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Want to turn your house into a home?
Look at the faces of your loved ones every day? There is nothing better than that. Family photos are not just photos; they are a treasure trove of memories, stories and experiences. And they deserve to be seen.
Problem is… when people display family photos with picture frames, they often put a few frames on a shelf. Or stick one or two photos above their couch.
Don't get me wrong: There's nothing wrong with that. It's better than not doing it at all.
But that's also where most people stop.
In this article, you'll discover different creative and unique ideas on how you can display your family photos with picture frames.
Let's jump in:
Why You Should Display Family Photos
Creative Ideas: Gallery Wall
Creative Idea: Mix and Match Frame Styles
Creative Idea: Shelf Styling
Creative Placement Ideas
Before jumping into different creative display ideas, it's important to quickly touch on why this is so important.
The home use dominates category with 60% of the market share. That is simply because people know this. Displaying family photos in the house makes it feel like home.
If you decorate your home, and are in need of picture frames in Memphis or anywhere else, you should know what to do and how to use them.
Picture frames are not only used to hold photos. You can use picture frames to add character to your space, make a conversation starter and remind you of the moments you care about the most.
Every time you walk by a photo of your kids playing at the beach or your parents on their wedding day, it's a reminder of those happy moments.
In other words: Picture frames with photos on them are like a dose of happiness for you, built right into your walls.
Gallery walls are super popular right now. And for a good reason.
Gallery walls are a way to display multiple photos on one spot without making it look crowded or cluttered.
The key to an awesome gallery wall is to plan it before you start hammering nails into your walls.
To start, simply lay out your frames on the floor first.
Move them around and re-arrange them until you find a layout that works for you. Trust me on that. It will save you a ton of time and way less holes in your wall.
The secret to a great looking gallery wall is to mix different sizes.
Use a mix of large statement pieces and smaller accent frames. Larger frames attract the eye. Smaller frames help to fill in the gaps. Mixing different sizes creates visual interest. And make your wall display less uniform or boring.
Some people like gallery walls that are more symmetrical. Others prefer a more organic look with the frames scattered in an almost random pattern.
As you can see: There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just do whatever works for your home.
It used to be that all your frames had to match.
The mixed materials is a huge trend right now in 2025. Mixing different textures and finishes add depth and character to your displays.
Wooden frames account for 45% of the picture frame market share.
But that doesn't mean that you can't mix and match those wooden frames with metal or acrylic frames.
The easiest way to do it is to start with one element that's the same throughout your display.
Maybe the color of the mat or the overall color palette. Then you vary the frame material, thickness or style around that element.
For example:
Use all black frames but mix wood, metal and painted finishes.
Stick with natural wood finishes but use different types of wood. Light oak, walnut, cherry.
Combine brushed metal finishes with black and white frames.
Use wood frames with different stain finishes. Walnut, Cherry and Espresso.
The variety of frame materials and styles keep things interesting, while the common element ties it all together.
Don't be afraid to play around and experiment. Some of the best wall displays are made by breaking a few rules.
Not everything has to be on your wall.
Shelves give you so much more flexibility when it comes to displays.
You can more easily swap out photos or objects in and out, mix heights and add other decorative elements into the mix.
The key to good shelf styling is to layer your frames. Place larger frames in the back and smaller frames in front. Layering frames creates depth and makes your display more dynamic.
Mix in other objects too. Add a small plant, a decorative book or a meaningful object in between the frames. Just don't overcrowd it. You want the photos to be the focal point.
A good formula for styling shelves with picture frames is:
Start with a larger frame at the back
Add a medium size frame slightly overlapping in front.
Add one small accent piece or frame
Fill any remaining gaps with a small decorative object.
This is a simple layered approach that looks super professionally styled, yet it doesn't require a design degree.
Family photos don't just belong in your living room.
Family photos belong all over your home. Each room in your home offers different opportunities to display those memories in creative ways.
Hallways and staircases are a great space to put photo displays. These are some of the first spaces people forget about.
Displaying a series of frames going up a staircase create a visual story as you climb the stairs. Plus, they are the first thing you see when you enter a home.
Hang the frames at eye level as you walk up the stairs. This creates a natural viewing experience and make the hallway feel more intentional.
Decorating a home with family photos in the kitchen creates warmth in the heart of your house.
Try putting a small collection of frames on open shelving. Or a mini gallery wall on an empty wall.
These are the spaces where family members spend the most time together. Having photos in these spaces reinforce the connections you have with each other every time you sit down for a meal.
The bedroom should be your personal sanctuary.
Display photos that give you a sense of peace and happiness. It can be one large frame above your bed. Or a small collection on your dresser.
In your personal spaces, you can also get more intimate with your photo selections.
Maybe display photos from your honeymoon in your bedroom. Or display photos of your kids when they were babies.
Display family photos all over your home. You can also use small frames in unconventional places like the bathroom, home office or even in your closet.
The goal is to sprinkle photos and memories all over your space naturally.
Not every wall needs to have a photo. But you should not be afraid to add them to places that feel right to you.
Displaying family photos with picture frames is not rocket science.
In the end, the most important part is that your displays feel authentic to you and your family. Whether you create a perfectly planned gallery wall. Or a more casual shelf arrangement.
What matters is that you are surrounding yourself with the people and memories that you love.
Start small if you're overwhelmed with it all.
Pick one area in your home and create a display in that one area. Then once you see how much it transforms the space, you're going to want to add more.
But also don't forget to have fun with it. There's no such thing as doing this the right way.
The best displays are the ones that make you smile every time you see them.
Grab those photos that are sitting in your phone or tucked away in a drawer.
Get frames that speak to you and start creating displays that turn your house into a home that's full of memories and love.
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