How to Create a Minimalist Gallery Wall

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Hi! This minimalist gallery wall post is part of the Style Guide series of home decor posts that will help you identify your signature style. Is minimalist decor for you? See if you identify with these 7 signs!

Previously: Boho Decor (style guide + gallery wall)

Now that we’ve discussed what minimalist decor looks like, and how to achieve that look, let’s get to the heart of the matter: What the heck should you put on your walls?

I got pretty detailed here, with six gallery wall examples, but keep in mind this is a starter kit. You may like some ideas and not others. Mix and match till you find your true style.

Let’s get started!

Minimalist Gallery Wall

First, I’ll briefly go over 10 key elements that drive a minimalist gallery wall, and why.

A quick caveat: You may be wondering, “Wouldn’t you just put art from the Minimalist movement on minimalist walls?” And I suppose you could. If it were possible for every minimalist to get their hands on a Frank Stella, no doubt they would.

But for the sake of our homes, where we live and the art accessible to us, we’re going to focus on art that is appealing on a visual and visceral level and vibes well with the simplicity of pared-down decor.

1. Sketchwork

Why this works: Minimalist love clean lines, and what’s more clean than line art of something in its purist form? This is the kind of “getting down to the essence of things” minimalists love. Even better if it’s a sketch of a person.

Search for: Etsy: Abstract Line Art; Society6: abstract line art sketch. If only I could get my hands on some John Lennon originals.

2. Abstract brushstrokes

Why this works: A more passionate variation on sketchwork. Still simple enough to play but emotional enough to add flavor.

Search for: Search for abstract brushstrokes art on Minted, Etsy or Society6.

3. Geometric art

Why this works: Minimalists love structure and function.

Search for: Etsy: Geometric prints; Minted: minimalist geometric abstract art; Society6: minimalist geometric abstract prints

4. Clocks with no numbers

Why this works: The ultimate in form + design = function. Trim away all the excess, and you’ll find a super stylish minimalist clock that also tells time.

Search for: Etsy: Minimalist clocks; Society6: minimalist clocks

5. Typography

Why this works: Typography has clean lines and modern function

Search for: Etsy: Minimal type prints; Society6: minimalist typography prints

6. Winterscapes

Why this works: White space and that call to the Nordic style.

Search for: Etsy: Winter art print; Minted: winter nature art; Society6: minimalist winter snow art; winter photography on any stock photo site.

7. Muted colors

Why this works: Minimalist palettes usually stay fairly monochromatic, either in stark B&W, or all neutrals. Cool tones work best: blues, greens, blush, hints of metallic. The color story of your gallery wall is just as important as the art itself for creating a calm, curated space.

Search for: Monochromatic print on Etsy

8. B&W photography

Why this works: Black and white photos look great on any wall, but especially on a minimalist’s wall. Often the minimalist goes for white or gray walls, so it’s just like hanging art in a gallery. An honest to god gallery wall.

Search for: B&W photography on any stock image site, search The New York Times store for archive images of super high quality; Etsy: black and white photography; Amazon: black and white photography; Minted: black and white photography; Society6: minimalist black and white photography

9. Floating Shelves

Why this works: Minimalists like for things to float: beds, shelves, etc. Even better if you only put a few items on the shelf. Don’t be tempted to put your keys on it. We’re trying to keep things clutter-free around here!

Search for: Floating shelf, swing shelf

10. Abstract Watercolor

Why this works: Watercolor is both unassuming and full of texture. It plays well with brushstrokes, abstract line art and geometry. Minimalists will appreciate the layering of colors and watercolor’s ties to nature.

Search for: Minted: Abstract watercolor; Etsy: minimalist abstract watercolor; Society6: abstract watercolor minimalism paintings

Next, let’s put these into practice, shall we?

Minimalist Gallery Wall #1

Minimalist Gallery Wall #2

Minimalist Gallery Wall #3

Minimalist Gallery Wall #4

Minimalist Gallery Wall #5

Minimalist Gallery Wall #6

Minimalist Gallery Wall Frames

Finish off your boho gallery wall with black frames and spacious matting. Why? The art should stand out more than the frame, and adding a lot of white space around your art creates a larger impact.

 

Minimalist Decor: Resources

Minimalist Gallery Wall: Pin Me for Later

P.S. More gallery wall inspiration here.
P.P.S. See all home style guides so far. Which style suits you best?