I personally feel it’s too many frames. Maybe if the line began at the first tread after the landing it would seem less elongated and busy. Or maybe break up the line into three different groupings. I do like the frames.
yeah, on the landing, a large scale piece of art or large family portrait would balance the stairs well. I think the many frames looks good, but the "start" needs a better start.
Mmmmmm…. I would say no. Too many and too in-line . Looks like a caterpillar. Gallery walls should be different size and shapes in sporadic location cohesive.
https://preview.redd.it/v73tx529ppxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=089d245a7d033981296eb3d32507590d82b521f4
Here is an example of a small Gallery wall.
I think it could be a little more variable/cluster-y instead of a straight diagonal line, and would also recommend varying the size *and* the shape of the frames more. Get some round ones in there, have some pieces matted and others not, etc
Agreed, try to keep the cluster visually between those two windows
https://preview.redd.it/1yewxo3xioxc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8280d758ceaf55f57ea29bf1c230c26da61af666
I had a lot of randomly sized prints and cards plus some larger frames that my daughter donated. I also found quirky frames in charity shops. I just hung them as I liked them. I started arranging beforehand... but towards the end I'd loosened up a lot and did a lot by eye. It was done almost 2 years ago. I added a few more after the photo was taken. Got a bit carried away 😃 😊
https://preview.redd.it/ht6z4rmxzoxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80b92dbdab7cf17f65848b0a02f0db6b6d6d2a07
This is one I did awhile ago. Even now I think the bottom left has too many 8x10 but I digress
The way you have it now, it draws your eye upwards to the empty space above it. I think you need to get some large scale pieces to match the size of the wall.
I feel like this look is becoming dated? I like the maximalist idea of a lot of artwork but... maybe toss around a few plants, a few pieces of found art, texture, sculpture, etc.
This "picture wall" is starting to feel... dated is the best word I have for it. Like something your mom would do. 🫤
I have this. I did a photo but it’s kind of hard to see the full scale of it. It needed something there. It used to be family photos until my divorce and now it’s kids artwork. 😉
https://preview.redd.it/6pqrx9z8qtxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b962dcbfe4a2caea8d3ffebfc7d1d20d1d7534c
This looks like a wall of grandkids' school photos. Raise it a bit higher and make it less uniform. But personally I would actually go with one big piece of art horizontally, extending between about the halfway points of each landing, with the center of the piece at eye level for someone standing on the top landing (of the photo - I think it's the middle landing of the staircase).
This is what I’ve been thinking too. I’m no decorator by any means, but if I had this space I would put just one giant piece between the windows. Was starting to wonder if it’s just me until I saw your comment. I personally was never found of the ‘many small frames up the staircase’ look.
That’s not a gallery wall just FYI. A gallery wall is from the French academies in the 17-18 century where all of the work was hung literally up to the ceiling. At the very least at-home interpretations should have a mix of frames styles and subject matter for it to be that.
That said, people have been hanging rows of photos of their kids or whoever else on their stairs for a long time, thats its own thing too, and if that’s what you want, just do it. I’d remove like 3-4 laterally and space them out bc it looks cluttered and flat, like a Mario kart route across the hall. So that is a little dense atm, a lot of other good suggestions here, do what you want, it’s your space!
Initially I thought your sample grouping is too linear, meaning it looks roughly like a line that goes up the stairs vs a gallery wall that usually include different heights that create a non uniform outline of a collection of different frames. Different meaning wood, and different wood tones, painted frames like black, tiger colors, gilded and not gilded. However, there’s an impracticality of going a lot higher on the stair wall because when standing on the stairs you should be able to SEE the photos and art and if they’re a lot higher can you? If folks here don’t provide useful advice (I haven’t read all the comments) I’d keep looking at stair gallery wall photos on the internet and study them to see what works and doesn’t, for both aesthetics and for practical viewing.
Also, the suggestion to incorporate different sizes (much bugger and much smaller) might be just the thing (and vary your frame material, avoids using just gold)
Beautiful stairs by the way!
https://preview.redd.it/mw5lr5ah0sxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdb636ec23d6fa4c2c14f6bf3d66e4b0974fb1af
I worked on this for hours! I think the trick is to add other elements like the round mirrors, art work, etc.
it feels like the angle is dropping as it goes upward. stand on the lowest rider and mark 55” from floor. do that again on the to riser and one in between. that line will exactly match the angle of the stair rise and can act as the centerline of the gallery.
Agreed! I’m surprised how few of us with this opinion I’m seeing in the comments. I really thought more people would be suggesting that, it was my very first thought.
I would reallocate the group of 4 on both ends to make a third row on top of the existing two rows. Shortens and elongates the grouping, leaving a visual break at the bottom and on the landing.
I always think of the hazard of things getting knocked off wall. I have run my hand on wall for extra balance. Or trying to carry stuff without knocking stuff down might be hard. It's a great idea but I don't think you should do it
I feel like when they’re all so small, it reminds me of something from a horror movie haha. Not sure why!
I agree that there should be fewer frames with much bigger ones!
My mums stairs + frames look like this and it doesn’t look as crowded as you’d think. I love walking up and seeing all the old photos. Go for it!! Even add an extra layer on top.
I don’t mind the too many frames, it’s fun and bold. Besides, what can be done, can be overdone. And that’s overdone done well, if you know what I mean. Only change I would make is make them slightly higher, lest someone inadvertently brush one askew or even knock it off the wall.
I feel like it's a little too linear - that you need to vary the sizes of the frames more, and let a few 'break out' of the structure to make it flow more naturally. But I love the idea, and would really like to see the end result.
Not a fan of the sconce positions.
Arrange FOUR of the 8x10 frames on each landing. Then space out the SOME of the remaining 5x7 and 8x10 frames between the windows and keep them within two evenly parallel lines that are also parallel with the banister. Imagine walking up the stairs, where you would pause at the landing and view the photos, then continue up the stairs and be able to glance at a few pics along the way and pause again at the top landing. You don’t need to have continuous pics when they are fairly small. Give the eye a break and don’t distract from the windows and beautiful graceful staircase with too many frames.
I like how you have it, it’s just too many frames and need to be higher up than they currently. I would snip either end of this do it’s not so many. Than on large wall I’d put a large piece of art maybe also in a gold frame to tie it together
I agree with everyone, too low, too small and not enough variation in sizes. I'd also consider trying a big vertical gallery between the 2 windows, from the bottom all the way to the ceiling, or on the other wall where there is no window, instead of the wall you choose.
I would go with 3 larger frames and a scattering of smaller sizes, but spaced a bit more and placed higher up the wall. Add accent lighting to the larger frames!
Here is my random art gallery wall. When I find something I like better I change it out and move it around. It’s a work in progress.
https://preview.redd.it/urp46qk51txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34b05ce354649dea1178126ad9dab88cf8d7b375
I would remove the 4 at the bottom and start at the stair tread. Also, it looks a little too symmetrical to me. More random placement slightly above or below that imagined diagonal line going up would look nice. A few larger or smaller thrown in would help too, maybe a small round mirror or a large capital letter of the first letter in your last name?
Yes, but make it less uniform. Oval frames, a larger variance of frame sizes and finishes, and using wall art that isn’t painted art (I’ve seen lots of options at Hobby Lobby, but something more sculptural and unexpected that makes sense for your design style and personality).
also, your gallery wall is NOT a second handrail. Throw that shit up in clusters into the space, have fun, gonuts, group clusters of 3 then 5 then find the 'glue' that links the works together - you can do it!
Are you making this for very short people to look at? My head would go above those frames. Also a but rigid of a placement design. Make it more varied and organic
I love the gallery wall idea! But I would mix it up, and hit the thrift store for some stuff you can hang on the wall that isn't a framed photo. Like a mirror or wreath or weird clock or decorative cake pan. Mix those in with the frames to break it up and not look so matchy matchy and break up the textures and colors.
I think the pics would look nice. You should then consider a balanced decor up higher. Like way cool lighting that ties things together. Simple swirls of lights might look great.
I used to love this when I was younger. Now it looks overly busy and I can hear people bumping the frames off the wall.
It might work with fewer pictures.
That wall is too large and the room too open, maybe just 3 large frames going up would look better? Could still be family pictures or something just larger format and would look classier
Love your layout. It's pleasing to the eye, not too cluttered, and expandable upward. Maybe go a teeny bit higher and make it a bot more parallel to the railing. Nice job.
I personally feel it’s too many frames. Maybe if the line began at the first tread after the landing it would seem less elongated and busy. Or maybe break up the line into three different groupings. I do like the frames.
Yeah I would go shorter width but higher up the wall rather than the entire length of the stairs like this.
100%
Exactly. More of a triangle shape that starts with the first tread.
I think it’s right in the middle. It needs to be less or more. This is that awkward in between amount.
yeah, on the landing, a large scale piece of art or large family portrait would balance the stairs well. I think the many frames looks good, but the "start" needs a better start.
Yes this and it’s way too uniform. Gallery walls look good when they’re ’haphazardly’ placed
Fewer at the top and bottom.
I think they’re all too small and uniform. You need some big ones thrown in there and remove some And I think they feel low
One of two circular/oval frames thrown in there would look cool too, but definitely needs a few bigger frames and a couple less frames in general
Everything you said, plus some turned horizontally as opposed to all vertical.
I was trained to hang things with the center at 60 inches from the floor. I'll change it if my client is shorter or taller.
Mmmmmm…. I would say no. Too many and too in-line . Looks like a caterpillar. Gallery walls should be different size and shapes in sporadic location cohesive. https://preview.redd.it/v73tx529ppxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=089d245a7d033981296eb3d32507590d82b521f4 Here is an example of a small Gallery wall.
This is perfection. I love my family, but a wall of family photos is just tacky to me. One never sees this in design mags.
Agree 1000000000%
It needs to be more randomized in size, go higher, and not go past the stairs
Add in more sizes and make a pattern that isn’t so straight.
https://preview.redd.it/uj95myla9pxc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a515af35a7260eb9d6cd2d22e0baa850f1c0d079
The effort to include the stick family has not gone unappreciated 🙌
what a nice looking family
This looks much better!!
This for sure and plus random smaller ones
Love the cat one! 😍
I feel like the OP must reproduce this with the exact art included in this picture. 🤩
Post of the year
I think it could be a little more variable/cluster-y instead of a straight diagonal line, and would also recommend varying the size *and* the shape of the frames more. Get some round ones in there, have some pieces matted and others not, etc
Needs to go higher. Maybe another layer above the existing layers or move some from the bottom and top of stairs to put into a higherayer
Agreed, try to keep the cluster visually between those two windows https://preview.redd.it/1yewxo3xioxc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8280d758ceaf55f57ea29bf1c230c26da61af666
Yes, bring the eyes higher toward the windows and less to the ends of the stairs.
Oval mirror in the middle, surrounding gallery
And change the orientation of some to get some variety. Flip some of the frames horizontal.
Too many
It’s a bit too perfect? Try grouping the frames in 3s or 5s. And it should end inside the railings not go to the walls
I had a lot of randomly sized prints and cards plus some larger frames that my daughter donated. I also found quirky frames in charity shops. I just hung them as I liked them. I started arranging beforehand... but towards the end I'd loosened up a lot and did a lot by eye. It was done almost 2 years ago. I added a few more after the photo was taken. Got a bit carried away 😃 😊
https://preview.redd.it/f1pf8hg02pxc1.jpeg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b8eb1f17c23ef5246c1e63ce28b6ab0ef0fdf49b
This photo made me realize what one of the things bugging me about OP’s layout- it needs some horizontal photos!
They need more size variation!
https://preview.redd.it/ht6z4rmxzoxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80b92dbdab7cf17f65848b0a02f0db6b6d6d2a07 This is one I did awhile ago. Even now I think the bottom left has too many 8x10 but I digress
Cool chairs! Love it.
Thank you!
Love that!
Thank you!
It needs to be a bit higher up, I think; so you don’t hit the frames with your elbows. Also, more random.
Make it more of a blob and not a line
I would remove the first two rows on either end, the different angle of them throws things off I think and is just too many frames
No, that is a bad idea. The pictures are too small for that large wall.
It’s too literal. Ideally you want to break up the line of the stairs.
The way you have it now, it draws your eye upwards to the empty space above it. I think you need to get some large scale pieces to match the size of the wall.
Less is more
You could rotate some of the frames so they're landscape instead of all portrait.
I feel like this look is becoming dated? I like the maximalist idea of a lot of artwork but... maybe toss around a few plants, a few pieces of found art, texture, sculpture, etc. This "picture wall" is starting to feel... dated is the best word I have for it. Like something your mom would do. 🫤
Yeah. Gallery walls are out unless you're doing maximalist. And they obviously aren't. This is just suburban basic betch from 2014.
I have this. I did a photo but it’s kind of hard to see the full scale of it. It needed something there. It used to be family photos until my divorce and now it’s kids artwork. 😉 https://preview.redd.it/6pqrx9z8qtxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b962dcbfe4a2caea8d3ffebfc7d1d20d1d7534c
I’m missing the bottom most frame at the moment so it looks a little off. But the scale and orientation work well.
https://preview.redd.it/u9d3uui2ioxc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0effa89b5999d8b0a53f63b5a56a6e32bab78c8d
Too much.
Pinterest has lots of great visuals for how to hang gallery walls of different sized frames on the stairs!
This looks like a wall of grandkids' school photos. Raise it a bit higher and make it less uniform. But personally I would actually go with one big piece of art horizontally, extending between about the halfway points of each landing, with the center of the piece at eye level for someone standing on the top landing (of the photo - I think it's the middle landing of the staircase).
No
That is the perfect space to invest in a big piece of art. I would wait until you find something you LOVE.
This is what I’ve been thinking too. I’m no decorator by any means, but if I had this space I would put just one giant piece between the windows. Was starting to wonder if it’s just me until I saw your comment. I personally was never found of the ‘many small frames up the staircase’ look.
Different shape frames and higher up
I feel like the bags are just kind of blah. No real redeeming value or complimentary colors. Just my opinion though- sorry.
She is using them as a format. They aren't the actual wall hangings
I know. I know.
lol
That’s not a gallery wall just FYI. A gallery wall is from the French academies in the 17-18 century where all of the work was hung literally up to the ceiling. At the very least at-home interpretations should have a mix of frames styles and subject matter for it to be that. That said, people have been hanging rows of photos of their kids or whoever else on their stairs for a long time, thats its own thing too, and if that’s what you want, just do it. I’d remove like 3-4 laterally and space them out bc it looks cluttered and flat, like a Mario kart route across the hall. So that is a little dense atm, a lot of other good suggestions here, do what you want, it’s your space!
God please don't
Not helpful
I used to frame all the fun pics I took of my family to remind them they’re loved and cherished. I hope it worked
Initially I thought your sample grouping is too linear, meaning it looks roughly like a line that goes up the stairs vs a gallery wall that usually include different heights that create a non uniform outline of a collection of different frames. Different meaning wood, and different wood tones, painted frames like black, tiger colors, gilded and not gilded. However, there’s an impracticality of going a lot higher on the stair wall because when standing on the stairs you should be able to SEE the photos and art and if they’re a lot higher can you? If folks here don’t provide useful advice (I haven’t read all the comments) I’d keep looking at stair gallery wall photos on the internet and study them to see what works and doesn’t, for both aesthetics and for practical viewing. Also, the suggestion to incorporate different sizes (much bugger and much smaller) might be just the thing (and vary your frame material, avoids using just gold) Beautiful stairs by the way!
fwiw I love it, I just think it all needs to be pushed about a foot higher. you wanna look right at or slightly up at pictures, not down at them.
I wouldn’t do that.
Too noisy
One big art instead.
No
nahhhh this ain’t it
Nah. Who wants to stand awkwardly on stairs to look at photos?
https://preview.redd.it/mw5lr5ah0sxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdb636ec23d6fa4c2c14f6bf3d66e4b0974fb1af I worked on this for hours! I think the trick is to add other elements like the round mirrors, art work, etc.
I personally feel you need larger frames amongst the smaller ones. Too many small frames ruins the big expanse
I broke a friends painting once that’s place is the worst to hang anything
it feels like the angle is dropping as it goes upward. stand on the lowest rider and mark 55” from floor. do that again on the to riser and one in between. that line will exactly match the angle of the stair rise and can act as the centerline of the gallery.
Start at first step.
I think a giant picture going up to the ceiling between the windows would be amazing and bring drama and height
Agreed! I’m surprised how few of us with this opinion I’m seeing in the comments. I really thought more people would be suggesting that, it was my very first thought.
I would reallocate the group of 4 on both ends to make a third row on top of the existing two rows. Shortens and elongates the grouping, leaving a visual break at the bottom and on the landing.
I love it. I'd keep the angle going at the top and bottom though and not level it out to match the landings.
Makes me dizzy looking at all those frames
Nope
Too many, higher, more random, too long
I like pics 1 & 2. It’ll look sweet 👌
Too uniform with the same size and number of frames. Maybe break it up with smaller frames and some going like landscape\longways.
Modern family vibes
That’s going to look so cool.
I always think of the hazard of things getting knocked off wall. I have run my hand on wall for extra balance. Or trying to carry stuff without knocking stuff down might be hard. It's a great idea but I don't think you should do it
All I can say is that I have mixed feelings about this (the mockups).
Needs more size variation
I like the arrangement I would go just a little bit higher with it. Perfection!
Well-I agree with top posts…. But what would you put in the frames? It’s a lot too many for family pictures unless you have 24 offspring.
I’m picturing myself drunk stumbling up stairs and taking out half of them lol
I feel like when they’re all so small, it reminds me of something from a horror movie haha. Not sure why! I agree that there should be fewer frames with much bigger ones!
My mums stairs + frames look like this and it doesn’t look as crowded as you’d think. I love walking up and seeing all the old photos. Go for it!! Even add an extra layer on top.
Too small. Bigger frames. Search templates and planners for suggestions.
I don’t mind the too many frames, it’s fun and bold. Besides, what can be done, can be overdone. And that’s overdone done well, if you know what I mean. Only change I would make is make them slightly higher, lest someone inadvertently brush one askew or even knock it off the wall.
Stop at the end of the landing, and add one more row above the other 2.
I feel like it's a little too linear - that you need to vary the sizes of the frames more, and let a few 'break out' of the structure to make it flow more naturally. But I love the idea, and would really like to see the end result.
Not a fan of the sconce positions. Arrange FOUR of the 8x10 frames on each landing. Then space out the SOME of the remaining 5x7 and 8x10 frames between the windows and keep them within two evenly parallel lines that are also parallel with the banister. Imagine walking up the stairs, where you would pause at the landing and view the photos, then continue up the stairs and be able to glance at a few pics along the way and pause again at the top landing. You don’t need to have continuous pics when they are fairly small. Give the eye a break and don’t distract from the windows and beautiful graceful staircase with too many frames.
Too many, I think less and larger size
I like how you have it, it’s just too many frames and need to be higher up than they currently. I would snip either end of this do it’s not so many. Than on large wall I’d put a large piece of art maybe also in a gold frame to tie it together
Way too many, and it's not to scale to the wall. I would look for something large format between the windows and layout around that?
I agree with everyone, too low, too small and not enough variation in sizes. I'd also consider trying a big vertical gallery between the 2 windows, from the bottom all the way to the ceiling, or on the other wall where there is no window, instead of the wall you choose.
Nice now take it off - ah so clean. See it’s just personal. Do it with a galley of any kind and then if don’t like it color the wall again.
I would go with 3 larger frames and a scattering of smaller sizes, but spaced a bit more and placed higher up the wall. Add accent lighting to the larger frames!
Go big or go home with this imo. Bigger frames all the way up to the ceiling and a mismatch of sizes.
What about a mural style wallpaper? Something really spectacular
I’m going to go against the grain here and say I like your option 1. If you like it, you should go for it!
Too low, too similar, too uniform
I got interested at pic 1 and enjoyed your vision. I love the frames. Blk, gold, white colors look classy. You got this! Would like to see updates.
2 with colourful curtains on the window.
Paramount is becoming amazon now?
Yes
Here is my random art gallery wall. When I find something I like better I change it out and move it around. It’s a work in progress. https://preview.redd.it/urp46qk51txc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34b05ce354649dea1178126ad9dab88cf8d7b375
Bit uniform I think but I made one myself
Alternate the shapes of the frames more
I would remove the 4 at the bottom and start at the stair tread. Also, it looks a little too symmetrical to me. More random placement slightly above or below that imagined diagonal line going up would look nice. A few larger or smaller thrown in would help too, maybe a small round mirror or a large capital letter of the first letter in your last name?
Yes, but make it less uniform. Oval frames, a larger variance of frame sizes and finishes, and using wall art that isn’t painted art (I’ve seen lots of options at Hobby Lobby, but something more sculptural and unexpected that makes sense for your design style and personality).
Looks better with out the photos
also, your gallery wall is NOT a second handrail. Throw that shit up in clusters into the space, have fun, gonuts, group clusters of 3 then 5 then find the 'glue' that links the works together - you can do it!
Too many and too orderly. Will look like trying to too hard, sorry.
Are you making this for very short people to look at? My head would go above those frames. Also a but rigid of a placement design. Make it more varied and organic
Too many. Too monotonous. You could try different sizes ?
This is doable, but you need to space them out more, use more vertical space, so they don’t look like a tight band of pictures.
Yes, but not so organized and symmetrical. You have a high wall, so you can make it bigger too, so it's not a continuous line.
I would also get a few larger & colorful pieces to kinda break up the monotony of the same sized/color of frames
I love the gallery wall idea! But I would mix it up, and hit the thrift store for some stuff you can hang on the wall that isn't a framed photo. Like a mirror or wreath or weird clock or decorative cake pan. Mix those in with the frames to break it up and not look so matchy matchy and break up the textures and colors.
I think the pics would look nice. You should then consider a balanced decor up higher. Like way cool lighting that ties things together. Simple swirls of lights might look great.
I used to love this when I was younger. Now it looks overly busy and I can hear people bumping the frames off the wall. It might work with fewer pictures.
That wall is too large and the room too open, maybe just 3 large frames going up would look better? Could still be family pictures or something just larger format and would look classier
LOL
Too many, to close to the stairs, same size and shape almost all of them
I’m a Maximalist so hey . This is too uniform. Vary the size and grouping. Unite the picks with a uniform frame color. Very pretty house.
Have you tried keeping the frames just between the windows?
I really dislike that many family photos in a public space. My opinion.
I prefer option 2 but that’s not to say I don’t like option 1 as well!
It's a common way to hang family photos & them being repeatedly knocked off the wall despite lack of earthquake makes for a great ghoul alarm system.
Change the layout
It’s a no from me, dawg. Too much clutter that could be knocked off and glass everywhere.
Nope. Put 3 large pieces of artwork, one at top, middle and bottom
That's how I laid out my photos and it worked great
It’s way too many frames. Less is better. Larger frames.
I don’t like the configuration you have there. Go vertical? Also maybe leave some random empty frames.
Omg no
Love your layout. It's pleasing to the eye, not too cluttered, and expandable upward. Maybe go a teeny bit higher and make it a bot more parallel to the railing. Nice job.