My simple gallery wall has become a major focal point in my living room space. People always ask me where I got the frames and how much they were. I have to smile because it’s hands down most inexpensive gallery wall you could put together!
why a gallery wall?
I used to be so scared of putting things on the walls in my apartments. I was afraid it would look messy and cluttered, but in reality, the empty walls made my space look more like a rental than anything else! A gallery wall is an awesome way to add some art to your space and make it look more “you”.
gallery wall frame on a budget
If you’ve been looking into creating a gallery wall like this, you’re probably aware that frames (especially large frames) are super expensive. Before you know it, the cost of the frames along with the pictures is a small fortune.
Over the years, I’ve become more and more a fan of the minimalist look and style. I love simplicity with decorating so this RIBBA frame from IKEA was perfect. It comes with a simple white mat too.
You guys, it’s only $14.99. Uh, what?? What a deal!
I wanted an oversized frame so I chose the 19 3/4″ X 27 1/2″ size. I’m glad I didn’t get the largest frame because I think the 16×20 opening in the mat is a perfect size for wedding and engagement pictures.
I also love the simple, classic look of black and white, so I purchased 16×20 sized posters through Shutterfly. Shutterfly often runs sales, so keep an eye out so you get a good deal.
review of RIBBA gallery frame
When I first saw the frames I was a little worried because the materials appear low cost. Let me assure you, once these frames are all put together with the pictures they look anything but low-cost!
Two things I noticed in online reviews that concerned me at first, but I want to dispell.
- I saw negative reviews about the polycarbonate material used in lieu of glass. I didn’t want the poly material to look wavy or cheap. There is a protective film you remove as a final step and once the protective film is removed, it looks just like glass, especially when it’s hanging on the wall.
- There were also negative reviews about the sides of the frame “warping” or “bowing out”. I received the frames the day before we went on vacation, so they sat in our humid apartment for about a week. When we returned I noticed the sides of the frames had bowed slightly. However, if you follow the directions inside the frame you insert some small screws into the sides of the frame to help correct this issue.
NOTE: The frames do not come with hardware to hang them up, so you just have to be a little creative with figuring out what will work in your home.
The frames and pictures for this gallery wall totaled about $120 including shipping for the frames. If you live locally to an IKEA you could do it for cheaper.
I absolutely love this gallery wall. There are so many ways you can arrange these frames. Whether you hang them or set them on a shelf and lean them against the wall. I hope you feel inspired to add something to your walls today!
SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER!
Where is your couch from?
Hi, Taylor thanks for commenting! My couch is from a local store called Discount Furniture of the Carolina’s. I hope this helps!
How did you connect the frames to the wall? I’m having issues with the same frames and can’t figure it out
Hey Kristin, thanks for commenting. When I first hung these frames, I used nails, but they are so difficult to hang because of how shallow the bracket is. Since then, I purchased command strips, trimmed them in half length-wise, and then attached them around the frames’ perimeter. This works really well because the frames are very lightweight and the command strips don’t leave any marks on the wall after removal. Let me know how that works for you!
Hi Caitlin,
The prints look supurb on your wall. just a question about the mat window size, is it slightly smaller than your actual 16 x20 prints or is it exactly 16 x 20?
It’s slightly smaller to accommodate your 16X20 prints 🙂
Could you tell me if you did your prints glossy, pearl or matte?
Hi Colleen, thanks for the question! So I believe I did the poster prints option. I’m not sure if I opted for glossy, pearl, or matte (it was a couple years ago); however, I usually go with the matte options whenever possible!
Hi! How did you determine which wall to use for your gallery? I have a corner couch and am having a hard time figuring out which wall to place the gallery. Thank you!
Gina, Thanks for the comment! It’s hard to say without seeing it in person, but I think wall galleries look really nice above a couch or a buffet. If you want to, feel free to send me some photos on IG or to my email caitlindelayblog@gmail.com. Good luck!
Hi Caitlin,
I have the Ribba frame but was wondering how to hang them using command strips as the back of the frame is thinner than the command strip size.
Pls let me know how you hung the frames on the wall.
Thanks
Hi there Radhika! Thanks for the question 🙂 I actually cut the command strip in half length-wise. The Ribba frame is pretty thin, but cutting in half works well on the thin frame and still secures it on the wall. Hope this answers your question!
Where is this rug from?? Love how you decorated the room!
Hi there! The rug is from RUGS USA, here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+EPDyewYxNwqzSSZUJVPxmA