Are gallery walls still on trend? The simple answer is yes. I always love a good
gallery wall. Why? Because they so often involve making your home feel like your own
and adding your own personal touches. While the classic three-by-three arrangement is
often visually pleasing due to its symmetry, there’s always the option to switch things up
and hang pictures in a more random manner. Don’t be afraid to try something new and
experiment with different configurations until you find one that fits just right.
On the other hand, a lot of designers are using new, creative ways of decorating a blank
space in a home. A gallery wall is no longer about two-dimensional framed prints, set
out in a way that’s easy on the eye. You can add 3D elements to a gallery wall, mirrors,
plates and baskets. Or you could turn a shelving wall into a gallery wall with books,
plants, and ceramics. Or, you could go really bold with wallpaper and give depth to your
wall decor. Incorporate the rest of the room with your wall decor, and mix the furniture’s
silhouettes into whatever is going on on your walls.
Essentially, the gallery wall is no longer just about hanging prints, there are plenty more
exciting things you can do with the blank space. Below are three innovative alternatives
to a traditional gallery wall.

 

Use Picture Ledges To Layer Prints

Using picture ledges to display prints offers far more flexibility than a gallery wall. You
aren’t limited by having to fit all the frames together, you can layer them up and switch
them out easily and as often as you like. The gallery wall pictured is made up of items
that are really special to and move the homeowner and tell a story about the family and
who they are.
Since the pieces are all different shapes, colors and are a rotating collection, the ledge
is a really a powerful tool that also allows for a playful and eccentric feel.

(Image credit: Cody Ulrich)

Mount Plateware Directly On to The Walls

Why hide all of your good plates in the hutch when you can highlight your favorites on a
dining area or kitchen wall? Plates can be from a vintage collection and can be
diversified by adding some from antique shops and other unique treasures you find. The
ones pictured are given a ‘site appropriate’ placement above a dresser which gives
them a fresher look. Gallery and accent walls will always have a place, but it depends
on the feel of a space and what look you are trying to achieve. This wall is all about a
fun, versatile and relaxed feel-something that fits with the original building. If you are a
collector of something unique it is definitely worth putting on display so people can enjoy
it as much as you do and it helps to create a room that is interesting and layered.

 

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond Photography)

Go Overboard On Layers Of Prints

This next gallery wall is definitely not for the faint of heart decorators. It breaks every
gallery wall mold and is definitely maximalist in approach but it is done right and the
result is very eye catching and unique. This lovely setup proves that a gallery wall
doesn’t need to sit against a solid background, but instead creates a real focal point by
layering patterns. How to do it? Choose a wallpaper for the gallery wall, and have fun by
contrasting the colors and patterns of the wallpaper with your choice of print and frame.
We love how the traditional print and muted tones of the wallpaper clash wonderfully
with the geometric, primary colors of the frames and contemporary prints. Somewhat
surprisingly this more maximalist gallery wall creates a much softer look than the classic
gallery wall as you take out the striking contrasting lines.

(Image credit: Studio Peake)