I was always a fan of the gallery wall, but not having a big empty space in any of my main rooms I didn't think I could have one. However, once I finally got my stairway and upper hallway painted, I realized the wall needed something and the gallery ledges would be perfect! Save the old plaster walls from being bashed with picture hanging nails too!
I build them out've 1x3's and a small 1/4 round for the front edge instead of a 1x2.
I made 2 3' long and 2 4' long and staggered them on the walls, as the walls are at a slight angle to each other.
I decided to paint them the same colour as the walls so they would blend in and the picture frames would stand out. All the frames are varying wood stain colours that go with the trim in the house.
I love having a place to put all the pictures I never find time to put up!