Hi there! This is Part Two of the Gallery Wall series. In Part One, we covered determining your space, arranging your pieces and picture hanging 101. This week we are focusing on creative ways to display unique items. Let’s get started.

Do Something Unexpected

Of course, the bulk of your gallery wall pieces are probably framed pictures directly mounted to the wall. It’s always fun to throw in something unexpected though…like this magnetic scrabble board.

This was a fun and easy project using a 27″x 24″ frame, a sheet of metal, a spare scrabble game and magnets. One of my favorite things about this scrabble board is that I’ve constantly got a game going so the words and configurations are always changing.

I loved this idea of using a series of flash cards as wall decor.

Or how about this super quick DIY Thought Bubble Dry Erase Board. You could change it out with a quote of the day or inspirational sayings.

Flexibility

The ability to make changes to your gallery wall is really nice; however, you don’t want your wall to look like a piece of swiss cheese. Photo shelves are a fantastic way to get flexibility from your gallery wall without a lot of nail holes. You can easily change out pictures for seasonal decor or just rotate through favorites. I used two of these 25″ Threshold Picture Ledges from Target. I like them because they are a good length for my wall arrangement and they give me 3″ of depth so I can stagger my pictures or place a small vase on them. They are also only $12.99 so that’s a bonus too.

You can find picture ledges in all different lengths and colors at places like Ikea and Pottery Barn. You can also get creative and make your own. I love this re-purposed wood wall shelf from My Creative Days. The link actually brings you to a tutorial on creating the architectural wall map which is also AWESOME.

Textural Interest

Picture frames are ‘hard’ objects with distinct shapes and form. Because a gallery wall is like a vertical vignette, I like to balance the ‘hard’ with a little ‘soft’ via texture and non-structured form. A wall vase with a small floral arrangement, a woven wall hanging, baskets or wreaths are all perfect objects to soften up a gallery wall.

Not Just Nails

Finally don’t just get creative with what you hang; think of clever ways to hang it. I took the screw off a drawer knob and glued in a nail. This made a much more attractive hanger for my wall vase.

I love this quick alternative to traditional frames

Or how about using a clipboard (or making your own)?

There are so many wonderful and easy ways to achieve a beautiful wall gallery. They can be modern and streamlined or quirky and colorful. Whatever your decor style; wall galleries provide interest, texture and a perfect place holder for good memories. 

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