This post is all about how I created a vintage style gallery wall in our home with a step-by-step guide, so you can do it too!
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1. Find The Perfect Gallery Wall Location
This can be anywhere in your home, but I personally love a small “nook” type of area. I think it makes it feel like a “mini art gallery” that way! We have a small enclosed corner between our great room and primary bedroom. It was begging for some special attention from the moment we moved in & that’s exactly what it got! (It’s always been a dream of mine to have an art gallery in my home & this feels like that!) Pick anywhere special that speaks to you!
2. Time To Source LOTS Of Frames
Here’s the deal on frames… thrifting is oftentimes your best option. 80% of the frames in our galley are from second hand stores. The key is to mix in some new pieces to balance out the wall. I have a few of my favorite’s saved here for you.
Also make sure you consider color while you’re thrifting vs just grabbing frames you love. We went with golds and browns, so having a good mix of both was key to a balanced wall. If you’re going for a layered look, make sure you source frames of different sizes too. If you have too many of one size, the wall won’t be balanced or look “on purpose”.
3. Create Gallery Wall Templates
This is arguably the most important part of planning for a layered gallery wall. I swear by this template method – it’s tried & true. I promise you’ll never want to hang another gallery wall without using it. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the template method I use:
1. Trace & Cut Templates For Each Frame
You can use anything you want here. I had some large paper in the basement, so that’s what we used. Old cardboard boxes from your latest amazon delivery work too. Whatever you can find around the house.
Lay your frame down and trace out an outline. Cut it out & you’ve got a template!
2. Label Each Template To Frame
To make sure you don’t get mixed up while moving templates around, you’ll want to ensure they’re properly labeled. This is as simple as writing a #1 on the template & writing a corresponding #1 on the back of the frame in sharpie or on a piece of tape.
Pro tip: Label as you go. Leave your most recently made template/frame pair next to you while working on the next. This helps make sure that you don’t accidentally have 2 of any number while labeling.
3. Label Each Template By Details
On each template I use 3 forms of labeling to make sure my gallery wall looks balanced. This sounds more complicated than it really is. It’ll take you literally no time to do this, and will make a huge difference!
On the front of each template I write the color (g for gold, b for brown, etc.). If a frame has to be hung a certain direction because of its hardware or something, I draw a line in that orientation on the front of the template. Finally, if a frame is super ornate or detailed, I write that on the front of the template. That helps to make sure the really eye-catching frames are equally balanced throughout the gallery/gallery wall.
A recap: label the color, orientation, and if the frame is ornate on the front of the template!
4. Hang, Mirror, Move, Repeat.
Start hanging your templates up on the wall using painter’s tape (this will prevent any damage to the walls). As you begin to hang them up, start mirroring the corresponding frames on the floor to match the wall. Evaluate how the frames look next to each other, and move anything you aren’t loving. Then keep repeating the process until you like what you see on the wall and on the floor.
4. Source Art
I chose to source my art from the public domain and print it. You can thrift art, commission paintings from an artist, create something yourself, order prints, or anything your heart desires.
The key to making your gallery wall look fluid, is to pick a general color scheme. It doesn’t need to be super matchy-matchy, but some consistency will definitely help. I went with cool tones (blues & greens) & neutrals. Staying in the warm or cool family, should be enough to keep your wall cohesive!
5. Hang Your Gallery Wall Up!
The final step to creating a vintage style gallery wall! I discovered these cheap super hooks when doing our gallery & I’m obsessed. They hold a significant amount of weight for the small hole they create – you just push the end right into your drywall! If you’re hanging on drywall, I promise you need some of these. I also used this picture hanging kit, a hammer, and a level. Super simple!
Sit back & admire what you just created! If you post any photos/videos of your gallery wall – tag me @ahousetohomey on IG & TikTok! I love seeing the ways you all make your house feel more homey!
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