The Gallery Wall Idea That Comes With A Touch Of Classic American Craft

Gallery walls can be tricky to design, particularly when you have a lot of similar photographs or paintings. These spaces need variation to create visual interest and prevent the arrangement from feeling one-dimensional. But did you know that a gallery wall can actually contain more than simple pictures? By incorporating other decorative elements such as cross stitch or embroidery samples, you can instantly add depth to your display while giving it a unique, handmade feel. This is particularly true for vintage cross stitch designs, which can be thrifted or inherited from relatives to add a sense of old American charm due to the long-standing tradition of needlework we often associate with pioneer women. 

So, to create the perfect gallery wall that has some old-world appeal, why not look for antique cross stitch samplers to add to your own collection? Your first port of call would likely be your own relatives, friends, or family connections. This is because inherited or gifted pieces can not only save you money but can also provide sentimental value when connected to a well-known family member or friend. If sourcing pieces from people you know isn't possible, though, don't fret! There are plenty of other places to find these charming cross stitch items as well. If you don't mind doing a little searching, you can stop by your local antique store or thrift shop to see if they have any. Alternatively, you can find some amazing vintage cross stitch items on various websites — such as Farm Girl Dry Goods, which has a range of options from the 18th and 19th centuries. But once you've sourced the ones you like, how should you go about incorporating them into your gallery wall for the best effect?

Many people struggle to arrange gallery walls, and this task can be even trickier if you've opted to use cross stitch or embroidery as they feature different shapes and materials. However, there are a few tips that can help you add texture to your gallery wall without it feeling too busy or overwhelming. First, lay out everything you're interested in including in the display. If you have too much, try narrowing it down by choosing pieces with common color schemes or themes. For example, if you have landscape paintings and floral cross stitch pieces, you might want to save the cityscapes and black-and-white photographs for a different location.

Then, to help you get a feel for how the arrangement will look, you can lay your items out on a table and adjust the positioning until you like it. Or, try cutting out pieces of paper in the same sizes and shapes as the items you intend to hang. Then, tape them up on the wall so you can see how the items fit together. When arranging, it helps to keep in mind where eye level is for most people as you may want to place your favorite items at that height, considering they are the ones likely to be seen the most. Finally, considering the vintage patina that comes with many aged cross stitch samplers and designs, you may want to emphasize that old-fashioned feel by selecting pieces which feature historical elements such as old photographs or quilt squares. This will allow you to fill your home with art you actually love while staying in touch with the antique feel of these fun cross stitch pieces.