Hanging Mirror Groupings and Gallery Displays

Multiple framed mirrors or picture frames can be about uniformity and symmetry. It can also be about variety and organized and visually pleasing chaos. The idea is filling up the wide empty space in the wall with colors, textures and images that add to the beauty of your room.

Here are some ideas and tips when hanging framed items:

• Have a funky round mirror-studded wall. Using around 10 to 15 small framed round mirrors, soften the sharp lines of the walls and the furniture with a gallery display of mirrors. Since you already have symmetry with the mirror’s rounded shape, try to go for an asymmetrical placement of the mirrors. However, work to produce a cohesive look so that the mirrors don’t look cluttered but are part of a bigger whole. For instance, you can put the largest round mirror at the center and then work your way to the outer sides of the wall. Another alternative is to create a swirl going upwards towards the ceiling. The framed mirrors going in that direction result in making the room feel more spacious.
• Add another window with mirrors. If your space is short on windows, hang framed rectangular mirrors on one wall in such a way that it will mimic the look of the windows.It is best to position this grid in front of actual windows so that the mirrors will reflect the natural light into the room. This strategy works well for dark areas such as a small kitchen, especially one that does not feature a window above the sink.
• Plan and test your layout. First, decide where and how much space you want to cover and make careful measurements.This helps you determine how many and what size frames to get. Next, lay out the frames on the floor or a wide flat surface such as a table (be sure to cover the table with a large sheet to prevent scratches). This allows you to see how the combinations of frames and images work. You can then experiment with various configurations to see what works best. Then, before you even hang the frames, take a picture of your preferred layout. Check that the layout provides a good distribution of color and subject.
• For grid arrangements, go for identical frames. This provides a clean, uncluttered look and makes it easier to form the grid. To focus on the photos, you can have plain, black or neutral frames. For a more eclectic look, you can have the identical frames in varying colors, the same frames with just a single bright-hued frame for a pop of color, or a mixture of both contemporary and vintage picture frames.
• Choose a color that complements your overall color palette. For a gallery display, your choice of frame color can have an impact on the overall look and feel of the room. Generally, dark frames can make the room feel smaller while lighter or neutral-colored ones provide an illusion of more space. Now, if you have space, black or dark-colored frames can make a great visual impact.
• Make the most of painter’s tape. Painter’s tape can help you achieve the alignment you desire. Start by taping a line that is 8 inches above the furniture over which you are hanging the gallery display. Then, you can use the tape to achieve a uniform distance between the frames. The general rule is that the frames should be at least 2 inches and at most 4 inches apart.
• Experiment with empty frames. Sometimes the frames themselves can be the focus. You can add visual interest to an accent wall that already has bold wallpaper by hanging empty picture frames as a grid.