Thank you all so much for the terrific response to my last post about the hideous interior mistakes I learned the hard way. Well, many of them.

And there’s more to come and more color posts. I have so much that I want to share with you.

However, I have an idea brewing and it has to do with eclectic gallery walls.

You know, the ones with a bunch of mismatched frames and cool art that just seem to magically have come together.

source unknown

Ever try to do one?

If you have, you’ll understand that there’s no magic involved. I’ve already written about this subject twice, you can see in the links below.

art gallery

art gallery

The second post about why you should be afraid of them hi-lights the fact that it’s very easy to muck them up.

Too often eclectic gallery walls are:

too busy

I know that there are some people who would love this, I’m just not sure I’m one of them.

two crowded

seriously?

not crowded enough, unbalanced, poorly spaced

not straight

too straight.

Then there’s the issue of symmetry vs. asymmetry.

This is why I need your help with  eclectic gallery walls.

I’m working on a little project which I can’t talk about just yet. Your input, however, would be immensely helpful!

• Do you do them for yourself or clients if you’re a designer?
• Do you like them?
• Would you be more willing to do them if they weren’t so difficult to put together?
• Would you do them if there was an easier way to do them?
• Do you prefer asymmetry or symmetry?
• Does it bother you if one piece is out-of-place, or does it bother you if everything is perfectly spaced?

You don’t need to answer all of these questions, but if you have a chance to answer any or all, in the comments, I’d be grateful.

I tend to go towards symmetrical. I definitely do if the wall is open on both ends and the wall isn’t really huge. Even if asymmetrical, it makes me uncomfortable if it’s off-balance. How do you feel about that?

Waterleaf Interiors

I love these prints and the way they’re arranged

I very much like this from Sherwin Williams in cahoots with Pottery Barn. I think I would’ve left the small wall by the door blank. (these are not affiliate links)

Cathy Kincaid

This is not an eclectic gallery wall, of course, but I think it’s way cool with the vintage bird prints hung together like a sort of wallpaper or screen effect.

Just fabulous by Markham Roberts for last year’s Kips Bay Showhouse. I love the masterful composition with the wonderful Moroccan mirrors. This is also a case where there’s a deep rich background color which is really an accent in the room. Food for thought.

Things That Inspire

Love these vintage French Prints with their antique gold frames

Wonderful composition by Windsor Smith. Another important element is: Does the art complement the rest of the design?

Ali Cayne’s apartment

The rest of the room in Ali Cayne’s apartment. What’s funny here is please notice that the art on the left is the same as in the previous shot. I guess they moved stuff around for the photos. ;]

Max Humphrey in Lonny

Fun. I might’ve preferred if the small images could’ve been interspersed a little more, but otherwise, wonderful!

Swedlow Design

I always thought I was going to do this when my kids were young, but I didn’t. I did frame a few of their pieces and displayed them but not in a gallery like this. I think that this is a great idea for a family kitchen with a blank wall. It could be a fun project to do on a weekend.

A great tip from Simply Framed for doing this is to cut out of newspaper where you want the pieces to go on the wall. Lift up the back of the back wire as high as it will go. Measure that distance. Let’s say it’s 3″ from the top of the picture. Then the nail will go down three inches on center from the top of the piece of newspaper.

Thous Swell

I want this. I want the entire room!

Lonny

I have posted this one before. I really love it!

I love this charming vignette by Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic. I can’t see the entire wall so it’s not fair to say. I might’ve moved the picture to the right behind the lamp. I think it’s fine to have art behind a lamp–especially when there are numerous pieces like this. I guess it depends on the situation and how much room there is.

Oh wow. Here is an earlier iteration of the same vignette.

I think this is perfect for a young woman’s apartment.

How do you feel about eclectic gallery walls?

I’ll look forward to hearing from some of you in the comments!

xo,

For more art walls click here, here and here.