Gallery walls are a great way to create an interesting focal point for any room and an equally great way for one to express themselves and create an inspiring homey feel. You can have an organized sleek gallery wall or a more casual mix and match vibe. Either way you choose to go if you follow these helpful tips your gallery wall will be sure to be amazing.

• If you are hanging multiple pieces of art pick one to be the focal point and main center of the collage.

• The grouping of pictures should be considered one unit.

• They should all have a similar theme whether it be subject matter or color scheme to build a collected look

• They should play off of each other and create an organic energy and interesting central point for the room

• Test arrangements by laying everything out and comparing which combinations look best.

• To be able to mark the hanging point of your wall, layout the arrangement you want on a piece of wrapping paper like in the picture above. Then trace around each art piece. Now put the wrapping paper up against the wall and mark where the photos should go through the paper onto the wall. This makes it so much easier when it comes time to put the pieces up.

• To avoid putting too much weight on one side of the collage consider imagining a vertical line going right through the middle of it. That way you can have an even amount on each side of said line and avert having an imbalanced group of photos.

• A group of art pieces should not be more than 6” apart

• To help you space your pieces,  place your hand flat with you fingers tight between each photo. This is a good amount of space between the pieces and assures that you measured evenly

• When hanging horizontally an odd number of pieces is more visually pleasing to the eye than an even number

• For a more formal display use matching frames, but if you want a casual look don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match your frame choices.

• When making a gallery wall you can personalize it to be as eclectic as you desire. You can throw in mirrors, clocks, signs or anything else that you may want to include to attain your perfect look.

Sources:

http://www.howtodecorate.com/2012/02/how-to-hang-wall-decor-101-2/

http://tidbitsandtwine.com/10-tips-for-creating-a-collected-gallery-wall/

http://petapixel.com/2012/05/07/use-wax-paper-to-plan-out-your-picture-frame-layout-on-the-ground/

http://blog.graylivin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/gallery-wall-vignette.jpg

• Hang the center of the artwork at 57” above the ground.
• Hanging 57” at center is standard in galleries and museums and it represents the average human eye height.  
• “At center” means that the hook will be higher to allow the middle of the art work to be at exactly 57” above the ground.

Steps to Find 57” at Center:

1. To find the center measure the piece of art and divide by two
2. Then measure the space from the hook on the back of the canvas to the top of the artwork and subtract from the number you found in step 1
3. Then add 57” to that number and that is where you should hang your hook on the wall
4. The hook should hang around 1/3 from the top of the canvas/print
5. When your done hanging use a level to ensure that your art is hanging evenly

Example: 

For example if you are hanging a 24x30 canvas

24/2 = 12

The hook is 3 inches from the top of the canvas

12 - 3 = 9 + 57” = 66

Your wall hook should be 66” from the floor.