A large, empty wall can be a scary a thing, especially when you’re designing on a budget. A lack of art, frames, and special tools can make decorating feel all the more daunting when you're trying to devise a cost-effective plan of action. It’s a good thing that everyday items — postcards, mementos, and old photos — can look like masterpieces when hung up gallery-wall-style.
That’s not to say an original painting or print isn’t a great starting point for your gallery wall; it just means that cool visuals can come from a variety of unexpected sources. Scour flea markets, thrift shops, and even your own storage closet for old textbooks, concert flyers, and record covers — you’ll find a slew of cheap but compelling images. So whether you're dreaming of a full-fledged photo grid or something a little more salon-inspired, fret not: These 15 fabulous facades will help guide the way. No contractor — or original artwork — necessary.
A well-planned grid turns pretty photos into a striking centerpiece in no time. You can frame pages from an old geographytextbook ormagazine and hang them symmetrically to achieve a similar look.
Photo by Brittany Ambridge for Domino.
Give your home office area an artful upgrade with a gallery wall in place of a traditional mood board. Start by hanging an inspiring print or a treasured objet d’art, and then just see where the road takes you.
Photo: via @HomesteadSeattle.
A spirited mix of fun frames andinteresting artifacts creates a rich and eclectic feel for any room, regardless of the actual artwork. Try incorporating apendant lamp or a potted plant for an extra layer of luxe.
Photo: @seaofshoes via @dominomag.
Earth tones are always a safe way to create a subtly layered look. Try framing some softer images — worn book pages, photos, and concert flyers — in creamier shades of gold andnude for a mellow but modern display.
Photo: via @apartmenttherapy.
Simple frames in natural shades forge a floating effect against a pale wall. As do carefully placeddecals.
Photo by Brittany Ambridge for Domino.
Okay, so it obviously doesn’t hurt to have velvet parlor chairs and matching pink walls as your setting, but Sketch Gallery in London proves even simple drawings can make a major impact when displayed properly. Vintage book and magazine pages can look just as stunning when framed in bulk, too.
Photo: via @designlovefest.
Old-school maps and other time-worn pieces stand out nicely amid anatural palette . Try blending in somefrisky fabrics — or even ametal mirror — to add some unexpected charisma to the scene.
Photo: via @claireesparros for @HomePolish.
Sleek, stick-on pictures andframes aremoveable andreusable; no hammer and nails required.
Photo via @bodieandfou.
Layer in some of your favorite found objects with assorted artwork — and shrubs — for a real mixed-media presentation. Also note:Ladders are surprisinglychic and multi-functional.
Photo: via @easanti for @designsponge.
Gradient shades of gray look magical when grouped together, especially against a neutral wall. Try framing of few of your favorite black-and-white photographs in thin, white frames for an equally ethereal effect.
Photo: via @Dustjacket_.
Turn an unflattering television screen into an opportunity for aesthetic greatness with some shapely accent pieces. A backdrop oflinear artwork andgraphic prints offers a thoughtful antidote to otherwise unsightly technology.
Photo: via @TheEveryGirl_.
Don’t forget a playful portrait of apooch — ortwo — to liven up your sitting room. Although just aboutany mammal under thesun will do!
Photo: via @Audra Rhodes and @allisynkmorgan for @designsponge.
No façade is too small for a gallery-wall installation; you can bring personality and panache to any surface with some properly placed pictures. Framed vinyl covers andgrid-art frames will work wonders, especially in a tight space.
Photo: via @dustinforest for @HomePolish.
A commanding wall offers ample opportunity to make a salon-style statement. Anchor a large space by hanging a bigger picture left of the wall’s center, and then adding indifferent sizes ofneutral frames as high or low as you’re willing to go.
Photo: via @Dustjacket_.
Dark paint and a couple of beloved books or album covers might be all you need to revive a neglected bedroom corner. For this, floating shelves work best, although there are definitely ways to get creative.
Photo: via @stylizimoblog.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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