Expert tips for creating a gallery wall above your staircase
Expert tips for creating a gallery wall above your staircase
A great way to make a statement above your staircase is to create a feature out of artwork, otherwise known as a gallery wall. Gallery walls can be laid out in all manner of different configurations to suit the shape and style of your staircase and can create a striking feature in an area that can otherwise be difficult to dress.
Whether you display a collection of family photographs, a selection of colourful abstract art or a series of black and white photography, the possibilities are endless.
No two staircases are identical and, as a result, there are many different approaches to creating an effective gallery wall. It can be difficult to know where to start so we spoke to interiors expert Shelley Carline and asked her to share her top tips and advice for creating a gallery wall. Here’s what she had to say:
1. Think about the size of your staircase
Narrow staircases, or those that are closed in with walls on both sides, may not have sufficient space to display pictures on the side walls.
An effective solution for decorating a staircase with limited space is to display pictures at the top or bottom of the flight of stairs. You could also incorporate mirrors into your design to give the illusion of more space and maximise the available light.
Shelley's advice: I would use fewer prints for a narrow staircase as it could look too cluttered—probably a group of around 5-6 different size prints. I would be a bit more adventurous with a wider staircase and use a larger selection of prints.
2. ...and work with the configuration
Staircases come in many shapes and sizes so different configurations are likely to work better with particular layouts. Turns in the stairs can create design opportunities and picture formations expanding out from a corner can look particularly effective.
3. Choose your style of frame
There are a wide range of inexpensive frames available on the high street, from simple, minimalist styles to more elaborate, decorative designs.
Consider the material of your balustrade when choosing frames. For example, traditional wooden handrails could be complemented with rustic frames in similar tones featuring the same type of wood. Alternatively, sleek glass balustrades work well with minimal, modern frames and metal spindles look great when paired with more ornate frames in monochrome tones.
Gallery Wallrus specialists in picture hanging, advise: “It all depends on the style of the staircase. We like eclectic styles but a traditional design might suit something sleeker. I think using frames that are all the same colour and size, such as nice thin black or wood frames would be fine.
Shelley's advice: I always decorate eclectically so I’d suggest using a selection of different frames ranging from inexpensive shop bought to vintage. For a simpler, more uniform look you could try painting a range of different style frames in the same colour.
4. Think about what you would like to display
Gallery walls can be used to display anything, not just artwork. Photographs, posters, mirrors and even collections of memorabilia can all make a striking wall feature. As long as what you hang doesn’t protrude too far out from the surface of the wall—and it is light enough to be suspended from a hook—the possibilities are endless.
Shelley's advice: Mirrors are great for creating an eclectic look and I tend to mix in things like typography letters, hanging plants and empty vintage frames. I like to use a mixture of prints, colours, vintage and new frames of all different sizes.
If you were looking for a contemporary, minimalistic look I would stick to one theme, using prints of similar tone and the same type and colour of frames for clean lines and not too much fuss.
5. Plan before you hang
Before you commit to hanging your artwork on the wall, play about with your layout to work out the best way for your pictures to sit together. Look at different templates and work out which configuration will work best with your available space. It’s a good idea to mark out your layout on the wall using washi or masking tape before hanging, although make sure you test the tape in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the wall surface.
Shelley's advice: I start by collecting my selected frames, objects and prints together and then planning a basic layout on the floor. I then start to hang the frames and prints on the wall until I am happy with the layout. Finally, I would fill in any gaps with smaller items. I occasionally measure but usually do it all by eye.
Gallery wall templates
1. Simple configuration for larger prints
2. Squared off configuration using different sized and shaped frames
3. Balanced configuration with staggered frame sizes
4. Randomised configuration, ideal for including ornaments and mirrors
5. Configuration in line with staircase rise – ideal for narrow or steep stairs
6. Configuration in line with staircase rise – ideal for wide or shallow stairs
7. Top of stairs configuration – suitable for very narrow or build in staircases
6. Hanging tips
When hanging anything above a staircase, it is essential that it is securely attached to the wall as there is often a significant drop over the stairs. Check the condition of the wall to ensure it is strong enough to support your frames. If the plaster appears to be crumbly, you may find that basic picture hooks won’t stay in place, in which case you may need to create permanent fixtures by drilling into the wall—even more reason to double check that your positioning is right!
Also, consider the height of the pictures, they will need to be high enough so they don’t get knocked, particularly on narrow staircases. Aside from the safety risk of the picture falling from the wall, a wonky picture will ruin the overall effect of the display.
Shelley's advice: Avoid using nails and go for command strips as I now have hundreds of holes in the wall!
