Wall Collage: The Perfect Mess

With all the rain we’ve been accepting here on the East Coast of Australia, all this time inside is sending us into creative overload!

So, let’s get into it… We are loving the effect of covering a bland wall with a collection of photographs, antique bits or special artwork. There’s something so beautiful about arranging things into a perfect cluster… The perfect mess. While the final look appears casual and uncalculated, there is method to the madness. Creating a wall gallery is no easy feat unless you have our guide! You will have your very own collage of your beautiful pieces placed effortlessly in no time.

Step 1. Decide what you would like to hang

Purchase your mismatched or varied sizes frames. Mixing the same medium is usually easiest—photographs, black and white prints, colorful artwork etc.

It is usually best to frame and back mat everything the same. Don’t be afraid to mix & match vintage frames… just maintain the balance.   If your worried about their colours clashing – simply paint them a uniform color.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to fill the frames either. You can use scraps of leftover wallpaper, old photos, pages from a vintage book, autumn leaves or even leave them empty for a quirky touch (photo below).  Your options are almost endless!

Step 2. Plan your layout.

You don’t want to look completely amateur by nailing a bunch of unnecessary holes into your walls, lay out your collage first (blutac and paper cut into the same size as your frames).

Multiple frames look best when based around the following shapes: rectangle, diamond or square.

Groupings look best when frames are spaced around 1 to 2 inches apart. However, if there is an extra large piece in the mix, give it a little extra room to breathe (an extra ½ to 1 inch should do).

Start with your largest piece first and then work around them if you are mixing sizes. To be sure you get that ‘well placed’ look.

3. Testing, testing!

Once you have arranged the collage the way you would like, simply outline each frame on the butcher paper with a pencil or marker. Then cut out the paper outlines and tape them to the wall to visualize your collage. This is the time to move things around until it’s just right. Sticking them to the wall with some removable adhesive, like blutac.

Frames should hang at eyelevel or around 5 feet. If you’re very tall or have very high ceilings, you can hang them a tad higher or create your feature taller and wider.

4. Time to nail it!

If you place a frame somewhere you don’t like, don’t worry. It’s nothing a little paint and spac-fill can’t fix.

We would love to hear how you went with this little project!

Enjoy.

O&O