Hanging art is one of the best ways to personalize a space, whether it's a bedroom or a hallway. While large, singular paintings look striking on their own, a cluster of artwork – formally known as a gallery wall – creates several points of interest, instantly adding vibrancy to a space.
A teen movie favorite of the '80s, Molly Ringwald, is a fan of the gallery wall trend. The Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink star posted a photo to her Instagram page of her cozy living area, where a greige couch is backed by several prints and paintings of varying sizes and shapes. The result is a carefully curated space filled with personality.
Gallery walls are one of the ultimate ways to add a touch of whimsy to the home – a trend that is very much on the rise (according to Pinterest, whimsical decor is seeing a 500% yearly increase in interest).
'Art is one of the most personal and intimate elements of a home,' says award-winning interior designer, Matthew Williamson. 'This is because artwork lends humanity and personality to a space. It can bring humor, freshness, color, pattern, texture, or whimsy to any room in the home.'
While the selection of artwork is completely up to individual taste, it is important to think about a room's existing design, and how works will fit into the scheme.
'Before hanging art, it is important to consider the available wall space and furniture,' says Dendo Design's Denisa Melusova. 'You want to ensure that the art does not compete with other elements in the room. For example, if you have a large window or a backsplash that features a bold pattern, you may want to choose a more subdued piece of art that won't clash with these elements.'
We love that Ringwald opted for a mostly neutral room palette, which pairs perfectly with her collection of intricate and antique works.
Strategy must inform art placement, and this naturally begins at the precise location where the art is hung.
'When hanging art, it is important to consider the height at which it will be viewed,' Melusova says. 'The general rule of thumb is to hang art at eye level, which is typically between 57 and 60 inches off the ground. However, this may need to be adjusted depending on the height of your furniture.'
For a gallery wall, symmetry and balance is key to ensuring that the collection of works looks neat and visually pleasing.
