gallery ledges + tips for styling them

 I LOVE a good gallery wall, but the truth is, hanging a bunch of pictures and making them look good can be tough – even for someone like me, who has hung more than my fair share.  Not to mention the fact that banging in that first nail is enough to give most people heart palpitations! I’m really loving gallery ledges more and more lately; they’re a great alternative to the traditional gallery wall and are a super chic way to combine favorite artwork, treasured photos and decorative accessories.  You can rotate pieces in and out regularly and when styled well, they make a pretty dramatic impact!  Here are a few styling tips for making the most impact on with gallery ledges:

A FEW TIPS FOR ARRANGING A GALLERY LEDGE ARTFULLY WITHOUT LOOKING CLUTTERED

1.  Use the same color and type of frames in many different sizes for a cohesive look. 

2.  Overlap frames – a small one in front of a tall one, a short one in front of a wide one, etc.

3.  Go floor-to-ceiling for dramatic impact.

4.  Hang a few pictures on the wall in between and/or lean large frames on the floor to maximize wall space and fill in any gaps.

5.  Add decorative accents for texture and interest.

6.  Mix in pieces of your favorite artwork for pops of color.

Here are some of my favorite examples of perfectly executed gallery ledges (and just for the record, the loveliness in Miss India Hicks’ dining room is the most stunning display ever!)

India Hicks via HSN

The Dunmore Hotel

Apartment Therapy

Jenny Komenda

Bloom, via Heather Clawson

India Hicks

Pottery Barn

Don’t forget to sign up to win one of Brynn Weiermiller’s seascapes, if you haven’t already!

Happy Hump Day, friends!