This post is by Sonata Home Design at Home Talk, read here.
If hanging pictures stresses you out, this tiny trick makes hanging 10 times easier.
Let's tackle this blank wall in our guest bedroom and give it some personality without the stress of complicated measurements or crooked frames.
Today, I'm diving into my stash of wall art and found something I had totally forgotten about — artist sketches of my twin daughters from a visit to the state fair years ago. Cue the tears and inspiration!
Finding a Theme in Your Art Collection
As I looked through my art collection, I noticed a common thread that started to bring this gallery wall together.
Many of the pieces had gold frames or gold accents, and there was another theme that kept popping up — female faces like my girls' sketches and other portraits I've collected over time. That felt like the perfect story to tell on this wall.
But I wanted to bring in a little more oomph, so I decided to add some color to the mats in the sketches to tie everything together.
How to Refresh Picture Mats with Patterned Paper
Here's how I did it, and spoiler alert, it's so easy!
I started by removing the image and mat from the frame.
Then I grabbed some patterned paper I already had on hand, placed the mat on the paper, folded over one side, and paid attention to the direction of the pattern on the paper.
This doesn't require fancy glue or tools, just good old tape. Secure the paper to the back of the mat.
For the inner window of the mat, cut a small X in the center, then snip out toward each corner. Trim the paper about an inch past the mat edge. Fold it back and tape it down.
Pop the artwork and the newly wrapped mat into the frame, and voila, a completely fresh look.
Designing Your Gallery Wall Layout
Now comes the fun part — designing your gallery wall layout. Lay everything out on the floor and play with the placement. Go symmetrical, go asymmetrical. Just go with what you love.
Once you've found the winning combo, trace each piece onto butcher paper. Cut out the paper templates, label them, and tape them onto the wall with painter's tape.
This little hack lets you see your layout at eye level and make adjustments before you commit.
The Game Changer: OOK Hooks
Here's where the magic happens, because not all wall hooks are created equal, but OOK hooks? Total game changer.
Whether you've got sawtooth hangers, D-rings, or wirebacks on your artwork, OOK has a hook that works with your art, not against it. They're strong, sturdy, and incredibly easy to use.
Here's what I do: mark where the hook should go on your paper template with a dot, then place the OOK hook right on that mark.
Tap it in with a hammer and tear the paper away. Boom! Your hook is exactly where you want it, no guess work involved.
For most of my gallery walls, I used the OOK hooks that hold up to 10 pounds. They're perfect for standard frames and feel super secure.
But for those heavier pieces, like ones with big frames or heavy glasses, I reach for the heavy-duty OOK hooks with two nails. I know my treasured wall art isn't going anywhere.
