Having lived in this apartment for over a year, I am finally getting around to decorating, starting with a living room gallery wall. Unlike a picture wall, the gallery wall I was hoping to create consists of a set of frames with art prints inspired by my interests.
- Gallery wall layout generator
- How to easily hang prints
- Shipping and quality concerns
- Gallery wall reveal
My big idea
You see, I knew from the first time I saw the big space above my television that I wanted to install a gallery wall. However, I was intimidated by this project because I know the choices out there for prints, frames, and configurations are endless. Matter of fact, I began this project by pinning various images and only became more confused about what I wanted for the end result.
I knew that my living room space needed a bit of blue on at least one wall to incorporate the blue from my dining chairs just a few feet away. Also, I wanted this installation to include various sizes of frames because the wall directly across from it has lots of structure and family photos. If possible, I knew I wanted movement and my love for the arts to be displayed somewhere within this picture collage.
Also, I did not want a lot of uniformity. Instead, a more abstract configuration and textures are what I desired for this space. My indoor jungle adds a lot of greenery and texture to my living room, so I aimed for texture with frames and less color saturation.
Vague enough for you?
The inspiration was in place and ideas abound, but I really had no idea where to start. Obviously, I knew much more about what I wanted than what was actually available to me. Also, I had no desire to spend time going through various shops around town to only have to return to said shops and hope what I sought was still there when I went back.
Luckily, I remembered that one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Jenee’ of Highlowluxxe.com, shared a gallery wall she created for her previous apartment using Desenio. Therefore, in a true lazy fashion, I opted to shop online first and only hit the stores as a last resort.
Gallery Wall Layout Generator
Much to my delighted surprise, the first thing I noticed upon entering the website are the words “Gallery Wall” in the top menu. Then, to make things even easier, a drop-down menu appeared and a Gallery Wall Tool was there to make my life so much simpler!
I walked through the steps and chose a background for my wall. Then, looked through various poster configurations with visible measurements. This led to me using a tape measure to find out how much space I had to take up. After measuring, I realized that I wanted my TV to be an organic part of the wall, so I chose a layout that featured various frame shapes, with the largest print sitting at 70 X 100 cm (didn’t think about weight, but more on that below).
Then, as if that wasn’t simple enough, you click on each frame and choose a print to go inside.
Go back and read that again.
I was able to choose the layout, prints, and frames all on one single website. Plus, I could try different prints and different configurations to get the effect I thought would best fit my space. Another clutch feature is the ability to save my work and come back to play around until I was happy with the layout, prints, and frames I chose.
It was so simple and easy that I immediately began to worry ?
My biggest concerns
Considering the fact that this was going to be my second ever gallery wall, I was very skeptical of quality once I hit purchase. Previously, I tried to mount a print and frame that was too heavy for the five extra-large command strips I mounted it with and the picture fell off my wall in the middle of the night.
You can imagine how disturbing that event was for all involved (including my poor downstairs neighbors).
Then, after realizing that Desenio is not a US-based company, I worried about how long it would take for my order to arrive. After holding my breath for one second, my package arrived well-sealed and completely intact.
Better yet, the frames are beautiful, well crafted, and lightweight. Plus, the clarity of the acrylic glass cover is top tier. Then, I looked at the prints… and they were exactly as pictured on the website (thank the gods). Every single print was precision cut and vivid in sharpness.
I really appreciate the fact that everything arrived in one lightweight box too. I am used to the overpacking done these days that leave me with tons to dispose of, but I really felt that Desenio packed everything well enough to get to me in one piece without the overkill.
How to easily hang prints
Once I knew everything was in good shape, I took the time to map out exactly how I wanted my prints to be placed on the wall by using painter’s tape. I planned to use command strips to hang the frames, so I did not want to stick and re-stick. Instead, I played with perfect placement using painter’s tape before taking a level tool, command strips, plus the framed prints and attaching them to the wall.
The largest frame was too heavy for command strips, so I did use one set of picture hanging hardware. You can see the whole process over on the YouTube channel in my Apartment Makeover episode 2.
Gallery Wall Reveal
Honestly, this whole process was easier than expected thanks to the ease of Desenio. I planned the wall, ordered the prints, and the frames all on one website.
Then, it arrived hassle-free and I installed everything in a few hours. To complete the look, I moved my tall Dracaena and medium-sized Schefflera to the corner of the room for added dimension and interest.
I deem this project a major success!
I have two more rooms to decorate and now am looking forward to adding art to my bedroom and office. Gallery wall ideas are all over the internet, but thanks to the layout generator on Desenio, I was able to complete this project with very little effort and big results ?.
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- Small frame
- Plant print
- Medium-size black frame
- Medium size light wood frame
- Blue print
- Leaf print
- Large light wood frame
- Dancer print
