What You Need to Know About a Gallery Rail – The Growing Open Shelf Design Trend
What You Need to Know About a Gallery Rail – The Growing Open Shelf Design Trend
✨ Subtle luxurious touches like gallery rail are a great way to add detail to kitchens, baths, bars, and more. Gallery Rail, sometimes referred to as shelf fence, can be paired with floating shelves or alcoves to add a sprinkle of luxury to open shelving. ✨
Applications
Gallery Rail can be incorporated as an original design element or added later to update existing floating or open shelving. Trending looks with Gallery Rail we love:
- Spice Shelf in Range Alcoves
- Wet Bars
- Coffee Bars
- Open Shelf Rail
- Decorative Shelving in Living Spaces
- Office Shelves and Workspaces
- Retail Shelving
- & More!
Share your Gallery Rail Application with us! @directsupplyinc on Instagram!
How to Create Gallery Rails for Shelves
Parts – Gallery Rail systems are made up of Posts & Rods.
Post Types needed will depend on your application – End Posts, Corner Posts, and Center Posts are Available.
- Gallery Rail End Posts – Only 1 spot for Rail to Insert. Some projects utilize these or will end the rod right into the wall.
- Gallery Rail Corner Posts - If you’re using Gallery Rail on Floating Shelves, use these Gallery Rail corner posts to turn the corner – 2 holes for rod placed at 90 degrees.
- Gallery Rail Center Posts—For the gallery rail rod to run all the way through. Gallery Rail is a decorative element, so the placement of posts is for decorative purposes. We like to see posts every 12” – 24”, depending on your application and the look you want to achieve.
Rods – Our Designs of Distinction Rods come 36” long. They can be cut down to your desired length.
- Rod’s can also be used alone to add a little detail to shelving – check out this inspiration on Instagram.
Longer Shelves? You’ll need to add a center post. Because Gallery Rail is a decorative accent, we don’t need to worry about span or support; we’re only limited by the length of the rails – usually 36” and motivated by the look you want to create.
Styles
- Ornate or Custom Gallery Rail – we’re inspired by this – end posts are attached to the wall, posts are shorter and more stately. If this is your look, check out Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn or a Local Custom Metalworker.
- Traditional Gallery Rail – Features a round top and subtle base – Our top sellers fit in this category!
- Contemporary Gallery Rail – Clean Straight Lines (more products coming soon for this contemporary gallery rail style!)
Finishes
New Contemporary Double Rail Gallery Rail
- Less Subtle, more Clean Lines – We love this look paired with slab doors & integrated handles!
We also have other subtle metal accents for cabinetry and other millwork spaces. Check our other metal accents like aluminum strapping, bistro shelving, cabinet feet and more.
Add a Touch of Glam with Gallery Rail for Open Shelving