6 Tips To Style A Picture Ledge

  

If you’ve visited with me before, you’re probably aware of my love of wall art. I have several frames that I use for seasonal art throughout the year. Today I’m sharing my research into using a picture ledge in my home to create visual interest. Making a gallery wall  is a great way to display art.  Arranging prints on a wall isn’t always easy, but putting up a ledge and playing with the arrangement of frames is. Besides, no more holes in the wall, I can add and subtract as needed!

 

 

Photo via Pottery Barn

 

 Nothing makes a house feel more like home than an enticing display of contemporary wall art. The big question is do you make a gallery wall or do you use a picture ledge? Today we’ll look at 7 ways to style a picture ledge.

 

I. Classic Row

If you love order and simplicity, the classic row of pictures on a ledge is perfect for you. Choose either all black and white photos or color photos with the same color scheme. Pick the same size photo, orientation and frame and mat color to create this cohesive, streamlined look. Great for minimalists.

 

 

Photo via Anna Truelsen

 

II. Layered Look

 

If like me, you’re really tired of nail holes when you seasonally change your art, try layering your prints on a ledge. You can re-arrange as needed. This is probably the easiest way to show depth on the ledge with artwork and photos. You can use one color frame and mat for a cohesive look, or mix sizes and frame colors on a single photo ledge for a  dramatic statement in your room. Get a new print and work it into the design.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           Photo via Two Twenty One 

 

III. Make a Mix of Objects and Prints

 

For a shot of personality, choose objects to mix with your prints. Whether it’s a small ceramic piece, a metal sculpture, a candle, or even books, totally depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Choose appropriately sized items from your family or travel treasures. Add a small plant to soften it. Do not use heavy items that will cause your ledge to fail and fall. The ledge/shelf below helps define the work space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                                                         Photo Hurd & Honey

 

IV. Add A Pop of Color

 

Choose a color that is either in your room or in a colored photo on the ledge to tie the room together. Remember less is more. Don’t put everything of that color on the ledge. Below is a great example with a blue vase of yellow blooms. It certainly adds a pop of blue and yellow.

 

Photo via  Pinterest

 

V. Go Vertical In a Small Space

 

In a small space,  going vertical can add depth and space. This design trick can work beautifully in your home. You can add more than one picture ledge and add height to your space. For a streamlined look, keep the ledges all the same width and distance apart. Add framed photos, canvas, metal prints, memorabilia, books – anything that you like and that makes you happy when you look at it.

 

 

Photo via Wayfair

 

VI. Make Your Ledge Part of the Wall 

 

A. Paint your ledges the same color as the wall and go vertical.  I love the look of the ledges below.

 

 

                                                        Photo via Apartment Therapy

 

B. Use the same shelves/ledges for a cohesive look. If you have shelves of books or plants, a hat rack, or hooks and other objects on a wall, add a ledge of pictures as part of the wall design.  A ledge over or under a shelf of books  becomes part of a larger composition – the wall.

 

Photo via Hurd & Honey

 

 C. On the other hand, perhaps you have a collection begging to be displayed. The row of hats below really work well with the picture ledge and rustic bench. I love the texture of the hats, wooden bench, and plants. This has beautiful composition and contrast.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo via Pinterest

 

I hope I’ve fed your creativity and given you ideas for designing your perfect wall that makes a happy place in your home. For me, I love the walls that have picture ledges with additional objects on the wall to make a cohesive design. This can include a large painting, sculpture, vase of flowers, or a filled bookshelf. 

 

                                                                                Photo via Etsy

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How To Create An Entryway

 

      

                           Originally published on comfortspringstation.com on 8/17/21

                                                    #8 in post visits in 2025!

 

 

Back a few years ago, I spent the afternoon looking at beautiful spaces online. The next day, I shared the fabulous designs I discovered in this post. I hope you enjoy  it.

 

A home’s entry can be tricky to design. Many of us actually do not have an entry space at all.  From apartments to houses, many homes like mine have a front door that opens straight into the living room. Some homes might open into a small space or hallway that leads directly into a staircase. Or in other instances, the entryway has little to no room. Let’s look at ways to create the feeling of an entry.

 

                                                    Photo Pinterest
 

 

I. Create a landing spot

 If you have little or no room at the entry, create a landing spot at the door with a rug and tile flooring where the door swings.  It will help keep your living area clean and will visually suggest an entry.

 

 

                                                        Photo by Savvy Interiors

 

 If you have room for a table or bench, add that. A mirror or art on the wall can help develop the feeling of an actual space.

  

 

                                                            Photo Pinterest
 

 

 An umbrella urn or stand to the side of the door helps develop the feeling of a landing. You can find them in wood, metal, or pottery.

 

                                                    Photo Huffington Post
 

 

I. Male a mud room at the front door

If your front door opens into a more open concept room, you can define an entryway. You get to decide on its size, too.  The easiest way to create a visually distinct entryway in an open floor plan is to position a few furniture pieces with an area rug and a mirror, wall art, or hooks.  I really like the modern hall trees with storage.  They create a mud room at the front door with the addition of a rug and pillows.

 

                                Photo Wayfair
 

 If a hall tree is not in your budget, and you have no space, you can make your own.

 

 

                                                            Photo Liz Marie

 

If there’s no room for furniture, use a runner, baskets, and hooks to create that feel.

 

 

                                               

 

                                                    Photo Happy Organized Life

 

 How about a shelf to help create your storage?

 

                                                 Photo One Crazy House 
 

 

III. Create an entry with furniture

 

 A. Place the sofa with the back lined up with the entry door.  The back of the sofa effectively produces the feeling of an entry hall

 

                                Photo Terracotta Design Build

 

 B.  Add a table with baskets or seating.

 

 

                                                        Photo Paper Blog

 

 

C.   A tall bookcase is another great option.

 

 

                                                           Photo Schwartz and Architecture 

 

 

IV.  Build a half wall

 

Building a half wall can be more expensive than adding furniture unless you have a carpenter in the family.  This Old House gives complete instructions on how to build a half wall  with a column for those who want a challenge.  I just love the look and trim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                 

                                                     Photo Hometalk

 

 

V. Add a bookcase to the half wall

 

 Thrifty Decor Chick gives directions on how she built her half wall with shelves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             

 

                                                         Photo Thrifty Decor Chick

 

 

VI. Add a room divider or partition

 

     There are room dividers of every style and shape. Do a search online and explore the possibilities! and             materials.

Photo Paper Blog  

The wonderful thing about many partitions is that they are not solid.  If you are trying to create a feeling of more space,  a partition of glass, plexiglass, or one with a cut-out design provides visual sense of light and space.

 

                                                                Photo Wayfair

 

 

 

                                                                    Photo Etsy

The craftsman who made the above room divider no longer has an Etsy account.  So, I wanted to give you the idea just in case you or someone you know could make it.  Below are a few room dividers currently available on Etsy in 2026.

 

 

                                                            Photo:  Etsy

 

 

                                                                          Photo : Etsy

 

 

 For those of us with no entryway, my goal was to provide ideas and inspiration for possible changes to create a perfect small space to greet your guests. Here’s wishing you a beautiful day and a happy home.

 

 

 

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                                                                                This post was shared on these fabulous link parties!