How To Display Photographs On a Wall: Photo Wall Ideas
85I love taking pictures. I take pictures of anything I find appealing, but mostly I like to take pictures of my daughters. I had a large unused wall where I wanted to create a pleasing photo wall display but I wasn't sure how to display my photographs on my wall, so I went in search of photo wall display ideas...
I did a whole bunch of research on the best ways to display photos on a wall and have compiled what I learned here for the benefit of all the rest of you who, like me, have lots of pictures just waiting to be hung. Check out all the tips, photo display ideas, and hanging pictures ideas below and go ahead and create your beautiful photo wall!
As a general rule, frames should hang at eye level, or around 5 feet, or slightly more, from the floor. Hang them a little bit higher if you have high ceilings (or a very tall family - LOL).
A large gallery display of family photographs is an especially attractive way to infuse any room with warmth. To create a photo wall, place your favorite pictures in frames of different sizes and shapes and hang them in a mosaic pattern.
Pull it all together by using like frames or mat color or by using only black and white pictures. New framed pictures can be added to the arrangement until you’ve formed an overall shape that works for you. Interesting options include diamond or rectangular shapes.
Photo Wall Display Ideas (see more below)
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Here's a couple of frame sets which could give you a great start for your photo wall display:
 | Amazon Price: $49.19 List Price: $89.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $17.99 |
Create a Dramatic Display
Assemble a perfect display and create more than a backdrop on your walls. Fill a large wall space with a collection of images framed identically, or make a dramatic display with shadow boxes and framed works mixed. You could also create several groupings of smaller framed pictures, or arrange a gallery on a table using easel style frames.
Produce the impression of a single dramatic image by framing similar pictures or art work (like a series of abstract paintings) in the same size frame and hanging them tightly together (see picture below.)
Record a special event with pictures and create a stylish display. Choose your wall, then place three identical size frames in the center to establish a focal point, then add rows, grouping pictures about 1-2 inches apart to form a square or rectangle.
Tip: Use all black and white pictures for a graphic effect.
Four Different Picture or Collage Display Ideas, All With the Exact Same 12 Frames...
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Stairway Photo Wall Ideas
Stairway photo displays attract attention amd make for very pleasant - and perhaps even fun - wall decor. It can, however, be a challenge to come up with just the right display design. The most important rule, I believe, that should be followed when creating a picture wall display of this sort if to be sure to follow the upward angle of the steps.
If you check out the comments below, you'll see a comment from Carolyn - she wanted help creating a display of her daughter's wedding pictures for her stairway wall. I gave her some tips and she went off and created a draw-up, almost to scale, of the number and size of frames she wanted to use. She had trouble tweaking it and emailed the drawing to me for help. I printed it out (it all fit on one page) and then cut out all of the individual frames, and then I just had some fun on my desktop moving them all around and creating several potential designs.
I photographed each one and emailed the pictures to her and she loved them. I repeated this here so readers can see just how easy it is to play around with ideas until you figure out what works best for you. To the right are the pictures that I sent Carolyn - to give you readers some more options. If you keep scrolling down, you'll see some more sairwell designs mixed in with some of the other drawings, too.
More Lovely Stairway Wall Display Ideas...
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More Photo Display Ideas
- Pictures or art don’t always have to be framed. An unconventional display could be to hang unframed prints or pictures from a length of wire with clips.
- You can place them on a picture ledge or shelf, spaced evenly apart. In this type of display, it’s best to stagger the heights of the frames, or even overlap a couple of the frames.
- Line up framed pieces in chronological order to build a timeline of your growing child, a family vacation or another important event.
- You'll find many "go-bys" just below to help give you several different arrangement suggestions, depending upon the size of your frames, shelves and your space, as well as your taste and style.
click any image to view it full size
 | Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $21.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $11.99 |
Try these for great wall displays:
 | Amazon Price: $17.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.00 List Price: $14.99 |
How to Tips to Create and Hang Your Photographs on a Wall
The best way I have found to create an arrangement that is pleasing to the eye is to lay all your artwork on the floor and arrange them, moving things around until you find arrangement that you like, then transfer the arrangement, one by one to the wall. Remember, multiple frames look best when arranged in a diamond, rectangular or square shape and spaced relatively tight, like 1-2 inches apart. A looser grouping can work for a more casual display.
Another way to determine an arrangement that is pleasing to the eye is to use paper outlines of the pieces you wish to hang; tape them to the wall to visualize alternative arrangements and make your decision.
 | Amazon Price: $19.98 List Price: $52.82 |
Straight Rows
To hang straight rows of frames – always a timeless and sophisticated option – use string stretched between two pushpins as a guide. You can also choose to use a laser level to accomplish this. Make sure to use a level after hanging each frame to be sure each frame is straight before moving on to the next.
Collage Photo Displays:
 | Amazon Price: $15.54 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.30 List Price: $25.49 |
Short On Space?
If you’re short on space, consider collage or multi-opening frames. With this type of frame, you're able to artfully display many photos in a small amount of space. Many options exist in this category and you can easily find both wall hanging and table top designs. Here's just a couple of examples. Additionally, a great hanging kit can do wonders to help you easily and efficiently get the photo wall display done!
 | This is a great kit to have at home so you always have a way to hang your new artwork. Amazon Price: $24.05 List Price: $24.95 |
 | These are awesome! I use them to hang a lot of the artwork around my house. Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $19.99 |
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Hi Lily Rose. You might suppose that I love the outdoors more than my relatives, therefore my photo collection of the former is quite substantial. My single-story home has no stairways, but 10 and 11 foot walls. So rather than arranging picture frames of relatives, I'm thinking about attaching rectangular, fabric-covered frames to the walls with photo collages of the great outdoors.
My problem is figuring out where to start. A few pointers from experts on photo collages and displaying nature rather faces would be quite helpful.
Yes, Karry! If you look at the set of pictures at the top of this hub, the 1st, 3rd, and 6th pictures all include black and white pictures combined with color photos. Make the arrangement cohesive with frames that are alike, or at least similar. The 3rd picture (in the first set at the top) looks as if the frames are all different, but if you look carefully they all have gold, wheather the frame color or trim, and that makes them cohesive. Best of luck with your arrangement and thanks for visiting and the question.
I have a Q can I display a mix of monocromatic and colored pics on the wall.
Ruth, thank you for your comment - I'm happy to hear that you stumbled upon my hub! There are definitely lots of options for photo displays even on a budget. I love your idea of actually having your photographs spell something out. There's also photo pockets that are inexpensive (there's a link up above under "Collage Photo Displays:"). Also, photojojo.com has some cool magnetic cords for displaying pictures and more great stuff.
Good luck and thank you for your comment!
Hey Lily , I googled and clicked i'm feeling lucky and stumbled apon this blog , i read all your idea's and i think you put in so much effort , its a really good read and ot my mind going , unfortunatley , i'm sixteen and most of the concepts and designs incorporated frames and or different size photos , which as i student is above my buget , i was looking for more of a cool layout for my 6x4 photos, i'm thinking of going for the word L I F E across my purple wall , the letters being made up of photots , i'm posting to let you know that i think your idea's are great and that the effort you made is great 1
RSVP,
Ruth , Ireland
I consider myself to be a very detail oriented person, so I truly appreciate that comment, Vidhya!
Lovely ideas with a lot of attention to detail. Keep it up!
Mike - thank you for your great comment. I certainly would love to include pictures from readers and I have and do urge anyone to contact me to forward pictures for inclusion into my hub! Actually, perhaps I'll do a little editing and add a section even if it stays blank for now...
Hi Lily - great site and lots of Ideas, with lots of comments from people with lots of pictures.. It would be nice to hear and see what they have done too. Could you add a section of pictures from readers.. would be fun to see how they have worked on their wall :}
That sounds fantastic Kimmy! The inspiration photo you mention is actually my own family photo wall and I love it. Sounds like you're off to a great start with all your photos. I'm very happy to hear that I helped you get started! I'd love to see photos of what you did...
Extremely happy to have finally displayed some family photo's on the landing in our house. I went for a similar look as your first photo wall, in a diamond shape and incorporating brown and slightly goldish frames. I now have my greatgrandmother, grandmother, mother and daughter all as 'young women' along with a few other precious photos. So thank you for helping me get started on this addiction .... going to do a more modern black and white display somewhere else in the house :)
Hi Jennie - First of all I would say to make copies of your photos, don't use originals (unless you have them digitally stored and can reproduce at any time) - not because they'll get ruined for sure, but it's best to be safe.
To protect your photos from wear you can do a couple of things. You can mat them (make your own simple mat - thin or thick - out of cardstock or construction paper and tape the photo to the back side) and then clip the mat rather than the photo itself. Or if you're going to clip the photo itself you can line the inside edge of the clip with a small piece of felt or any other soft material to protect the photo. Definitely hang the photos in a location where the sun does not directly hit them or they will fade quickly with no protection from a frame.
I love this wire hanging system from Photojojo (a favorite site of mine): http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/magnetic-ph
Check out this cool idea also at Photojojo: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/fotoclips/
Peruse their whole store - they have some great stuff!
I hope this helps answer your question. Good luck!
In this:
"Pictures or art don’t always have to be framed. An unconventional display could be to hang unframed prints or pictures from a length of wire with clips."
I want to try hanging pictures from the wire with clips, but I am worried about them wearing.
Jennie,
Thank you for your question ... I would love to help you but unfortunately I must ask you for clarification. I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Are you hanging picture FRAMES from a wire? Is it a trapeze-type display or do you mean the frame has a wire across the back for hanging? Type of finish on the frame? Are you painting the frames or are you asking about the finish of something else? I'm sorry to ask so many questions; I'm trying to understand what you are asking me because I'm a bit confused, sorry...
If I were to hang photos from a wire, what sort of finish would I do on them in order for them not to wear or tatter?
Hi Donna - Well, I'm having a difficult time picturing what you are explaining about accenting an arrangement with this...In general, a picture over a doorway is not the best placement because it's too difficult to see. There are exceptions to hanging pictures not at eye level, but I'm not sure above a doorway is one of them.
In my opinion, the only thing that you can get away with is a painting/print over a doorway because that type of artwork doesn't have the details that one needs to see like in a photograph. Also, artwork should only be hung over a doorway when you have tall ceilings and there's plenty of space above the doorway (at least a couple of feet or more). I hope this helps!
Thanks for your website. What are your views about putting a large framed photo over the doorway to accent arrangement on the connecting wall?
Thank you for the kind words. There really are so many ways you could go about creating a wedding memory wall or display - you really could use any of the examples above.
That being said, since it is your daughter's wedding and not your own, my personal opinion would be to avoid overkill and select only your favorite few - perhaps 6 or 7 at most.
You could also utilize a collage frame and be able to use a lot more photos without it being overkill. Another option would be to use a multi-frame trapeze hanging system like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FHHAUQ/ref=as
I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and your daughter!!
I love your site & have gained many ideas from it. I am still in a quandary as to how to best display my daughter's wedding photos. Want to try to use the wall alongside the stairs or possibly around a door & one vertical wall. Would appreciate any advice. Thankyou
Jeri - thanks for your comment and question. In re-reading the section that you're referring to I now realize that it's not very clear, is it? Sorry about that. What was meant by that really is kind of open to interpretation - start with three, or even two, as your foundation. That foundation can be either horizontal or vertical. Add as many as you like to the sides or top/bottom to create an overall square or rectangular shape. Traditionally, the center of the arrangement should be at "eye level", however, what is "okay" is really up to you. I've seen rooms where framed photos are hung all over, floor to ceiling, and it looks great - do what feels and looks right to you I say because you live there and if at the end of the day it makes you smile then you've done a great job! I'm going to post a couple more pictures up above in the section you're referring to that may help you get the idea. I hope this helps!
Great ideas! On your graphic retangular picture you say to put 3 identical size frames in the center, I can't see that on that display. Can you explain what exactly you mean? On one row, or on center of both rows, etc... And, if I do a square on another wall how high or low is ok? I need to make the middle about 5ft. off ground?
@ twigs - LOL! Depends on where you live and how much you're willing to pay! ;-)
Great.. Can you help me do it in our wall.
Thanks for your question, Cindy ~ the white frames in that display are 8" x 10". I've received a lot of comments and questions about that specific display - it's a great one and an easy and inexpensive way to create a truly dramatic display.
What frame size is displayed in your photo for the the dramatic display the 24 white frames?
I love taking pictures too. I'll use your tips when I decide to display them.
Thanks for the excellent hub.
Oh, yes - there's a science to it! :-) Thanks for your comment, CASE1WORKER.
I had not realised that the photograph frame and the area where it was hung was so important and could be so visually pleasing.
Absolutely! As long as you have the wall space for it, I think it would be a wonderful place to show off your family photos and everyone who enters your home will be sure to see them!
hi I have an open staircase it is the first thing you see when you walk into my home. Do think this is a good place to hang family photos
I'm always happy when someone finds my hubs useful - thanks for your comment! I LOVE stairway galleries - goo luck and have fun with it!
This is great! We have very bare walls, and I don't have a natural eye for design. The schematics you posted will be very helpful: we want to hang photos on the wall by our staircase, and this will help me form a good design!
Sunforged - thanks for visiting, and thanks for the kind words! I, too, love photos along the staircase walls - unfortunately my staircase is pretty open on both sides so I can't do it otherwise I would definitely do it like the picture above - I love how the arrangement even wraps around the corner. I bet you're ammassing a decent amount of pictures of your new daughter! Thanks also for the great comment about the laser level - so true! - I will perhaps give the hub a tweak to showcase it more as you suggested.
@ Karen - glad to hear that; hope you have fun with the project!
Thank you, Lily, for your time and kind response. My ML did respond well to the all white.
daniel@caltel.com
Wow, your wall looks great! great arrangement, I really like the clever suggestion of using outlines to compose your arrangement, Im almost ashamed to never have thought of that!
I think my favorite location is up the staircase, for some reason those collections of photos when well done, are very memorable for me, maybe since there is often anything else to distract the eye?
I think the laser hanger should be showcased more, those are invaluable! they are super cheap and easy to use - just one use, if it saves you from making one incorrect nail hole ..and it already pays for itself.Hanging lots of frames can be frustrating even with traditional levels since older walls are often uneven. I should know I interned in a gallery. Readers, Get a laser level/laser marker!
In the first set of photos (above), I love the third picture with the family photos all over the wall, but that would probably be thought of as overwhelming! Take a look at the fifth photograph in that first set of photos - a very simple collage with everything framed in white frames with white mats. It not only gives a peaceful feeling but it's easy on the eyes and not at all overwhelming. I think mixing nature pics in with family pics would work beautifully. Now, on the other hand, using all different frames can give an arrangement the look and feel of it having been "collected" over time and that can be calming, too. I hope that helps - good luck with helping your MIL with her photo displays and thanks for your comment!
Your page is set up beautifully and is helpful. Thank you.
Any more suggestions for helping to frame/display family photos without overwhelming, for my mother-in-law's apartment? She likes a quiet feel but loves her family and the photos. She also wants to hang nature photos that my husband shoots.
Thank you for your time.
daniel@caltel.com
Jeff - normally I would delete "spam" comments, but I checked out your site and I really like your concept a lot. It's different and has a nice contemporary feel, albeit a little on the pricey side....but hey, for those who can afford it, it's definitely an option in the running - thanks for visiting, Jeff.
CollageWall makes photo walls easy to design and install. Check out http://collagewall.com.
Absolutely - whatever makes you happy is what's best. Of course, we're all concerned with what's "right", too, so what I would recommend is to stick with either all color or all black & white for the photos and use frames that are all in the same color family (all black, or even different shades of brown/wood tone, or whatever color goes best with your decor.) Go ahead and throw a framed quote in the mix, but keep it minimal so as not to throw off the overall photo display. Hope this helps!
Is is okay to display in a group a wide variety of pictures such as school photos, Christmas photos, family photos as well as a favorite quote?
Pammac - I think you could definitely do what you desire using some of the large arrangements shown above. Check out the first set of pictures at the top of the hub and look at the first, second, third and sixth pictures. Also look at the third picture down titled "graphic rectangular photo wall display" - you can combine the school photos with other family photos easily, just make a point to hang the school pictures chronologically from left to right. They don't have to be in a straight line...hope that helps!
Good information, Thanks! This is my challenge... I would like to hang my children's 8X10 class pictures up in my 12 foot hallway along with other sized pictures of the family, ect.. I would like the class photos in chronological order but still want it to be interesting and also add the other pics in to the mix. I have wanted to do this for 2 years now and don't know where to start. I look forward to hearing your ideas. Thanks!
Thanks, Karen, I always love to hear that I've helped someone and you're right, family photos are a terrific way to warm up your home - as long as you do it right! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have...good luck!
I was thrilled to see your hub...thanks for taking the time to show so many options. I want to warm up our home using family photos and your ideas will work very nicely. If I have questions I'll be back!
@ lovingchimera - sorry I don't have it larger, but if it's the frame sizes you're looking for, I can list them here...starting at the top right and going down the rows left to right:
two 11x14's . four 8x10's . two 5x7's
two 20x20's . three 10x10's
two 10x10's . two 5x7's . one 11x20
two 10x20's . one 16x20 . seven 10x10's
one 20x20 . one 11x14 . two 10x10's
one 16x20 . one 11x14
four square pictures any size
three square pictures any size
two 10x10's . three 5x7's . one 8x10
one 16x20 . two 11x14's
one 16x20 . two 11x14's . four 5x7's
three 10x20's . three 8x10's
two 10x20's . two 11x14's . two 5x7's . one 5x10
two 11x14's . two 10x10's
one 10x20 . one 8x10 . one 11x14 . one 5x7 . one 11x20
eight square pictures any size
four square pictures any size
seven 10x10's . four 10x20's
do u have a bigger image of the 2nd blue image of photo frame arrangements? I clicked on it but it's not that clear. please reply at lovingchimera@yahoo.com
Excellent, thank you both!
Hi Danielle - I would suggest an arrangement in which the frames are hung either together (edges touching) or very close together in a tight display. If you have a narrow space, depending on the room, it could look very cool to hang your frames almost floor to ceiling. Another option is to hang several picture shelves from top to bottom on your wall and place the frames on the shelves - it may give you more options to rearrange/add/remove/change your overall display. I hope this helps!
Great ideas, I have alot of 8x10 photos and little wall room any suggestions? I don't have a stairwell.
So many good tips there...thanks.
Thanks for your comment, Kara. I'll email you...
I really appreciate the large wall arrangement of animals (picture 1). I have such challenges with the spacing and design. Would you happen to have frame sizes, mat sizes (and opening sizes) and spacing between the frames for the "nice photo wall arrangement for a large wall when you have a lot of frames to hang" picture?
I noticed you shared the sizes with someone above several months ago. My email is karacassani@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much.
I love decorating my room with photos. Aside from giving the room some sense of art and "completeness", they also show good happy memories.
You're so welcome! I always love to hear from people who have found my hub useful - best of luck with your project!
Lovely! I am in the process of trying to hang up a bunch of art and photos, and I remembered seeing this article the other day. Thanks for the help!
Another great idea - thanks, Jay!
Hiya..i love taking photos and have too many to choose from to hang..also i have just had a baby and have been taking loads of pics...i decided to start a photo wall a couple of weeks ago and instead of doing photos in frames i am making it with small canvas's...it looks lovely and have loads of room to add to it as my baby grows!!!
Great hub. Some really useful tips in there. Gonna have a go at moving my mess of pictures around! :)
Looks good, great instructions on wall decor photo displays. Thanks.
Thanks for stopping by, Waynet. Took your advice and moved first couple of pictures down. I'm not using Ebay. If I move Amazon next to text capsules, then I couldn't put the relevant pictures there...
Hi there, just visited from the forum, asking for a bit of help, what I can see is, that the photos right at the top ideally should be under your first text module, so that the adsense ads feature prominently at the top and then on each subsequent text module, you might do best adding an amazon widget at the side of each text module.
You can see why you get a good amount of traffic to this page, it's well written and with some good photos.
Are you using Ebay?
Hi Rachel. Actually, that dramatic display is a collection of 24 individual simple white frames hung closely together. That would be cool if you could find a ready made collage frame that large! Instead of trying to get them hung so close together, consider somehow attaching them together with nails or screws before hanging them. Good luck and thanks for visiting!
Where did you get the picture of the frame next to the title "Create a Dramatic Display" - I would LOVE to have that frame in my house!!
CyFree - I'm glad I could help! I think a large collection of different styled frames, as long as they're hung in some sort of cohesive manner, can make a wonderful eclectic wall display, so go for it! Just lay it all out on the floor first and that'll really give you the best way to see what it would look like on the wall and allows you to edit and rearrange before making any commitments with nails!
This is one of my biggest challenges decorating. Picture placement. Throughout my life, I ended up collecting too many, all in different styles, and I absolutely love and want to display them all.
This article gave me some ideas.
Thanks, Sue! It's definitely a good idea not to have to take large chunks out of your walls when hanging pictures - LOL!
Great and detailed hub of the many ways to get your photographs up and out there on display. Must agree with your method of arranging and moving around your frames on the floor first is a great tip, much better than taking large chunks out of your wall from moving around picture hooks!
Cheers,
Sue
Sure, Stephanie - I'll email you direct...
would you be able to share the frame sizes in the photo 1? i have all my pics just need to decide on a frame sizing. thanks so much
stephanie.rudderham@gmail.com
This is one of my favorite ways to create a focal point in a room. By displaying the photos in a grouping not only do you get to display all of your favorite photos, but your create a dramatic impact as well.
Nice tips for displaying photos - of which I have very many. Thanks.
Amber Benike 3 months ago
You have no idea how much I love this! I am horrible at it. I thought other might be too, so I shared it on my blog today: http://benikeboutique.blogspot.com/2012/02/tutoria
Thank you!!!