The Gallery Wall

Wall by Artspace

Some ideas never go out of style. The gallery wall is one of them. It's one of my favorite ways to display artwork. A gallery wall can be created to suit the minimalist (see above), or it can be "over the top" (see below), or anything in between. You can create a gallery wall from work you already own, or you can start one and add to it as you collect over time.

Gallery Wall by Jeffrey Bilhuber

Sometimes hanging art in this manner is called "salon style", because it first became popular in 17th century Paris, in the days of the grand salons. Here's a bit of history, from the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College:

Image from Somerset House, London

"The “Salon-Style Hang” is a method of hanging and displaying paintings that originated in 1667 with the beginning of the annual Royal Academy salon in Paris. The major entertainment events of the year, salons were juried showcases exhibiting the best of the best work of the year, by both students studying in the Royal Academy and by established masters. Because so many works were to be crammed into the exhibitions, walls were hung floor-to-ceiling with paintings on many scales and of many different genres. Usually the largest paintings with the grandest subject matter (history and religion) were hung highest on the wall, while more intimately-scaled work like still lifes were hung at eye-level or below."

Photo from West Elm

Well, over three centuries later, the style is still with us--and it has recently taken the decorating world by storm. A recent article in the Washington Post interviews experts on various approaches to gallery walls. They discuss using a subject matter theme, or a consistent framing theme, or even abandoning all rules and just hanging what you love! I like the interesting color theme in the grouping just below. It really sings.

Gallery Wall from Ace of Space

Whatever your personal preference, don't be afraid to give the gallery wall a try. It's not as hard as it might look. And it's a wonderful way to make a big statement, without breaking the bank on a single huge painting. You can even incorporate objects other than artwork, such as mirrors or sconces. Let your imagination run wild!

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens