Interiors
Interior experts reveal 7 simple gallery wall configurations to try on your staircase
A gallery wall can be a great way to make a statement above your staircase, with an endless variety of possible configurations to suit the shape and style of your staircase.
Making a feature out of artwork, decorators could display family photographs, a selection of colourful abstract art, or a series of black and white photography - creating a striking feature in this difficult-to-dress area.
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​However, with so many possible ways to place your frames, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why staircase expert Lucie Levelsey at Jackson Woodturners and interior designer Shelley Carline, have put together 7 simple staircase gallery configurations to try at home. Along with their top tips for selecting frame styles and artwork.
7 simple staircase gallery configurations to try at home
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Simple configuration
This configuration is great for minimal design and is definitely the most simple to execute for decorators - requiring three pieces of art of the same size and which complement each other. This style is perfect for larger prints, family portraits or travel and architectural photography.
2. Squared-off configuration using different sized and shaped frames
This style has a more varied approach, meaning it works well with a range of frame styles and formats. This can allow more freedom in the choices of artwork, mixing all of your favourite pieces together. It can also be more free flowing, with less precision needed in terms of measurements and symmetry.
3. Balanced configuration with staggered frame sizes
For something that has an element of symmetry but, feels less rigid than the simple than the three regular sized frames option. This configuration keeps the space feeling organised and clean but, allows for a variety of artwork shapes and sizes.
4. Randomised configuration
This style is ideal for including ornaments and mirrors, bringing a more eclectic feel to the staircase. However, it can still suit more modern and minimal spaces, if the frames are kept simple or black and white photography is used.
5. Configuration in line with staircase rise
This configuration followed the line of the stairs and is perfect for narrow and steep staircases. It allows for a variety of portrait and landscape frames, whilst retaining some uniformity.
6. Configuration in line with staircase rise
Similarly, this style follows the stair case rise, making it ideal for wide or shallow stairs where multiple pieces can sit above each step. Generally, the wider the staircase, the more pieces can be used without causing the space to feel cluttered.
7. Top of stairs configuration
Some staircases may not suit a gallery stretching along the stair themselves and would instead benefit from a gallery at the top or bottom. This is often more suitable for very narrow or built-in staircases, to avoid accidents or damage as people walk up and down levels.
3 expert tips for creating a gallery wall
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Avoid bulky or heavy artwork
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Lucie said,
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“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. Just make sure that 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 or command strip.”
Lucie Levelsey
2. Consider themed looks or an eclectic mix
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Shelley said,
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“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.​
Shelley Carline
​“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.”
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3. Plan before you hang
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Shelley said,
“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.”
For further guidance on how to create a gallery wall on your staircase, visit the Jackson Woodturners gallery wall guide.
