Creating a Travel-Inspired Gallery Wall
When we re-did our living room, my favorite thing we did was create a gallery wall of pictures that had meanings to us from our travels. Right now, they are from our experiences in Alaska, Napa Valley and the Chihuly experience at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville Arkansas.
I love to travel! I admit it. I love seeing new places, having new experiences that I’ve not had before. Traveling allows me to experience the world’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and colors in a way that expands my horizons and further enriches my life. And I always have a camera with me. Why? Because I want to remember. I want to remember the time, the place, the experience. I always joke and say …. If I don’t have a picture of it, it didn’t happen. While obviously that’s not true - I do love capturing the experience and further reliving it by viewing the pictures again.
Travel journeys are often filled with moments of awe and wonder that we wish to capture and remember forever. One of my favorite (and beautiful) way to bring these memories into your home is by creating a travel-inspired gallery wall. This wall display can serve as a daily reminder of your adventures, adding personal style and global experience reminders to your space.
Let’s talk thru the steps of curating your own travel-inspired gallery wall, from selecting the right photos to designing the perfect layout.
Tips for Curating Your Own Art Collection
1. Start with a Theme or Story
Before diving into your collection of travel photos, take a moment to think about the overall theme or story you want your gallery wall to tell. Do you want to focus on a particular trip, like a memorable vacation to Italy or a cross-country road trip? Or would you prefer a broader theme, such as "coastal escapes," "urban adventures," or "natural wonders"?
I have difficulty in this step as I have so many wonderful experiences and excursions that it’s hard to narrow a theme down. If I can do it, you can too!
Choosing a theme will help guide your selection process, making it easier to curate a cohesive collection that feels intentional and well-planned. A gallery wall with a "mountain adventures" theme might feature photos of rugged landscapes, serene lakes, and snow-capped peaks from various trips to national parks and mountain ranges around the world. An Alaska themed wall could showcase images of glaciers, landscapes, animals and flowers from your favorite explorations.
2. Select Your Best Travel Photos
Now that you’ve selected your theme, it’s time to select the photos that will make up your gallery wall. Start by going through your travel albums and pulling out images that speak to you—those that evoke strong memories, capture the essence of a place, or simply make you smile. Aim for a mix of wide shots that set the scene, close-ups that highlight details, and candid moments that tell a story.
Remember, quality over quantity is key. A well-curated gallery wall doesn’t need to feature every photo from your trip; instead, focus on selecting a few impactful images that best represent your experiences. Make sure to pay attention to the resolution and quality of each photo—especially if you plan to print them in large formats. High-resolution images will ensure your prints look crisp and professional.
Let me just top here and say … THIS is the hardest step for me. If I didn’t like the “picture”, I wouldn’t have taken it. lol Seriously though - it’s so hard to not just start picking the art without thought. Trust me when I say … to spend a little time on this planning and coordinating to make your wall tell a story.
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3. Choose a Consistent Style or Edit
To create a cohesive look for your gallery wall, consider applying a consistent editing style to your photos. This could mean using the same filter, adjusting the colors to match a certain palette, using the same print medium, or opting for black-and-white edits for a classic and timeless feel. Consistency in style helps tie the photos together, even if they were taken at different times or in different locations.
If you’re not confident in your editing skills, there are photographers that will do this for you. Depending on how large you want to print the art pieces, and your experience level, I recommend hiring a professional photograph editor rather than be unhappy with the finished product.
4. Plan Your Layout
Once you’ve selected and edited your photos, it’s time to plan the layout of your gallery wall. There are several ways to approach this, depending on your style preferences and the space you have available.
- Grid Layout: A grid layout is a great option if you prefer clean lines and symmetry. This layout involves arranging your photos in a neat, evenly spaced grid, creating a structured and organized look. It works particularly well with photos that are all the same size and shape.
- Salon Style: For a more eclectic and dynamic look, consider a salon-style layout. This approach involves arranging your photos in a freeform manner, mixing different sizes, frames, and orientations. It’s a fantastic way to showcase a diverse collection and adds a sense of movement and creativity to your wall.
- Centered Layout: A centered layout features one large focal piece in the middle, surrounded by smaller images. This style draws the eye to a central image—perhaps your favorite photo or the one that best captures your theme—while allowing supporting photos to add context and depth.
- Linear Layout: A linear layout involves arranging your photos in a straight line, either horizontally or vertically. This approach is ideal for narrow spaces, such as hallways or above furniture like a console table or sofa.
Before hanging anything on the wall, it’s helpful to lay out your photos on the floor or use painter’s tape to outline the frames directly on the wall. This will give you a visual guide and help you make adjustments to the arrangement until you’re satisfied with the overall look.
For me, I actually make a visual page on my apps (Photoshop, Canva or Goodnotes). I’m more visual so it helps for me to see what it’s going to look like.
5. Mix and Match Frames
The choice of frames can greatly influence the overall aesthetic of your gallery wall. For a cohesive look, you can stick to frames of the same color and material, such as sleek black frames for a modern look or wooden frames for a rustic, earthy vibe. Alternatively, mixing and matching different frames can add visual interest and a touch of eclectic charm.
Consider using a mix of materials, such as metal, wood, and acrylic, or play with different finishes like matte, glossy, or distressed. Just be mindful not to go overboard—too much variety can make the display feel chaotic rather than cohesive. Aim for a balanced mix that complements your photos and the style of your space.
Personally for me, the art pieces that I select is done with frameless options of acrylic - so I don’t need any frames. I prefer to use this due to the modern medium and museum mount.
6. Incorporate Personal Touches
If you do frames, you can also add personal touches that reflect your experiences and personality - like maps, travel tickets, postcards, or small souvenirs collected from your trips. These items can be framed alongside your photos or displayed on small shelves within the gallery wall.
Adding text elements, such as quotes or captions, can also enhance your gallery wall. Consider including the names of the locations featured, dates of your travels, or meaningful quotes that resonate with the theme of your wall. This not only personalizes the display but also provides context and a narrative for your visitors.
For me, I keep the personal touches for scrapbooks that I create. This is probably because I started as a scrapbooker many (many!) years ago.
7. Enhance with Lighting
Proper lighting can elevate your gallery wall, highlighting your photos and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Picture lights, track lighting, or wall sconces can be used to illuminate your artwork and draw attention to the details. For a softer look, consider string lights or LED strips that add a subtle glow and a touch of whimsy.
If your gallery wall is located in a space with ample natural light, take advantage of it!!!! Just be mindful of direct sunlight, as depending on how you printed your art, it can fade your prints over time. UV-protective glass or acrylic in your frames can help preserve your photos and keep them looking vibrant for years to come.
Wrap Up
Creating a travel-inspired gallery wall is a wonderful way to bring the world into your home and keep the memories of your adventures alive. By thoughtfully curating your photos and art, choosing a cohesive style, and designing a layout that suits your space, you can craft a beautiful and meaningful display that reflects your unique experiences.
Go gather your favorite travel photos, get creative with your arrangement, and enjoy the process of turning your walls into a personal gallery of your life's most memorable moments.
Happy Decorating!! ~Lisa
