wall with digital prints, and provide tips for creating a cohesive and impactful display.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Gallery Wall with Digital Prints
Step 1: Choose a Theme or Color Scheme The first step in creating a gallery wall is to choose a theme or color scheme that ties the collection together. You might choose a theme based on the type of art, such as landscape photography, abstract art, or botanical prints. Alternatively, you could choose a color scheme that ties the collection together, such as a monochromatic palette or a bold pop of color.
Step 2: Select Your Digital Prints Once you've chosen a theme or color scheme, it's time to select your digital prints. There are countless options available, from independent artists selling prints on Etsy to online marketplaces like Society6 and Minted. Of course, I prefer Forest & Field Co. but there are many great options. Be sure to choose high-quality prints that are sized appropriately for your space. Consider the placement of each print and how it will fit in with the others in the collection.
Step 3: Determine Placement Before you start hanging your prints, it's important to determine the placement of each piece. Lay out the prints on the floor or a large table and experiment with different arrangements until you find one that works. Consider the overall shape of the display and the spacing between each print. You might choose a symmetrical layout, a grid pattern, or a more organic arrangement depending on the size and shape of your prints.
Step 4: Prepare Your Wall Once you've determined the placement of each print, it's time to prepare your wall. Use a level and measuring tape to mark the placement of each print on the wall. If you're using multiple frames, consider using a hanging system like a French cleat or a picture rail to make the process easier. Be sure to use appropriate hardware for the weight of each print and the type of wall surface.
Step 5: Hang Your Digital Prints With your wall prepared and your prints ready to go, it's time to start hanging. Use your marks on the wall as a guide and hang each print carefully, using a level to ensure that they're straight. If you're using multiple frames, it can be helpful to start in the center of the display and work outward to ensure that everything is balanced.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches With your digital prints hung on the wall, it's time to add the finishing touches. Consider adding a few decorative elements to the display, such as a small plant or a decorative object. You might also choose to add a frame or matting to one or more of the prints to create depth and visual interest.
Tips for Creating a Cohesive Look
While it's important to choose prints that fit within your theme or color scheme, there are a few other factors to consider when creating a cohesive gallery wall display.
Consider Size and Scale When choosing prints for your gallery wall, it's important to consider the size and scale of each piece. Be sure to choose prints that are appropriately sized for your space and that work well together in terms of scale. A mix of large and small prints can create visual interest, but be sure to balance them in a way that doesn't overwhelm the display.
Mix and Match Frames One way to create a cohesive gallery wall display is to mix and match frames. While it's tempting to use matching frames for all of your prints, a mix of frames in different styles and finishes can create a more interesting and dynamic display. Consider using frames in a similar color or finish to tie the collection together, but don't be afraid to mix it up with different sizes and styles.
Create Depth with Matting Another way to create visual interest in your gallery wall display is to use matting to add depth to one or more of your prints. Matting can create a visual "window" around the artwork and draw the eye in, making the piece stand out even more. Consider using a neutral mat color to tie the collection together, or choose a bold color for a pop of visual interest.
Balance Color and Texture While it's important to choose prints that fit within your color scheme, it's also important to balance color and texture in your gallery wall display. A mix of textures and finishes can add depth and interest to the display, while too much of one texture or color can be overwhelming. Consider adding a few metallic or textured prints to balance out a collection of matte prints, or mix in a few colorful prints to create visual interest.
Use Lighting to Highlight Your Prints Finally, don't forget about the importance of lighting when it comes to creating a gallery wall display. Use track lighting or directional spotlights to highlight individual prints and draw the eye to specific pieces. Consider using warm, ambient lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your space.
Creating a gallery wall with digital prints is a great way to add visual interest and personality to your home decor. By following these tips for selecting and arranging your prints, and paying attention to the details that create a cohesive and impactful display, you can create a stunning gallery wall that showcases your unique style and tastes.