WALL OF FRAMES

One of my favorite walls.

Making a statement with a wall full of frames is one of my favorite ways to decorate. Its a creative way to display memento's, collections, photo's and keepsake treasure's. I love the visual interest it adds to a room. By producing a Wall of Frames, you will completely transform your room.

Here are some tips to make your wall look like organized chaos:

1. Theme.

I have decorated with both options. My first attempt was a family photo wall, next came the kids artwork wall, then there was the wall of anything and everything framed ... and finally my favorite, the wall of reading. (photo posted below). It is currently up at my store, Lola's, in Morris, IL. We framed book covers, book pages and anything to do with reading. If you are going the 'no theme' route, challenge yourself to ensure there really is no cohesive theme. Your wall will look finished and I guarantee you will receive many compliments from friends and family.

Similar frames give a relaxed feeling.

2. Frames.

Frames are the most important feature to a wall of frames, (hence, the title). Again, decide theme or no theme. By hanging all your pieces in similar colored frames, it will become a relaxing wall. By using eclectic, mismatched frames or all sizes and shapes, your wall will be exciting and visually stimulating. 

3. Matting.

The items displayed in your frames do not have to be professionally matted. You can purchase pre-cut mattes, but the costs can quickly add up. Think outside the box. If the photo doesn't fill the entire frame, think outside the box. I have used old music sheets, book pages, and  scrapbook paper. My new favorite matte is pages torn out of a 1946 encyclopedia. I love the overall visual effect and the fact that it is so inexpensive.

4. Cost.

This wall doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Watch for sales at your favorite retailer. Check the clearance aisles everywhere you shop. If the glass is broken, no problem. Some frames without glass will add a nice visual effect to your wall of frames. If the frame has a scratch, no problem. You can mask scratches with a bit of sandpaper. Sand the entire frame to give it a worn look. Also, search thrift stores, second hand stores and consignment shops. Unique, inexpensive frames are the best finds!

5. Eye-Pop.

When planning your grand statement, be sure to add some eye-popping visual effects. I always use mirrors as one of my eye-popping elements. Mirrors reflect light and open up a space. Another element is hanging items directly on the wall, not framed. I have used badminton rackets, vintage plate's and old architectural element's. Anything works. Its something unexpected and your eye will natural "pop" to that item first. 

Lola's Wall of Frames in the store.

6.Hanging Your Wall of Frames.

Customers continually ask me how I produced such a magnificent wall. The wall is approximately 10' tall and 20' long. I am consistently receiving comments such as, "This must have taken days to hang all these frames!" or "How did you ever plan all this out?" The answer is its simple and easy, and relatively quick to complete. I pick one corner and work my way down. No rhyme or reason is the best philosophy. Don't worry, there are no mistakes. If you don't like where a frame is,switch it with another. You do not need to go to through the hassle of cutting templates to space out your frames - unless you feel like making more work for yourself! Last tip, have at least one set of frames touching. It gives people an uneasy feeling, but adds a great visually exciting feature.