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Do you have a blank wall that you have no idea what to do with? Create a gallery wall! Gallery walls do not have to be a full wall of stuff. You definitely can completely fill a wall with art and stuff. But you can also do just a few pieces of art to create an amazing gallery wall.
Before
This last year, I made the decision to sell my China Cabinet. I had it for several years, but I wanted to change things up. I really would like to add built-ins eventually, but that will have to wait for another time. So, I’ve had this whole blank wall in the dining room for several months now. I knew that I wanted to do a gallery wall, but I wanted to collect all the art first. I found several pieces of affordable art on Etsy. This is my favorite place for art. I usually purchase downloadable files and then just print them at home on a regular piece of paper. So, let’s get to it.
Art
My first stop for art is probably going to be Target. They have a lot of inexpensive art in frames. But, if you don’t need frames and you just want the art, head to Etsy.
Most of my art pieces on my gallery wall is from Etsy. I especially love the downloadable files. I’m going to give you a little tip. If you need art in sizes 8×10 or less…. just print at home. I use regular paper and print at home. Now you’re probably not going to get the quality that you would from a company that actually processes pictures. So, take this advice with a grain of salt. Not all art on Etsy is a download. You can find original art from vintage to new. I’ve also purchased original art prints. I have great luck with the quality, for the most part.
You can also find art pieces on FB Marketplace, Goodwill, or antique stores. I bought several amazing pieces from a local antique shop and I love them.
Some additional sources for art can include high end retail shops like Pottery Barn, Arhaus, McGee and Co. They do have amazing pieces of art, but most of the artwork is way out of my budget. But definitely take a look for some inspiration.
Frames
I must admit…I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to frames. But you just never know when you’re going to need one! I used to have a very basic gallery with all black frames for our family pictures. I have a lot of black frames. But the great part about that is, you can paint them any color you want. I’ve used rub n buff on my black frames, as well.
You can find a lot of frames at Goodwill and FB Marketplace. I have a lot from both places. You don’t necessarily have to love the art in the fram…you can always change it. In fact, you can change the color of the frame if ya want!
Layout
Creating a gallery wall can be tricky business. I’ve done several in a couple of our homes and I like to use some kind of template. In our last house, I cut out pieces of paper in the sizes of the frames/art that I would be using and arranged them on the wall until I had the layout I wanted…. then I poked all the holes. I did something similar with this current gallery wall. I created the layout I wanted and laid everything out on the floor. I measured each piece of art and used painters’ tape to create the layout on the wall. I think it’s helpful to be able to visualize the layout on the wall without putting a ton of holes in the wall (but you can do that too). My husband likes to say we have “drywall termites”.
Progress
Gallery Wall Complete
I’m really pleased with how the gallery wall turned out. And because some of my artwork is more affordable, I can switch it out for each season or holiday! I probably won’t keep the gallery wall here forever, but it’s a nice filler for this blank wall until we do whatever project I have in store for this space…but that’s a story for another time!
Conclusion
I hope you were inspired to create your own gallery wall, whether it be big or small! Definitely watch your local thrift stores and FB marketplace for frames and/or art. Let me know if the comments if this is something you’d do! You know I love to hear from you! Be sure to check out my Reel for a fast gallery wall DIY. And also, this Reel for other ideas for a blank wall.
Until next time Treasure Hunters!
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