Decorating Your Home with Framed Family Photos: An Expert Guide

Editor’s note: One of my core philosophies at Lana Sky Photography is that family photos should be printed and displayed in your house. Your walls, mantle, and desks should tell your family’s story.

To help my clients do more with their photos, I have asked Becky Ducsik, the creative director at Phinery, a Seattle interior design studio, to offer expert advice on decorating your home with framed photo prints.

Whether you are just starting with adding maternity, newborn, or family photos to your home or looking to take your home decor to the next level, there is plenty of expert-based, practical advice here for everyone. I hope you put it to good use. And now, without further ado, here’s advice on decorating your home with photos from the Phinery.

Decorating your home with framed photos is an art that combines personal memories with aesthetic appeal. The right photos, frames, and placement can transform any space into a warm, inviting, and visually stunning environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to decorate with framed photos in various home areas, the best frame types and materials, and practical tips to achieve a cohesive and beautiful look. Let’s dive in and turn your cherished memories into timeless decor!

In this post:

• Perfect spots for framed photos
• Choosing the right frames and materials
• Practical tips for decorating with framed photos
• Inspiration to get you started

The Perfect Spots for Framed Photos

1. Living Room Walls: The Heart of the Home

The living room is a prime spot for displaying framed photos. Consider creating a gallery wall—a curated collection of frames in different sizes and styles. Choose a mix of candid family moments, travel shots, and artistic prints to add depth and interest.

To ensure a balanced look, start with a focal point (like a large statement piece) and build around it. Remember to keep the spacing consistent and use a level to align your frames.

You can also opt for an oversized framed print to make a statement on a large wall or above your mantel. Consider flanking with lighting for an elevated and balanced look. Here’s an example we love from one of our projects.

2. Bedroom Nightstands: Personal Touches

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and what better way to personalize it than with framed photos?

A single frame on each nightstand can add a touch of warmth and intimacy. This space is best for showcasing personal photos that are super special and that you want to look at every day when you wake up.

For a cohesive look, choose frames that match or complement your bedroom decor.

3. Mantels and Shelves: Layering and Depth

Mantels and shelves are ideal for displaying a mix of framed photos and other decorative items.

Lean frames of varying sizes against the wall and layer them with objects like candles, books, or small sculptures. This creates a dynamic, three-dimensional display.

For mantels, start with the largest frame in the center and work your way outwards. On shelves, vary the heights and orientations to keep the arrangement interesting.

4. Hallways and Staircases: Capturing the Journey

Hallways and staircases often serve as transitional spaces, making them perfect for a series of framed photos.

A chronological display of family photos along a staircase can tell a beautiful story as you ascend.

In hallways, consider a symmetrical arrangement for a clean, orderly look or a more eclectic mix for a casual, lived-in feel.

5. Home Office: Inspiration and Motivation

In your home office, framed photos can provide both inspiration and motivation. Place photos of loved ones, achievements, or favorite travel destinations on your desk, wall or as a way to fill in bookshelves or built-in shelving.

A few well-chosen images can create a positive atmosphere that boosts productivity and creativity. Framed photos can also create a perfect zoom background!

Choosing the Right Frames and Materials

1. Classic Wood Frames: Timeless and Versatile

Wood frames are a classic choice that can suit any decor style, from traditional to modern.

They come in various finishes—natural, painted, or stained—allowing you to match your frames to your furniture or color scheme.

For a cohesive look, choose frames in a similar wood tone or mix and match for a more eclectic vibe.

2. Sleek Metal Frames: Modern Elegance

Metal frames, often in finishes like gold, silver, or black, bring a touch of modern elegance to your photos. They are particularly effective in contemporary or minimalist spaces.

Thin metal frames can make your photos stand out without overwhelming the image, adding a sleek, polished touch to your decor.

3. Rustic and Vintage Frames: Charming and Cozy

For a cozy, rustic feel, opt for frames made of distressed wood, reclaimed materials, or vintage finds. These frames add character and warmth, making them perfect for homes with a farmhouse or shabby chic style.

Mix different textures and finishes for a charming, collected-over-time look.

4. Acrylic and Glass Frames: Contemporary and Chic

Acrylic and glass frames offer a contemporary, chic look that’s perfect for modern spaces. These frames can be clear, colored, or even have a floating effect, where the photo appears to be suspended within the frame.

They are a great choice for showcasing professional photography or art prints, adding a gallery-like feel to your home.

Practical Tips for Decorating with Framed Family Photos

1. Plan Your Layout

Before hammering any nails, plan your photo arrangement. Lay the frames out on the floor to visualize the layout. Use painter’s tape to mark the wall where each frame will go. This helps you see the overall composition and make adjustments before committing.

Another tip we love is to create a paper template that you can tape to the wall to ensure all your frames are mounted in the perfect spot.

2. Mix Sizes and Orientations

Mixing different sizes and orientations (portrait and landscape) adds visual interest to your photo displays.

Use larger frames as anchors and fill in with smaller ones. This creates a balanced, dynamic look that draws the eye.

3. Consider Lighting

Good lighting enhances the impact of your framed photos. If possible, place frames where they’ll catch natural light.

For darker areas, use picture lights or spotlights to highlight your displays. Avoid placing photos in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading over time.

4. Use High-Quality Prints

Invest in high-quality prints for your frames. Professional printing services offer better resolution and color accuracy compared to home printers. This ensures your photos look their best and last longer.

5. Keep It Personal

Choose photos that mean something to you. Whether they’re candid family moments, travel memories, or artistic shots, the photos you display should reflect your personality and experiences. This personal touch makes your home feel unique and inviting.

Inspiration to Get You Started

• Gallery Wall Themes: Create a themed gallery wall, such as black-and-white photos for a timeless look, or travel photos to showcase your adventures.
• Seasonal Swaps: Change your framed photos seasonally. Use beach photos in the summer and cozy family gatherings in the winter to keep your decor fresh and relevant.
• Mix Media: Combine framed photos with other types of wall art, like paintings, prints, or textiles, for a diverse and interesting display.
• Create a Focal Point: Use a large, impactful photo as a focal point in a room, and build your decor around it.

Decorating with framed photos is a delightful way to infuse your home with personality and warmth. By carefully selecting your frames, planning your layouts, and choosing meaningful photos, you can create stunning displays that celebrate your memories and enhance your living spaces. Happy decorating!

The Phinery is an interior design studio in Phinney Ridge that works with clients in Seattle and the East Side. Its team of dedicated and experienced interior designers focuses on helping busy homeowners complete projects of all sizes, including kitchen and bath remodels, home furnishings and décor projects, and professional paint color selection. They love creating spaces that allow their clients to live comfortably and beautifully.