Wall decor help

Alina Rombakh
by Alina Rombakh
Wall decor that needs major help. Pinterest inspired wall? Not so much :(. I bought different frames and placed them on the wall, but it doesn't look that good. Any suggestions on how to make it look better? Thank you!
  68 answers
  • You need to paint then all the same color. And use the clock as the center piece. also use different styles and shapes and add some larger and smaller frames. I would even add a letter or quote or saying. check out my stairway gallery wall for some ideas http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/walls/stairway-gallery-wall-2892486
  • Jill Feigelman Jill Feigelman on Nov 07, 2014
    Great ideas @The Garden Frog with C Renee This post from @Lauren Shaver -Bless'er House also has some great suggestions as well: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-4516154
  • Anna @Annabode Anna @Annabode on Nov 07, 2014
    It would help greatly if the frames were of different sizes. There are a lot of frames at West Elm for 4x6 photos that have very large mats, and would add more weight to the wall: http://www.westelm.com/shop/accessories-pillows/picture-frames/?cm_type=gnav I disagree about them having to be the same color; as long as they are a group of neutrals (which they are) then they can still look stylish. I have a gallery wall in my dining room and each frame is a different tone of brown (wood), gold, and grey. The art inside them is also neutral which keeps it all tied together. Also, you have them lined up in three rows--which is generally a no-no unless the frames are all identical and oriented the same way. Try creating an asymmetrical but balanced arrangement, centered over the table. I've included a photo of my own gallery wall in case it helps (sorry it's a little blurry). Good luck!
  • Nancy Gramm Nancy Gramm on Nov 08, 2014
    You've had some great suggestions. From what I can tell from the pic, though, it appears that you've hung what you have too high. That's one of the major problems people have with wall decor. Pictures, etc., should be hung at eye level. In my house, that means my eye level, not the hub's since he's significantly taller than I am and anything he hangs by himself always looks way too high to me. ;^)
  • Cheryl Fontaine Cheryl Fontaine on Nov 08, 2014
    Move the clock to the wall under the picture with the white frame and move the apples to where the clock is and center them.
  • Grangerite Grangerite on Nov 08, 2014
    Center them above the table, lower the pictures, paint frames same color,center clock on wall above or below pictures, add a skinny lamp with low light to table so in evening the low light will slightly show the photos.
  • Kristel Wells Gray Kristel Wells Gray on Nov 08, 2014
    Maybe add a favorite saying ...either stenciled on or a decal. Agree on frames the same color.
  • Joyce Joyce on Nov 08, 2014
    Alina, You have already rec'd some great advice here so the only thing I would add is: as far as hanging to "high"....because what's ''high'' to one may not be ''high'' to another (I am 4'11''...so everything it high to me) :-) ...the general rule of thumb is that the middle of the ''picture'' should be 5' from the floor...which would mean if you are hanging a row of 3 the center row should be 5' from the floor...hope that helps Also, to help with placement lay the pic's face down on some type of heavy paper (brown craft paper or leftover wallpaper) ...Trace the frames then tape them to the wall until you get the desired look.. once this happens just put your hanger/nail in the right place...hang up your art then once it all looks like you want remove the ''pattern" The MOST important thing to remember is this:....it's YOUR home...and it will be RIGHT when it makes you SMILE when you look at it!
  • Kim Kim on Nov 08, 2014
    I would group the pictures closer together, add a lamp for height & maybe a fuller plant. I personally would bring the group of frames lower as they look lost on the wall. Good luck and post an 'after' pic
  • Theresa Hardin Barnhill Theresa Hardin Barnhill on Nov 08, 2014
    Go to yard sales and such and buy all types of frames including some odd ones and a few things that are not frames, make it random and full..I found a metal cross, a heart shaped block of wood, some old skeleton keys etc...I love mine and you will love yours.
  • Theresa Hardin Barnhill Theresa Hardin Barnhill on Nov 08, 2014
    Here it is for an example, it brings me such joy
  • Dianne Dianne on Nov 08, 2014
    Try something larger on the wall for a focal piece and build around it with the smaller pieces😄
  • Linda Gorski Linda Gorski on Nov 08, 2014
    Lower the pictures lower to the chest, have different size frames and have something on the chest like a lamp that connects the pictures and the chest as others have suggested.
  • Vickie Billings Vickie Billings on Nov 08, 2014
    Paint all the picture frames black hang the clock look for signs like family from hobby lobby...and don't. Just use small transaction need a couple of 8 by 10 frames and even an eleven by fourteen frame. Tape off the floor with the space you want to use in the wall and place your frames inside the tape until you get the look your after.
  • Judy Judy on Nov 08, 2014
    I agree w/suggestions below, I would also frame the photos w/a mat in larger frames (not all but a few). If it makes you feel better my gallery wall has been on the floor for over a year :( so cutos to you for taking the 1st step!! Maybe I will do mine today ;-)
  • Loretta Clark Loretta Clark on Nov 08, 2014
    You have raised a lot of interest with this question! As someone who like specific parameters, I've found some great ones on Pinterest. In the search block, type in "how to hang pictures on wall" Great results.
  • Joette Praamsma Joette Praamsma on Nov 08, 2014
    I saw the coolest thing on a DIY show on TV. They blocked off a rectangle a little larger than the group of pictures and painted the rectangle (on the wall) anot accent color. It tied the whole thing together like a huge frame. I think you do need to balance out the pictures a little more first. Try layout them on the floor until you get the arrangement you want.
  • Joette Praamsma Joette Praamsma on Nov 08, 2014
    An accent color, not 'anot'. LOL
  • Jan Goodin Jan Goodin on Nov 08, 2014
    First, all of the frames are too high on the wall. Need to bring them down to fit between the clock and the chest. also, paint them all the same color. Use brown paper to cut out the frames and tape up until you get a pleasing grouping. Good luck to you.
  • Melissa Leach Melissa Leach on Nov 08, 2014
    You have received many great tips. It may be difficult for you to short them out. Here is my two cents worth lol, Start out by painting all your frames the same color for continuity. I would go dark verses light since you have a light wall color. Don't be afraid to paint the frames with color. Every photo doesn't need a mat. As suggested earlier, hang your round clock centered in the grouping. Hang everything lower centered over the table. Add more interesting pieces to your grouping with larger frames and shapes like your initial, a quote, a large key or a cross. Add whatever means something to you! I agree a taller, larger and fuller plant placed on the table will help. Consider adding that tall skinny low light lamp that was suggested. Place everything on the floor or a table to figure out placement before you hang on the way. Good luck, lot of great suggestions from all. Be sure to post your finished grouping!
  • Rebecca Suzan Osterberg Rebecca Suzan Osterberg on Nov 08, 2014
    Paint the wall! If you can, have the time and energy, paint the entire wall to be a feature wall. I recently saw one done in wide horizontal stripes of various shades of the same color, in this case, gray. It was SO effective! You could just paint a "frame" instead and then use your frames as they are or finish them to contrast or match your painted "frame" or area. You could opt for polka dots instead of stripes or even get crazy with a mural, family tree or tie die effects.
  • Joy.schottenloher Joy.schottenloher on Nov 08, 2014
    I saw on one of my many craft sites a very unique wall decoration. It was a huge butterfly made out of toilet paper rolls and spayed gold.she had taken the rolls and flattened them.then she cut each roll into half inch sections. She began gluing them together . When she finished she had a large wall decorated with a big butterfly. It not only took up space but it looked great too
  • Change of Art Change of Art on Nov 08, 2014
    This is an easy one! (I've been living, eating, and breathing gallery walls for nearly a decade now.) The light wall color makes it a little more challenging with the small white frames – but I like your mix. I think you just need a feature piece to give the display some presence. Of course, I'd recommend a large (extra-wide mat) gallery frame to act as the 'anchor' to your display. (Maybe even an Easy-Gallery® frame that you can change out for the seasons?) But, it can be anything you like – a large painting, a canvas wrapped piece, a salvaged wood piece... Look around your home for something larger that you've never quite known where to hang. Cut out a paper template to play with (just tape it up on the wall – skip the laying out on the floor fuss), and try to keep it near the 'center' of your display.
    • See 3 previous
    • Change of Art Change of Art on Nov 10, 2014
      @Alina Rombakh Oops, I'm a little confused. I think I sent the sketches to someone else's email address (someone named judy, not Alina). If that's what happened, here are the pics.
  • Sharon Sharon on Nov 08, 2014
    I think the pictures are spaced too far apart. Choose white for the frames so they match. If u can paint the wall, please do. A darker wall with lighter frames would really pop. I would center it over your table, add a pretty lamp or flowers. Keep it uncluttered so the focus remains on the gallery above. I also suggest a large piece in the center, and a few white mats. I would not hang anything but pictures. Both looks are ok but I prefer a single theme. Hang the first piece, then tape up the paper pieces to get the look you want. Keep the center at eye level for the average person (tall people tend to go too high and petite people too low.) when you add new frames, try to add texture & interesting shapes, all white. If you ever paint the wall, take a picture first so you know where to re hang them! Good luck.
  • Joan Joan on Nov 08, 2014
    Frames look better when they are all one color. Also hang them a bit closer and lower on the wall. Maybe hang the vertical ones on one line and the horizontal on another. They should all look as if they belong together.
  • Janene Janene on Nov 08, 2014
    Everyone has great ideas. Try not to line your artwork/photos up when they're different sizes, tie them together by painting the frames the same color and choose a photo that you can frame in an 8x10 or 11x13 frame to anchor your collection. You're on the right track!
  • Martha Franks Martha Franks on Nov 08, 2014
    How about one large frame with the pictures in a collage? You can get these frames with the holes ready for the pictures.
  • Janis Hill Janis Hill on Nov 08, 2014
    You must be overwhelmed. It seems everyone has a different idea on this. And here I am coming from a completely different angle! I would take everything down, remove the pictures and glass from the frames and give them a coat of red spray paint, using a red that matches the red in the clock. That is if red can be used as an accent or primary color in your room. If not use another color that contrasts with the walls. This will give your gallery wall the oomph it needs. :-) The only frame I wouldn't paint is the one that is in the very center. The one with 3 adults and that sweet baby. It will sit on the table when we are finished. :-) If you do this spray the frames with several light coats. You will get much better results. Ask me how I know this! ;-) Then I would hang the clock so the bottom is 18" above the table. I would hang the two pictures that are on the outside of the bottom row on either side of the clock. I would center them so the tops and bottoms are not level with the top or bottom of the clock. Just centered. I would leave about 2 1/2 inches between then and the clock. Then I would hang the picture that is in the center row, far right 2 " under the clock. I would hang the picture from the top left on one side of it and the picture from the bottom middle on the other side. These pictures would only have about 1" between them and the tops would be level one with the other. Notice all the pictures you have used so far have a white mat around them. For the top row of pictures I would add white mats where needed. I would take the last picture on the top row and hang it directly above the clock about 2", the first picture, second row and hang it to the left of that one and finally the 2nd picture, top row to the left of the center picture. I would put a thick book (think Reader's Digest Condensed books size) under the plant then put that adorable picture that is currently behind the plant right in front of it. On the right side I would put the bowl of apples. In front of it I would put the picture that you didn't paint the frame (the dark frame that is in the center.) The last picture - the one of the baby that is the last picture on the center row I would put on an end table or somewhere else in the room to tie that area into the gallery wall. I would really like to see an 'After" picture. I know what ever you do you are going to do a great job!!!
  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Nov 08, 2014
    You have a good start but you need some larger and smaller frames than you have already. You need a good focal point...something that is not a picture by chance.... Arrange your pictures on the floor, maybe with some shelf liner paper and draw the end result so you have something to go by.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Nov 08, 2014
    Firstly, they are way too high on the wall. Bring them down quite a bit. Then, work in odd numbers. That is, 9, 11, etc. framed pieces. Odd numbers always work better and can lend themselves more readily to random placement. For additional interest include the clock about a third of the way into the grouping, along with other small decorative objects scattered randomly among the framed pieces. The frames can remain different colors as long as you separate like-colored ones with others of another color. Changing mats could also be done to interject color to add more eye appeal.
  • Debbie Debbie on Nov 08, 2014
    Good start and all good ideas- hand the round clock with pictures- lower the grouping Spra y paint all the frames one color. Den deco a wall gallery shows unique wall. I saw that below this posting
  • Holly R. Holly R. on Nov 08, 2014
    These have all been great tips, and just adding one more thought here. I noticed when I was looking at the photo, it was difficult to actually see the photos. Perhaps using a little bit larger photos and frames would give you your desired look you are after.
  • Erika Erika on Nov 08, 2014
    Hanging the clock is a good idea. Also, everything needs to com south about three inches. Next, you need a LARGE--family oriented theme--unless you have an actual much larger pic of family? If not buy one WITH bright COLOR. Next one medium pic. Arrange remaining pics around the larger ones.
  • Start with a larger picture centered and eye level above the furniture, use the smaller frames to fill in the space. :)
  • Lori Lori on Nov 08, 2014
    Don't forget the table below either, it should be included as part of your "vignette" something taller on one end maybe or a big bouquet of flowers, just so it's all one beautiful piece. Everything is too small and if you vary the sizes you will be more successful I think.
  • Sharon Reynolds Sharon Reynolds on Nov 08, 2014
    ...a huge empty frame and then arrange the pictures,plus clock, lower on the wall....dont need to paint them all the same color...but, while they dont have to be symmetrical, one should not stick out...it attracts unwanted attention, when a large empty frame will make people look at them all...
  • Karen Karen on Nov 08, 2014
    Lots of good ideas, would love to see the "after" picture. My best friend is Spray Paint!!! Don't be afraid of color, it will jazz up the wall. Have fun!
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Nov 08, 2014
    All the frames don't have to match; but lower everything closer to the table, where you can arrange other things to complete the vignette. Everything should be about eye level, no strain your neck looking up. There are lots of post on HomeTalk to give you ideas about groupings. Search for "picture gallery". I hope you post pictures when you are done.
  • Patricia Norman Patricia Norman on Nov 08, 2014
    Take the little picture that is to right by itself and the picture on the chest to make a fourth row-white frame on left and black frame on right. Move clock to the left and put a large vase of dried flowers or twigs on the right. Balance arrangement with the bowl of apples.
  • Teresa C Teresa C on Nov 08, 2014
    Cute pictures! Well first I would only choose a couple of colors for the frames and maybe paint the white a color because you can barely see them with the light wall. Next I would position the pictures in this pattern -- _ -- _ -- and then add pictures around until you get what you want. It has helped me group things, and it will cover the width and as you get more you can add the length.
  • Gail Gail on Nov 08, 2014
    They are kind of in rows too, I'd stagger them some high some low and different sizes.
  • Sharbearpaintperson Sharbearpaintperson on Nov 08, 2014
    Outline the wall, ( square or rectangular box, in black paint) put pictures, that are to go on the wall, on the floor, arranging them, to fit inside, the black box, you painted on the wall. Now take floor design and put them inside the black box , on the wall. the black outline, gives more dimension. Good Luck
  • PattyV PattyV on Nov 08, 2014
    I'd suggest getting two shelves that match your table stain. I would place on wall with both shelves being off center and one lower then the other. both shelves ends should over lap a little but they should be longer than the table on either side. Place picture on both shelves and place your clock on the wall alongside the lower side and below the upper shelf. Don't place them too high. The lower shelf should be slightly higher than eye level and the one above maybe 6 to a foot higher depending on ceilng height.
  • Eugenia Pash Eugenia Pash on Nov 08, 2014
    The pictures are great but hung too high. The frames could be larger also or get some accent among the pictures, something you like or make such as a embroidery or a doily that is framed. Pictures should be hung eye-level
  • Wendy Wendy on Nov 08, 2014
    I was taught that when hanging any art, that it should be no higher than eye level. I think your selection of photo's is great, but maybe make all frames the same color, that way no one photo takes away from the others.
  • Judy Judy on Nov 09, 2014
    I saw a post on one of my decorating searches which I plan to use. You take a pretty window curtain rod and hang your pictures in staggered heights with ribbon. The ribbon does have a bow tied at the top. You could match the rod to your table. The different sized frames would be just like the one I saw. If you have a color scheme you could use that color ribbon to pull it together.
  • Gwen Gwen on Nov 09, 2014
    I worried and picked pinterest posts and then I looked at my design magazines. Anything went!! Like what you did?? It's in a house showcased. What I like is that it's all photos, people looking happy at you, plus photos seem of a similar size. Another thing I like is that a few are vertical, and more horizontal. Then I like how you used darker frames for some of the vertical and darker for some of the horizontal thus tying all the photos together. I like the slight differences among frames yet they are all basic frames in other words, not super ornate and gilded next to a stark modern black frame. See what's so right about this arrangement? I like it. Very "West Elm" or other sites. Looks fresh and clean. Don't you agree?? Would you feel happy with it bigger framed?? Busier?? Just me? I want a stack of books on the right and a globe on top. But that's just because I like globes. Maybe move fruit to right side? Elevate it with books with spines of white or pages showing? No. I look back and like fruit color as your color. No books! I'm not much help am I?!! Use craft paint and just kind of wipe paint the clock white too. It will fit this look. Can you put it on a stand so it won't look like it will fall over? I found one at Michael's just for this size. I plopped a clock on the stand. But definitely do not hang it. Love your plant with white holder too.
    • See 1 previous
    • Theresa Hamilton Theresa Hamilton on Nov 10, 2014
      Also hang pictures lower,get a bigger bushier plant in a copper like pot.go ahead and hang that one picture up. Don't use placement and put clock someplace else
  • Joy.schottenloher Joy.schottenloher on Nov 09, 2014
    One thing I did learn was if you are going to put a lot of frames make sure you create a design that draws the eye to the art. Spread them out,add a ounces or little single shelves to break the the frames
  • Carolyn Zipf Carolyn Zipf on Nov 09, 2014
    Google...How to Create a Gallery Wall @daisymaebell..
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Nov 09, 2014
    You just need more pictures in various sizes, one or two big ones would help. As for the frames, either spray paint them the same color, or go to the hardware store, pick up a color card of something you like, and buy samples of each, keeping the frames in the same color family but with different values.
  • Connie Shurtz Connie Shurtz on Nov 09, 2014
    They are too lined up and too high above the furniture. Take them down and lay them on the floor on a piece of craft paper or newspaper and play with them until you get a design you like then mark the paper with the positions. Put the paper on the wall and make the nail holes through the paper and then pull the paper away and hang them. Adding a larger one will also help.
  • Carol Tomlin Carol Tomlin on Nov 10, 2014
    I love Eugina's and Judy's solutions. As for what to put on table, use things that will coordinate and compliment the beauty of the picture arrangement.
  • Jen Jen on Nov 12, 2014
    I'd paint the frames the same color too. Lower them on the wall. Add something different like a monogram, word, or quote. You could frame some pretty scrapbook paper to add interest too. You're on the right track, I think you just need more. I might add a larger picture to your table and maybe a small stack of books .
  • Alina Rombakh Alina Rombakh on Nov 13, 2014
    Thank you all for such great suggestions! I am excited to redo this!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Nov 13, 2014
    The pictures are hung too high. I would also create unity by having the frames the same colour. I like the plant, but think it should be larger and bushier to provide relief from the geometric, linear lines.
  • Alina Rombakh Alina Rombakh on Nov 17, 2014
    Thank you everyone! Here is my new and improved gallery wall :)
    • See 2 previous
    • Joy.schottenloher Joy.schottenloher on Jan 22, 2015
      And you did wonderful.
  • Gail Gail on Nov 17, 2014
    I like it, much better than your original.
  • Sharon Reynolds Sharon Reynolds on Nov 17, 2014
    ...wow!!!...looks great....good for u!!!
  • Kim Kim on Nov 18, 2014
    Looks awesome! In case you don't know you can buy this putty like stuff and pull pieces off to put behind a picture to keep it in place. I use it and it doesn't ruin the walls!
  • Karen Karen on Nov 18, 2014
    Love it!!
  • Joyce Joyce on Nov 18, 2014
    @Alina, I love the way you have used the black and white together..do you "mind'' if I make a "suggestion?".....is it possible to move the clock to the left side of the arrangement (where the small white frame and the black 5x7 are now) and move those items to the side where the clock is now?....it looks great ...but the right side ''feels a little heavy" (if you know what I mean)..because of all the black and the fact that the pieces are bigger Hopefully, I have explained myself well enough that you can understand what I meant
  • Jen Jen on Nov 19, 2014
    Looks great! Nice variety... Keeps your eyes interested. I really love the addition of the clock!!!! Well done!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Nov 20, 2014
    Much better. My opinion only. I would place the large black-framed pic in the lower left of your arrangement to balance the heft of the clock in the upper right. As is all the light weight small white pics are around the right corner.
  • Betsy Briggs Betsy Briggs on Jan 20, 2015
    My mom, who was an artist, said the most common mistake folks make is placing artwork too high on the wall. She said to center it to the line of sight, so that people don't have to look up at it. I have noticed that seems to be a common issue. Looks like you have lowered it, which is good.
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 21, 2015
      @Betsy Briggs LOL - so true! Looks like a guy with pant legs that are too short. In addition to my comment above, I would add - lower even more and allow more space between the items. Takes some playing around - and I have the holes in my wall to prove it!
  • The correct way is to center a picture at 5'5".
  • Linda Atkins Linda Atkins on Aug 26, 2015
    Try Uppercase Living. Maybe something like my profile picture to put in next to the pictures. See more at https://www.facebook.com/LindaAtkinsUppercaseLivingindependentDemonstrator
  • Mary Kay Mary Kay on Apr 12, 2016
    First, artwork incl pictures should be at eye level, and second the scale of your photos is too small for the wall they'[re on and the desk below them. Try enlarging them significantly and reframing or using a ledger shelf at eye level and just stacking them side by side on the shelf, lower...nearer to desk.
  • Shweta Sharma Shweta Sharma on May 31, 2016
    You can hang a gorgeous piece of art like tapestry. Hanging a mandala tapestry behind this table will give a stunning and classy look to your room. Try here https://www.rajrang.com/home-decor/wall-decor/mandala-tapestry.html