How to Hang a Gallery Wall
For many homeowners, creating a solution to turn bare walls and dreary interiors into a space that exudes style and passion involves hanging pictures and photographs. Several studies, including one sanctioned by Harvard University, have shown the mental health benefits of hanging art on a gallery wall in a home, business, or nonprofit institution. Improving mental health by hanging art includes reducing the impact of depression and acute anxiety.
Hanging art is more than a feel-good story for addressing mental health conditions. It also represents a sound financial investment. Between 1957 and 2007, art appreciated an average of nearly four percent per year in the United States. Although owning art does not deliver the same robust returns as stocks, it also does not crash your financial investments as quickly when the economy turns downward.
Art hanging from a gallery wall is also beneficial because it is a great conversation starter and an affordable way to boost the mood of guests and visitors walking through a living or working space.
Now that you are adequately motivated, let’s discover how to hang art on a gallery wall.
Gather and Organize Art
One of the mistakes made when hanging art on a gallery wall is to put the cart before the horse. In other words, the first step does not involve strategizing which pieces should hang at specific locations. Choose the artwork you want to display, and leave the arrangement of the pieces for the next step in creating a gallery wall.
Simulate Arrangements
The most challenging step in mastering how to hang art on a gallery wall concerns establishing where you want each piece to go. Trace each work of art on craft paper and then cut the craft paper to represent a replica of each piece of art. Attach the largest pieces of craft paper between 57 and 62 inches from the floor. From there, surround the largest pieces of craft paper with smaller pieces to complete a simulated display. Tracing and testing at least two arrangements will give you insight into the best layout for your pictures and photographs.
One important note: the 57 to 62 inches rule for hanging the largest pieces of art on a gallery wall is just one way for you to start an art hanging project. You also should consider the height of the ceiling and the height of the most prominent furniture in a work or living space.
Start with the Largest Pieces
After you choose an arrangement, start hanging the largest pieces of art by keeping a distance of three and six inches for each piece. Follow the rule of hanging large pieces of art on a gallery wall closer together than the distance placed between smaller art pieces. Although you are not trying to achieve perfect symmetry in your gallery wall display, you should balance each piece’s color, design, and finish.
Secure heavier art pieces with wall studs. Otherwise, using a hammer to secure a nail or a picture hanger should do the job for the remaining pieces. If you do not want to create holes in your gallery wall, use adhesive hook-and-loop strips to secure most paintings and photographs.
Get Art Hanging Support from Walker Display
Founded by Walker Jamar Jr. in the early 1960s, Walker Display offers different art hanging systems for private and public venues worldwide. Our clients include the Danville Art League, Flagler County Art League, and Northwest Cultural Council.
Learn more about how to hang art on a gallery wall by submitting the online form.