Wall Of Frames: Ideas For A Family Gallery

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

Illustrious or not, each family has its reasons for pride. Like old mansions or private houses, you want to show off the life of several generations. On the one hand, to transmit memories to your offspring and on the other hand, to pay homage to your ancestors. Dressing the walls by creating a photo gallery turns out to be an artistic task. So, a creative wall decoration in photo frames can require a lot of knowledge: perspective, optics, symmetry, dimensional relation and the know-how of a gallery owner. No hesitation, because the wall of frames will inevitably instill sobriety and a feeling of serenity in your home.

A wall of frames: what prompted you to create it?

It is true that it is long, a family story, but nothing prevents to bet on reference photos, generalizing the periods of life of a few generations. It can lead you to hysteria, because it is not at all easy to choose.

For this reason, discovering the different types of photo frames, which vary in shape, material, functionality, display, texture, and image capacity, can be a crucial starting point in arranging a wall. frames. Moreover, knowing these variations will give you benchmarks to choose the best photo frame and complement not only your photos and memories, but also your entire decor.

If you have a penchant for the maximalist style in decoration, exploit the rule of "all too many". So even if you cover the whole wall with photo frames, it's not kitsch or mess, but another point of view, maximalism.

What type will your wall gallery be?

Do you want a gallery grid or an abstract wall? Monochromatic or colored? Your desires depend on the location of the photo frames. Either in the living room, the hallway or following the decline of the staircase, a wall full of photo frames can create moving impressions.

To create a wall full of frames, you need to think about how it fits the mood and space you intend to "dress". In any case, the grid type assumes a vertical and horizontal arrangement of similar frames. If you want to precisely fill the space above a sofa, headboard, or dining table, consider choosing a classic frame style for a sleek, even look and consider a theme. for your grid, like travel photos, wedding photos or art prints.

If the wall is narrow

Very suitable for a narrow wall or for the staircase will be the arrangement by columns. This alignment works wonders in tight spaces. If you mix up frame styles, metals, and vary frame sizes, you will add visual interest.

Several photo hanging ideas

Apparently, there are many ways to display photos without using frames. On the one hand, it is cheap and on the other hand, saving the money for the framing, you can invest it in a style decoration: boho, vintage, rustic.

In this sense, you can use old frames, making a must-have ensemble in an old window, in shabby style. A mirror or clock can be surrounded by small black frames for contrast.

How to animate the show?

There are times when you want to fill an alcove or dark corner. So a cohesive design element will stick to any wood or gold picture frame and keep your wall decor tones logical. If you have a tall wall, use spools to hang several wire frames and occupy even the highest spots.

Using the ledge

If you like a change of scenery on a regular basis, a grouping of 3 to 5 photos framed and leaning against each other on a shallow wall shelf will be your interim little gallery. By mixing the sizes and the nature of the frames, they will remain multidimensional.

In case you want to start from scratch and know exactly the space you're looking to fill, bet on pieces of different sizes, sizes and styles to give the gallery wall a collectable feel.

Specify your budget

So many frames in a span of time, it can get very expensive! After having inspected the cellar and the attic, you have surely found a little treasure. As an old frame can be converted into many decorative and practical objects, why not involve it in your family gallery project. And you know that garage sales and flea markets sometimes unearth rare and precious objects, guaranteed to make a unique wall of frames.

How to choose the photos?

First, you have to realize that your wall of frames should be thematic, which means that having photos, portraits, posters, drawings, tables in bulk, is not at all a good idea. Respecting an aesthetic order, with a dominant theme is the winning trick.

If you are showing only family photos, follow a chronological order, preferably based on key dates. Another variation will be a focal point, if you are lining up photos from 3 or 4 generations. They will serve as lessons on ancestral heritage.

Tips for choosing frames

Although the wallpaper is timeless, the decorative project to dress a wall with photo frames or paintings is not to be missed. Even though it is an artistic challenge, it is worth the effort because it will bring color, spirit and personality to the room. With the idea of highlighting, opt for frames in white, black or brown color.

There is a good thing about all of these arrangements. They can grow and change over time. On a grid or column gallery wall, this means adding a new row or a new room respectively. In a classic living room style or gallery wall, you can add rooms as you find them. We love an eclectic mixed media gallery wall. Each wall reflects the unique stories of the person who collected the coins.

Measure and then measure again

Certainly, measuring and checking again is a crucial activity, after choosing the location, the photos and the frames. But even with all the measurements done, you may find yourself changing some parts because you are not really happy with the way of spacing. In order for such boredom to be avoided, if it occurs, start from the bottom in the middle and work your way up.

Spacing tip

Bet on uniformity because it works well with any gallery wall, it's even a necessity. Due to the amount of your photos and the space available, you will realize how far to position each piece from the next.

How to create a wall collage?

If we have succeeded in convincing you to undertake the decorative "wall of frames" project, it is because you have convinced yourself that adding framed photos to your walls creates a certain intimate touch and highlights a variety of favorite memories. Considering some great collage and gallery setups, how to tackle yours.

We have already mentioned that the first thing to do when creating a photo frame collage is to choose where you want to place it. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Pick an easily accessible location - this will not only make snapping your photos easier, but it will also make it easier to dust off, add more frames, and / or swap new photos over time.
2. Prefer a well-lit place to be able to enjoy your photos once they are displayed!
3. Consider a theme, if you are going for a collage of family photos, your living room may be the perfect place. As children grow older, it is best to create a gallery in their playroom. Sometimes the theme of your gallery will help dictate the perfect location or vice versa.
4. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. A hallway or bathroom might not be the first place you think about, but don't overlook any space that you can make functional.

What to do with painter's tape?

While there are a number of ways to plan your photo frame layout, seeing the blocked wall is the best way to visualize the space. By using the painter's tape, you not only have the flexibility to adjust and create the size that suits you best, but it's also easy to remove. Consider using a low tack brand of painter's tape to minimize the chance of damage when you remove or rearrange it. Use a ruler to get straight edges.

Work with a frame designer

You can upload your photo and build the frame around the "art size" because different styles of frame have different measurements. Because you are going to match the size of the outside frame to your wall markings, you will need to change your "Art Size" until you get the correct full measurements.

Once you've uploaded your file and chosen your frame style / mat options, you can click on the gray box labeled "Details" at the top. This box can be found to the right next to "Art Size" and will give you the dimensions of your outer frame.

To adjust the appropriate exterior dimensions you need for each location in your collage, simply adjust the “Art Size” of your photo. Just remember that changing your frame style, adding a mat or changing your “Art Size” will result in different exterior dimensions, so always check the “Details” box before adding to your cart.

You can also consider using a program like Photoshop to digitally preview your gallery. Take a photo from your blocked gallery, then overlay screenshots of the frames you design to see how it all comes together.

When to remove painter's tape?

To hang you need to measure the distance from the hanger wire on the back of the frame to the top of the frame.

Then you will measure that same distance from the top edge of the painter's tape with the corresponding location of each frame, make a small pencil mark in the center, and press in your tab.

Once your tab is in place, remove the painter's tape and hang the frame. Repeat this activity for all photos!