Because the room is so narrow, we wanted to give this wall a lot of function without taking up much depth. The solution we came up with was to create and art and music gallery wall that also incorporates small instrument/toy storage, as well as book storage. All of the frames and storage solutions on this wall came from Ikea.
FRAMES – All of the frames on the gallery wall are part of the Ikea Ribba series. Pictures frames can get expensive, but Ikea has a large collection of inexpensive picture frames (with mats) to suite any style! My Ribba series is my favorite because of the simple modern lines and color options.
- Large poster frames – Ribba, Aluminum Color, 20½” x 28¼”
- Our posters were non-standard sizes, so I removed the mats, wrapped the frame backer board in black wrapping paper, and placed the posters on top of the wrapping paper.
- I particularly like that these large frames have a thin, clear plastic instead of glass, making them ideal for use in a kids space – no fear of glass breaking!
- Frame around guitar – Ribba, Black, 19 ¾” x 27 ½”
- This frame comes with a mat for three photos. I removed the glass, mat and the backer board, and used red Scotch duct tape to cover the unfinished inner edge of the frame
- Frames used for kids art display – Ribba, Black, 12 ½” x 16½”
- These frames came with mats for 8×10 photos, I removed the mats and glass and collaged the backer board with brightly sheet music to create fun displays for our kids art work. I’ll be sharing the tutorial for these art displays soon.
- Square Frames (with black and white photos) – Ribba, 9″x9″
- We hung all the frames using Command™ Medium Picture Hanging Strips. By using this product, we were able to secure both the top and bottoms of the frames to the wall, which was important since many of the frames are within reach of the kids, and could easily be bumped as kids run in and out of the narrow space. The Picture Hanging Strips prevent the frames from swinging or moving when touched!
POSTERS
- Steeze Headphone Chimp (blue) – 13″x19″ (available in multiple colors, sizes and styles)
- ABCs Musical Instruments (available in multiple colors and sizes)
GUITAR & GUITAR HAND
- First Act Discovery Acoustic Guitar for Kids
- Silver Hand Guitar Hanger – (available in multiple colors)
- Storage Rails– Each 21¾” long
- Hanging Storage Buckets – Available in multiple colors
- Magazine Racks – Magazine racks used for book storage; the ones I used are no longer available, but I linked to a similar version
- Pillows – All of the pillows are from Ikea
- Stockholm cushion (3)
- Vargyllen cushion (black & white stripes)
- Bjornloka Figur cushions (solid black, and black, white, gray and yellow pattern)
MAGNETIC WALL
LIGHTING
This under stair space originally had just a bare light bulb fixture on the wall. We installed a new light fixture on the wall, then added additional lighting in the form of rope light around the room, and lighted rugs on the floor.
- LED White Rope Light – We used boxes of 27′ length Commercial Electric LED White Rope Lighting
- We chose LED rope light for several reasons, the primary of which is because it does not get hot, making it safe for use in a space where the kids can reach it, and reducing fire hazard.
- We installed the rope lighting using Command Outdoor Rope Lighting Clips.
- Vantad Rugs with LED Lights from IKEA {now discontinued; but occasionally available on Ebay} – We used two of these rugs, butted end to end
- We leave the rugs plugged in all the time, and the kids use the control buttons (which are affixed to the base board using Command™ Medium Picture Hanging Strips) to turn the lights on and off, and to set the lights to solid or flashing.
- Mottled Silver Arm Hardwired Wall Sconce – We were told by our local Lowe’s that this light fixture has been discontinued, so we had to purchase the floor model. However, this fixture still appears on the Lowe’s website, and it looks like it is still available for online purchase, and the price can’t be beat
SHEET MUSIC COLLAGE & MARQUEE LETTERS
I think I managed to touch on just about everything in our under stair playroom, but if I missed anything, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me.
heather t says
LOVE so many of these fun, elements Angela! And love that they are all affordable options, too. Can't wait for the dutch door tutorial 🙂
Melissa @aprudentlife says
You used so many of my favorite products! I couldn't live without those Command strips OR Bygel containers. I had no idea Command made those outdoor rope lighting clips – I'll be on the lookout for them for the back patio!
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
My three children would absolutely love to have a space like this to hang out in. Thank you so much for listing the sources for all the cool accessories you included! Command strips ROCK!
Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says
I love how this room turned out! I totally agree with the Command strips. I just finished my huge gallery wall and hung the entire thing with the picture hanging strips! I love the silver hand guitar holder! I need to get one for my son's room. He thought it was really cool looking. I may steal your idea of framing it too:) Thanks for all of the sources!
For My Love Of says
I didn't know the ikea frames were glass free, that's a huge selling feature for me! Such a cool space!
Emily McCauley says
Such an awesome source list Angela, and I am obsessed with using Command hooks and strips wherever I can 🙂 I can't wait to see all these tutorials!
Shelly Dolen says
Coolest parents ever! What a fun creative space for your boys! How did I not know about the Command outdoor rope lighting clips!?! I need some of those for summer outdoor entertaining!
Bre Eggert says
Oh gosh, I am 100% obsessed with Command strips, hooks and everything else they make. I'm not surprised you are, too! They were perfect to help make this space amazing! And the frames, guitar accessories, and records also make it so special! Love it all.
Aimee - The Crazy Craft Lady says
LOVE how this turned out! Great use of the command strips with the picture frames… I did the exact same thing in the twins's room. Thanks for the inspiration with this play area. I have a funky above the stairs closet that I think may be my next project!