Creating a Galley Wall and a Trick

I love photos.  Most people do, and we should be proud to display them.  A galley wall can just include photos, but you can also mix it up with other media and interesting finds.  Here's some of my favorite examples:

1.  Loving the simplicity of the lines and color.  I think the matted frames makes this an elegant, yet uncomplicated kitchen.  The utensils on the wall are their own form of art.

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2.  Hello pop of color!  It's great when you can start from scratch like this, using the same color and size frames.  It makes quite a statement.

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3.  Once again, big fan of the white frames.  But I liked how they used not only photos, but quotes, child's art, etc . . . to create a very cozy wall.

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You also need to determine the "style" of your galley wall.  Perhaps you're the kind of person that needs every angle to match up perfectly.  Investing in a laser level will help you achieve that look.  For me, I'm a fan of just laying the frames in a pleasing manner with as close to equal space between them as possible. "Dry fitting" them on the floor first is a good idea.  There are also a ton of great tutorials on the web for achieving the perfect look.  But we're not about perfection here in the Christianson household.  :)

As for locations, there is no wrong place for a galley wall.  Most people would use a hallway as a general area, but think about the kitchen (as seen above), the kid's playroom or even a bathroom.  I found the perfect spot for us is up our stairs.  It makes a statement on an otherwise boring wall space.

So, for years I've collected frames on sale, clearance, flea markets, etc . . . and just kept a supply and slapped them on the wall when I had that just right photo to display.  This eclectic mish-mash of frames worked for quite awhile.

But recently I did a swooping change in the living room, and the eclectic mish-mash just wasn't cutting it anymore.  But I was also being strict with our budget, and although I love the look of all white or all black frames, I wasn't about to replace the complete collection.  So, I kept all the white and black frames, and then painted all the other frames with a punch of teal and chartreuse, to highlight some of the pops of color in our living room.

So, you're thinking to yourself, "Awwww . . . I do love the look of galley walls, but damned if I can keep all those frames straight?!?  And being the "A" personality that I am, I won't attempt it unless I know I can have 90 degree perfection!"  You were thinking that, weren't you?!?

Here's where I tell you about a trick?

Glue dots.

There.  I said it.  The trick is glue dots.

Yup.  Those funky little dots you buy in the scrapbooking section of AC Moore or Michael's.  If you have a frame that slips out of horizontal for you, just put a glue dot in the corners.  And if it's being a little bugger, don't be afraid to layer the dots on top of each other.  I've had to do this with some heavier frames and it worked like a charm.

So, now your excuse of crooked frames is squashed.  Get to that galley wall.

Debbie

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