Who says that your home can’t be a work of art? In this simple DIY, just a few hours and a bit of arm grease can turn a sad-looking wall into a feast for the eyes.
Gather your gallery
First, find any art that’s been collecting dust in your cupboard. Think photos, postcards, paintings, prints – you’ll want at least seven or eight, preferably in different sizes and orientations. If you’re short, you can channel your inner Matisse and make your own – or head to the nearest craft shop to get a headstart.
Mix and (don’t) match
When it comes to frames, we’re a big fan of switching up styles. Charity shops are a great (and affordable) place to start – try and find some more ornate, gilted styles to add a touch of luxe, and then some plainer formats to avoid overwhelm on the eye. Don’t be scared to mix colours too – a good way to measure if they’ll pair nicely is to go with an overall theme – warm tones, muted, pastel, or different types of wood.
Get drafting
Paper templates are an easy way to test the visual waters, without committing to a hole in the wall. Trace your frames on the paper and cut out templates for each frame. Measure from the top edge of the frame to the hook or string on the back. Then, make the same measurement on the paper and pencil in a mark. You can even try different layouts on the floor, as it’s easier to move things around.
Work from the inside out
Start from the centre of the gallery wall, and determine the desired height and central position for your frame. Measure the frame’s width and height, and mark the midpoint on the wall. For light frames, small nails or picture hooks may suffice. For heavier frames, use screws with rawl plugs or wall anchors. The biggest frames are best kept in the centre, so prioritise them first, and then work outward, sitting portrait against landscape formats for a stylishly mis-matched look.
Admire your handiwork
Stand back and take it all in. Still looking to level up? Why not order some picture lights to illuminate the larger formats. Relatively cheap (around £20 for two via major retailers), these sit above the frames, and quite literally show prints in their best light.
