Ahhhh…the glorious gallery wall. You either love them (because they’re awesome and a wonderful way to use your art), or you’re intimidated by them because you’re afraid you’ll mess it up. But can there be too much of a good thing? This question popped into my head a few weeks ago when I was working on gallery wall #4 in our tiny apartment. Can walls be too covered? Why am I not ok with a blank wall? If someone walked into my home would they get claustrophobic because there is art looming over them from every wall? Are these just a fad that has been made popular by bloggers and Pinterest? Of course, despite all these questions floating around in my head I continued hammering away and finished my latest gallery wall in our bedroom. And I love it. And I’ll share it soon! (And no, I don’t really think they are just a fad…art collectors and art galleries/museums have been displaying their acquired masterpieces in the “salon-style” for hundreds of years…thus the word “gallery” in gallery wall.)
I think gallery walls are great for many reasons. First of all, they fill up sad blank walls. Secondly, they are a way to use your art or other unique decorative objects. I probably have over 25 pieces of art smaller than 8 by 10 inches, so gallery walls allow me to showcase all these wonderful pieces. Plus they evoke drama in a way that an individual piece hung alone could never do (unless it’s a large, fabulous piece that needs no supporting cast). Finally, I think they are great for those of us who haven’t had the resources or the opportunity to acquire large, expensive artwork. So many of us are rather transient, and small pieces are much easier to pack up than large, expensive pieces are. Even if you aren’t in your home or apartment for very long, a gallery wall can make you feel at home because you’re surrounded by pieces you love.
All that being said, I’d like to know what do you think about gallery walls! Love them? Hate them? Think they are over used? Am I wrong for wanting to fill up blank walls? Is it time for me to start buying large-scale pieces of art? (Yes.) Have I invented a conflict when one doesn’t even exist? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I love them! Your blog has helped me think about incorporating decorative items within the art. Thank you!
Anonymous
December 23, 2014 / 1:24 am
Planning to start my first after the new year thanks to your inspiration! -Marissa
Anonymous
December 24, 2014 / 1:58 pm
I like them, however the first picture with the blue wallpaper? – that's a little too much. I have one in my kitchen made up of crosses that I collect.
Aww thanks Jessica! Luckily my mom encouraged me to start collecting art at an early age, so I have more pieces than I know what to do with (at least until I have a larger place one day). Thanks for following along!
I totally agree, that first one is a little over the top. Your kitchen one sounds lovely! I have collected crosses on many of my travels too, and love how they look all grouped together.
LOVE them. currently adding to mine and always looking for some new art. love your interior design posts!
xo
Lauren
http://www.annacroswell.com
I love them! Your blog has helped me think about incorporating decorative items within the art. Thank you!
Planning to start my first after the new year thanks to your inspiration! -Marissa
I like them, however the first picture with the blue wallpaper? – that's a little too much. I have one in my kitchen made up of crosses that I collect.
Love them! I am jealous that you have 4 gallery walls!!
Thanks Lauren! I'm always looking for new art too. You can never have too much, in my opinion!
You're very welcome, and thanks so much for following along!!
Marissa, that's really exciting to hear! Good luck with putting it all together! I'm sure it'll look great 🙂
Aww thanks Jessica! Luckily my mom encouraged me to start collecting art at an early age, so I have more pieces than I know what to do with (at least until I have a larger place one day). Thanks for following along!
I totally agree, that first one is a little over the top. Your kitchen one sounds lovely! I have collected crosses on many of my travels too, and love how they look all grouped together.