Best Tips for selecting frames for gallery wall designs
Gallery walls can look absolutely striking, and then there’s the right choice of frame that works magic. With some well-curated frames, you can do your artwork or photographs justice, while turning an otherwise blank wall into your home’s visual centrepiece. Not to mention, too many options can be very overwhelming when it comes to choosing the frame. So here, we’re going to break it down and think about key things to look out for when picking out your frames for your gallery wall designs, plus expert tips on how to create a beautiful and cohesive display.
Knowing Your Gallery Wall Vision
Take a mental step back before you start picking frames. Think about the general vibe of your gallery wall. Consider the style of your home, the colors and textures around the decor and what types of artwork or photographs you will be hanging. Do you want sleek and modern or really eclectic and bohemian?
Do you have a group of black and white gallery frame photo prints, or do you mix it up with a lot of colourful artwork and sentimental trinkets?
Knowing your desired outcome will also help you filter through the various frame options that best will suit your overall design vision for the end result.
Frame Style and Profile
The frame style and profile can make a significant difference in how your gallery wall will look and feel. Here are some of the most popular frame styles:
- Modern and Sleek: Thin profiles in neutral colours such as white, black, or silver will give a clean and contemporary look.
- Traditional and Ornate: Thicker profiles with more detail will have a traditional look and give a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Rustic and Distressed: You can give your gallery wall a warm, organic tone by utilising reclaimed wood or distressed metal frames.
- Frame profile: Also, the width and depth of your frame will come into play. A wide frame is dramatic while a narrow one will be less noticeable.
Frame Material and Finish
Other qualities that will contribute to the overall design of your gallery wall are the material and finish of your frames. Some popular options include:
- Wood: Wooden frames make for great gallery walls because they add a warm texture to the collective arrangement of the different pieces. You can also consider the likes of oak, maple, or even reclaimed wood for this sort of expression.
- Metal: A metallic frame gives the look of being with the times. You could go for silver, gold, or copper for that touch of class.
- Acrylic: An acrylic frame will always work to give that more simple look. They are light in weight, easy to clean, and can provide a sleek, glass-like finish.
Colour and texture
That being said, the colour and texture of your frames can really make or break the entire cohesion of your gallery wall. Here are a few things to consider:
- Match Your Frames to Your Artwork: Use frames that complement the colours and textures of your artwork or photographs. For example, if you’re printing your favourite collection of black and white gallery frame photos, you should select frames in neutral colours like white, black, or grey.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to mix and match the various frame colours and textures with one another in order to come up with a truly unique and visually interesting display.
- Think About the Surrounding Decor: Consider using frames that work well with the overall colours and textures in the decor surrounding the artwork. For example, if you’ve painted a bold colour on your walls, consider frames in a neutral colour to provide contrast.
Size and Scale
The frame size and scale are the things that can really make or break the balance of your gallery wall. These are a few things to keep in mind:
- Diversify your frame sizes: Using large and small frames together will make an interesting display, but do this combination is using larger frames with smaller ones in order to balance it out.
- Balance Large Pieces: If you have a big art piece or a showstopper, it can balance other small pieces so the wall does not feel too overwhelming.
- Leave Negative Space: Don’t be afraid of negative space between the frames. At times, this is when they are so much needed to create more breathability and avoid the wall from feeling cluttered.
Tips for a Cohesive Gallery Wall
Here are some expert tips on making a cohesive and beautiful gallery wall:
- Start with a Focal Point: Consider choosing an important piece or a large frame to be the anchor of the gallery wall. That will help your display feel connected and give it a sense of direction.
- Plan out your frames to create a visual flow. Group like frames together, or create an illusion of movement by putting framed pieces at an angle.
- Experiment with Texture and Dimension: A lot of interesting visual interest can be added to your gallery wall simply by mixing up different textures and dimensions of the frames. Mix flat frames with deeper, more dimensional ones.
Mats can separate your artwork or photograph away from the frame, forming the impression of depth and visual interest. Select mats in a colour that complements the frame and the surrounding decor.
Conclusion
Of course, picking the frames for your gallery wall designs can be pretty overwhelming. However, by considering the style and profile of the frames, the material and finish, colour and texture, the size and scale, and the overall cohesion of the show, you can construct a really eye-catching and very individualised gallery wall that reflects you personally and stylistically.
Framing world offers you a wide range of frames to choose from, we are a one stop destination for every kind of frames you need whether it is gallery wall frames, wooden frames or any kind of frames.
Whether you’re displaying a group of gallery wall frames, or a mix of artworks with other meaningful trinkets, the right frame will truly make a difference when it comes to your display, turning a blank wall into a stunning point of interest in your home.
Thank you for reading 🙂
