How to Install a Gallery Picture Rail
Are you tired of a regular gallery wall and want to switch it up? Try installing a gallery picture rail instead and add instant charm!
Gallery picture rails are nothing new but I was reintroduced to them by my friend Mallory over at @reserve_home who installed a beautiful gallery rail in her sitting room. I was instantly charmed by it.
Picture rails use to be hung in older English homes especially as a way to hang artwork and mirrors without causing damage to the walls.
I purchased my gallery picture rail here. But if this one isn’t your style or in your price range, I linked a few here for you to check out as well.
Click here for sources
The first thing you need to do when installing a picture rail is to find the studs in your wall. Ideally, you would drill a few points of your gallery rail into the studs to ensure that it is sturdy. The trickiest part is making sure your rail is level.
Do as I say and not as I do. Clearly I was all over the place when I was marking my holes for this. I made small adjustments until everything was level and then drilled pilot holes into my wall. In the places that aren’t drilled into studs, I used anchors that were provided with my gallery rail picture kit before putting a nail in. You can buy anchors from any old hardware store. This will ensure your gallery rail is not gonna budge.
Once your rail secured and level, it’s time to map out your gallery wall! I traced my frames and decorative items on old packaging paper so I could map out where everything goes. This also helped me determine how long I needed my hanging chains to be.
You will need a chain cutter like this one here to cut your chains in the desired length. See how the traced out frames gave me a reference on where to cut the chain short?
I absolutely love how this gallery picture rail turned out! Everything on this wall was thrifted over the past 7 years. I incorporated a round mirror from our first home and even some brass wall pockets from our last house for some plant cuttings to bring in more life and greenery to this wall.
My favourite part of this whole wall is the copper sakura blossoms from my late friend Jamie @thesweetest_vintage. I remember admiring it when she told me it was one of her favourite pieces in her bedroom. I hope she likes it hanging in our dining room.
I compiled a few frames that I think would look great in a gallery rail.
Sources
My gallery rail.
If this one isn’t in your price range, check out some alternatives!
alternate gallery rails
