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Master Bedroom: Picture Gallery Wall

One topic on the blog that I’ve shared inspiration on the most times, have received the most pins, and gets the most questions + comments, is creating a gallery wall.

Gallery walls are one of my most favorite design elements in a home because it tells so much.  Whether putting together a collection of a few large black and white family photos or creating a wall from wall edge to wall edge filled with colorful instagram images + momentos from your travels, a gallery wall is an expression of who you and your family are; truly the most important part of creating a meaningful home.

As the plans for my master bedroom were originally coming together, I knew I wanted to relocate the TV and create a gallery wall opposite of the bed.  The room just called for it.  It asked to have more photos.  I love being surrounded by photos, artwork, and elements that are most special to me.  In the bedroom, it makes the most sense.

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV + tips on how to implement your own gallery wall. So many ideas & inspiration on this blog!

The opposite of the bed used to have a large mirror (which was part of a bedroom matching set that I broke up) and the TV mounted to the side with a table underneath.  Very plain jane.  The space certainly didn’t reflect ‘us’.

Master Bedroom that didn't reflect 'us'

We removed the wall-mounted TV and the mirror, and placed the TV on top of the dresser.  The dresser, which is about 5′ long has a lot of surface space, so in addition to the TV, I added in one of my all-time favorite lamps that I hadn’t found the right home for since we moved here.   It’s a purchase from Crate and Barrel years ago and used to be in our previous home’s guest room.  I’m so happy to have found such a prominent place for it! #happygal

Gallery wall in progress

These two elements – the TV and the lamp – were the perfect size, and balance each other well.  The TV isn’t the focal point anymore and with the pictures that are about to be mounted on the wall, the TV will “disappear” and/or appear as just another frame on the wall.

As for the art / pictures on the wall, nothing was purchased.  ALL came from other areas around my home or my storage closet with all my extra goodies.  I wasn’t worried about the color of the frames or the images themselves, I just wanted only things that were important to us.  This is the wall we wake up to and see every morning…  It’s a great way to start the day (most days).

I don’t have too many in-progress pictures because I was so in-the-moment, but I started the gallery wall with the square mirror.  Part of it is actually behind the TV, so the TV overlaps it, which creates a shadow = depth.  Then I continued with the surrounding pictures – the square pictures above (Norman Rockwell prints) and the black and white Fallingwater image.

Gallery Wall Progress

As the wall continued, it started to take form, but it wasn’t smooth as butter.  Creating a gallery wall takes time, planning, and most likely a few mishaps before it’s just right!  Believe me, I didn’t snap my fingers and say Presto, to have it all complete in 5 minutes.  It definitely took a few days and a few moves.  As I’m working on a big project, especially something like a gallery wall, I like to do it and then take a step back to reflect.

Creating a successful gallery wall

After hanging most of the images and reflecting on it, I realized something was off.  Many of the frames were too in line and not overlapping enough.  To create a successfully balanced gallery wall, I feel it’s important to have a mix of larger and smaller pieces, along with them being staggered / overlapping.

I took a picture of why I didn’t feel this 1st attempt wasn’t right…

Creating a Gallery Wall around a TV

And take a look at the change after a few adjustments / moves…

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Many of the pieces of art were given to me and a few are store-bought finds.

> The sepia image of the flower was in our previous powder room and purchased at Homegoods.  It’s actually part of a pair, but I broke them up.

> The black and white image above is a charcoal drawing of a house that the Mister drew.  He’s so talented!

> The pretty sunset image in the larger white frame to the right used to be in my daughter’s room, but I stole it 🙂

> Continuing to the right, the 2 square images are Norman Rockwell prints – Day in the Life of a Little Boy + Day in the Life of a Little Girl.  They remind us so much of our little kids.

Norman Rockwell Prints - Day in the Life of a Little Girl / Day in the Life of a Little Boy

More of the wall…

> To the right of the Norman Rockwell images is a black and white picture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater that was gifted to my husband for his graduation.  We were both Architecture majors in college, so it means a lot to us.

> The gold framed image at the top is an oil painting of Paris gifted to me after my Mom and I took a trip there 10 years ago.

> The other gold framed oil painting is a random picture that was given to me from my parents (or maybe I just took it from their house – can’t remember)

> In the black frame below are my little boys handprints – my first mother’s day gift.

The rest of the wall…

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

> The white framed ballerina piece of art was recently given to me by the talented Donna Talley, stylist and producer for BHG.  She’s been a very special person in my life as of late!  She has provided me with some amazing opportunities.

> The other white framed image above is another charcoal work by my husband of Falling Water.

The wall in it’s entirety…

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Now that I’ve shared the result of the entire wall, I thought it would be helpful to show you where I started (with the mirror #1) and how it took shape.

Laying out a Gallery Wall

Some tips for creating a gallery wall:

  • Start with one framed picture and continue laying out the wall off of it.  Laying out the gallery wall on the floor first can also be helpful.  I did that on this previous wall I created…

  • Stagger the framed pictures instead of laying them out in one line.
  • Overlap framed pictures to give depth.
  • Create balance with a variety of larger and small pictures

For more ideas + inspiration, visit this previous posts:

Creating a Photo Wall Display
Useful Ideas and Layouts to Create a Photo Gallery Wall
Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV

If you want to check out my EASY tip on hanging a picture or artwork, check out this post:
The Best Tip to Hang a Picture

Let me show you the rest of the wall.

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

The view as we enter our bedroom with lots of beautiful light filtering in…

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Creating a gallery wall behind a TV by @Jenna_Burger, www.sasinteriors.net

The before, in-progress, and after is pretty different.  I’m so happy with the transformation because it’s a space I created that truly reflects us!

Before, In-Progress, & After Gallery Wall

The gallery wall… the final project before the big reveal.

Even though you’ve pretty much seen the entire room throughout all the DIY projects that I’ve shared over the past few weeks, the final reveal is coming later this week!

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV

Another Monday here again!  I hope you had a great weekend.  It was fairly low key on my end, but as a family we enjoyed the beginning signs of Fall, with the brisk chill in the air, by taking a family bike ride + watching football.  I also got the opportunity to shop for some colorful mums to transition the front porch, as well as the mantel.  Both are still in progress, but are coming along.  I’m waiting for some small pumpkins & ghords to arrive at the local stores – upon asking, it seems like it might be another week or 2.

Onto today’s blog topic… The TV and what to do with the wall behind it.

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

I often get emails from readers asking design-related questions and most of them I return with a few short sentences in hopes to point them in the right direction.  If they need more help, we usually end up working together through my E-Design ProgramBUT, last week I received a question that I KNOW alot of homeowners struggle with, so I thought it would be best to put a blog post together to assist and inspire more than one reader.

This email is from Christina:

I was hoping you can direct me with a huge dilemma. We have a tv hanging on the wall in our family room. Which I can’t stand. I prefer an armoir or built in. Any how hubby wanted modern tv on wall so I compromised. I have no idea what to do with all the extra space on either side of the wall. My style I would say is old world, electic, traditional. Could you please offer suggestions. I’m also confused if both sides need the same exact item hanging on the wall. Could I do a decorative mirror on one side and a collage of artwork on the other. Do I hang distressed wooden panels on either side or tapestry…….help. This space kills me. I can’t stand the TV on the wall.its so cold. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

Is this a topic you’ve often struggled with as well?   If so, I have some great ideas + solutions.

Most homeowners have flat screen TVs that are only inches deep (I’m excluded from this bunch – we still have a big ole’ cumbersome TV in the living room).  The minimal depth of these televisions allows for it to be functionally integrated without overwhelming the space.  If designed right, the artwork, pictures, paintings, and/or wall decor that surrounds the TV on the wall can become just as important, or more important, than the TV.  In turn, the TV ends up not being the dominant focal point of the room.  It still functions the same, but doesn’t overtake.

Let’s dive into some design solutions…

Gallery walls are in.  Gone are the days of 1 or 2 pictures on a huge wall.  The size and number of pictures on a wall should be proportional with the wall height and width.  The wall that is chosen for the TV is often the largest and/or longest in the space, so it should be filled.

One idea is to create an asymmetrical gallery wall, which is probably the easiest because there is no right or wrong.  It allows for growth and it allows to incorporate what is most meaningful for you.

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMThis TV gallery wall is surrounded by pictures and images in an array of sizes and frame finishes, which the eye is drawn to instead of the TV. via One Kings Lane

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMFramed by two windows, this TV gallery wall is a great solution for incorporating a TV into a living room space.  A mix of black and white artwork in black or white frames, are set behind the TV which is atop of a white dresser.  via Emily Clark

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMAnother idea for a TV wall is this eclectic asymmetrical composition that displays collected art and a vintage lamp along with the wall-mounted TV.  Incorporating an element larger than the TV steers the eye away from the “black-hole” and instead allows it to focus on the other elements – the lamp + artwork.

Another idea to take away – Because many of the other elements on the wall are black, your eye is tricked into not focusing on the TV. From the black lampshade to the black frames (some with black matting) to the black and white artwork + photos, so the TV actually looks like another piece of dimensional art. via The Hunted Interior

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMSlightly different than the above examples, this TV gallery wall is fairly symmetrical.  The wall-mounted TV is centered on the console and the pictures / artwork are “bookmatched” on each side (for the most part).  Other interesting elements, like the animal horns, surround the black and white frames and bring an added dimension to the wall.

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMCompletely different than the examples above, this TV is wall-mounted and is surrounded by perfectly symmetrical black and white pictures in black frames. It truly is an art gallery.  This wall created by Brooklyn Limestone shows all the steps of how she created it, plus a video on the progress.  It is definitely one to watch.

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMNo matter the size or configuration of a space, a TV can always (well 99% of time) somehow be incorporated.  In this narrow living room, the TV is set off to the side and sits on top of a dresser / console table.  It’s tucked out of the way, not making it the focal point.  Above is a picture that is even larger than the TV, which draws the eye up instead of at the black box. via La Dolce Vita

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMThe space around the TV doesn’t have to be only for pictures, but displaying other wall decor, like shutters, mirrors, or general wall art, is a great opportunity to create an interesting and unusual composition. via Southern Hospitality

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMGoing the minimal direction, the television in this space sits on top of a black lacquered console table and is pushed to one side allowing space for a large lamp and other accessories.  the wall space around is kept fairly bare, but interesting. via The Little Green Notebook

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMAgain, going back to a symmetrical look, the TV in this room sits on a smaller dresser and behind are two larger painting, then 2 more smaller styles on each side.  Two ghost chairs sit in front allowing for the art to speak”, yet still making an architectural statement. via Maple + Shade

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMLarger artwork behind the flat screen TV can make just as much, or even more, of an impact as smaller pictures / photos. via Apartment Therapy

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMAnother great TV gallery wall designed by Kristin of The Hunted Interior, showcases the television set off to the side with framed black and white photos around.  A large white lamp with black shade sits forward of the TV allowing it to be the focal point.

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COMAn asymmetrical gallery of black and white photos surround this TV  mounted on the wall.  To the sides sit two large floor lamps bringing height to the space. via HGTV

How to Create a TV Gallery Wall in your Home

So how can you incorporate these ideas into your own home?  It takes time, planning, and a layout.  Gallery walls don’t come together as easy or as quickly as hanging a simple picture on the wall.  BUT, a gallery wall can make a huge impact that will be far worth a single photo.

When the DIYer over at Tasty n’ Chic took on the endeavour of a new gallery wall, she created several plans and layouts before deciding on what worked best.  She used a computer program to create the ideal layout, but you can also use craft paper or wrapping paper (outline the sizes of your frames), or layout the frames on the floor (that’s what I do to get the exact plan).

Here is her drawing…

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

And then the result…

Ideas + Solutions for the Wall Behind the TV by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

I hope I’ve provided my reader Christina + all of you with some interesting and creative ideas + inspiration for what to do behind the TV.   I still have my humungous TV behind doors, but have had ideas and thoughts of upgrading.

If you’re looking for useful ideas and layouts to create a photo gallery wall, check out this post {click here}

Useful Ideas and Layouts to Create a Photo Gallery Wall

Good Luck with your TV wall creation!