Most of us have at least a few special photos on display around our homes. They could show special moments with our loved ones, precious pets, or even our ancestors. Displayed well, photos can really make your house a home, by creating an intimate, family atmosphere in any room. They can be a reminder of some of your best memories, like your child’s first steps, relaxing holidays, or your wedding day. These unique and personal touches deserve to be framed sensitively to really make the pictures pop. Here are a few things to consider when displaying photos in your home.
Consider Size and Location
First, you need to know exactly where the best place to display your photo is. Will it be hung on the wall or propped on the sideboard? For something like a holiday landscape, you could even turn it into a large artwork, making a focal piece for your living or dining room.
There are lots of ways to cleverly display a collection of photos. One of my favorite ways to display a group of photos is in a modern collage. But another great arrangement is a staggered display on the stairway, which could be a set of photos of all your family, friends, and pets that you can easily add to year after year!
Get the Best Quality Possible
Make sure the image you’re creating a print from is high resolution, particularly if you’re having a large print made. Anything low resolution will become blurry when enlarged. A high res photo will look really clear and realistic, making your precious memories almost as vivid as the day they happened!
Pick the right finish for your photos whether it’s matt or high gloss. A matt finish can look really stylish and understated whereas a high gloss image looks fresh and exciting. Make sure whichever finish you select goes with the style of your home and other décor.
Find the Right Frame
When deciding the size of print you would like to display, consider what the most common picture frame sizes are to give yourself the widest range of frames to choose from. If you’re having a custom frame created, then this doesn’t matter as they’ll make it to fit your preferred dimensions.
If you’re buying your frame ready made, there are endless options to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
- The style of your home – a natural, wooden frame will look good in a more traditional home, whereas a sleek, black frame will have a crisp and modern look.
- Do you even want a visible frame? – Acrylic print holders display the photo without a frame to detract attention from the photo.
- Customizable photo frames – these are a great option if you want to further personalize the way your photo is displayed. Some companies will not only let you choose the size, color, and material the frame is made from, you can sometimes have words and images engraved in the frame too.
- Digital frames – digital frames are a great modern way to display a whole slideshow of photos without having the expense or hassle of having lots of prints made.
Mounting and Hanging
Depending on the frame, you may need to consider how it’s mounted. For example, will the image take up the whole frame or do you want to add a crisp mat?
Most off the peg frames are straightforward and provide everything you need, including backing boards, to make sure the photo stays flat and taught in the frame. If you’re getting a frame custom made, they will talk you through all the options and should be able to show you examples so you can compare styles.
If you’re propping up the photo on the sideboard, then it’s easy peasy. But hanging photos on the wall is a little more work. Seek out a ‘how to’ guide for detailed instructions to make sure you do the best job possible. A quick internet search should turn up lots of tips and tricks for hanging photos.
Taking the time to get this right will mean your cherished memories, nearest and dearest, and family history will not only create lovely reminders while you relax at home, they’ll look eye-catching and stylish too!
Do you display many photos around your home?
Photo courtesy of: Stacy Brunner
