The portrait wall, the family picture wall, and the gallery wall…whatever you call it, the pictures abound. You've got the wall space, you've got the pictures, but just how will you lay everything out? Don't let be leery of hammering in that first picture hanger. These fun twists on gallery walls offer possibilities for every family.
Canvas Prints & Oversized Framing
Use molding to create a frame around large pieces of artwork or pictures, in lieu of matting and having them framed professionally. This option is less expensive and works especially well for canvas prints you purchase online. Use an over-sized frame over a canvas print on a large family room wall, and place smaller prints around this central focus of the room.
Historic Stairs
Start sharing the most recent pictures of your family at the bottom of your staircase, all framed in the same colorway (we chose black, but brown or white frames might work well depending on your wall colors). Work your way up the stairs, incorporating pictures of cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, and other extended family as you go. Combine your gallery wall and staircase to create an organic family tree.
Say It with Words
Keep your eyes peeled for a piece of artwork that offers a quote that defines your family. "Make time for quiet moments, for God whispers and the world is loud" was a great choice for one of my family walls. It's surrounded by pictures of my family enjoying loud, candid moments.
Decal It
Wall decals don't just belong on nursery walls anymore. Consider purchasing a set to help you create a gallery wall themed for each of your children throughout the house. Use sports equipment on your athletic daughters pictures and add ballet tutus to your other daughter's shots. Wall decals with words are also popular-find one with the word "family" or the first letter of your last name to add some interest to a gallery wall.
Chalk It Up
Use chalkboard paint as the basis for a large gallery wall by painting a large rectangle that will cover the entire gallery area. Then frame your favorite shots (preferably candid) in white and mount a piece of molding large enough to hold a piece of chalk. Your guests and family members will love commenting on their favorite pictures.
Oh the places you've been!
Don't reserve gallery walls for family portraits. Are you interested in seeing the world? Show off all the places you've been, then. One picture per state or country is a great idea. Use frames of different sizes and colors on wall painted with a neutral color and keep adding to the wall every time you return from a new destination. Add a framed map of the world or the United States as a finishing touch.
