20 Creative Photo Display Ideas
From the classic cameo to the contemporary gallery wall, photos are an integral part of turning a house into a home.
It’s never been easier or more affordable for the average person to take photos of their daily lives and most precious moments. Many of us have hundreds — if not thousands — of photos saved to our digital devices and stored physically in our closets.
So it’s no wonder that we’re often overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating our favorite pictures into our home decor.
Check out these creative photo display ideas that will inspire you to dig through your photo collection and finally let the best images see the light of day.
Contents
1. Create a Macrame Photo Display
Use a macrame wall hanging as a unique backdrop to clip or tie your favorite photos. This creates a bohemian vibe in any room and allows for easy swapping of pictures. Choose a macrame with intricate designs to add a touch of artistic flair.
2. Set Up a Fishing Pole Photo Display
Mount an old fishing rod on the wall and use its line to dangle photos using small clips. This display adds a quirky, nautical touch to your space and works well in areas with a casual or coastal theme.
3. Design a Corkboard Photo Showcase
Transform a simple corkboard into a dynamic photo display. Pin your photos in a creative arrangement, and feel free to add other elements like postcards or small keepsakes. This method is perfect for those who frequently update their photo collection.
4. Build Your Own Gallery Wall
Create a gallery wall by arranging various sizes and styles of frames in an appealing layout. Mix and match frame colors and textures for a more eclectic look or keep it uniform for a sleek, modern feel. This approach turns your photos into a focal point in any room.
5. Assemble a Chalkboard Photo Collage
Another fun idea is to create a chalkboard photo collage. This involves painting a large chalkboard on your wall and then using chalk to draw frames around your photos. This can be a great way to add a playful and personalized touch to your photo display.
6. Install a Floating Shelf for Photos
Place a series of floating shelves on a wall and line up framed photos. This minimalist approach keeps walls clutter-free while displaying your photos in a sleek, modern manner. It’s a versatile option that fits in almost any room.
7. Craft a Scrapbook Wall Display
Create a visual scrapbook on your wall by hanging pages or attaching them to a large board. This is a creative way to display photos along with mementos, tickets, and other small keepsakes, making it a deeply personal display.
8. Frame & Strings Photo Display
Stretch strings across an empty frame and use clips to hang photos. This rustic yet elegant display method is simple to set up and allows for easy photo replacement. It’s perfect for a casual, country-style room.
9. Turn Wine Corks into a Photo Board
Glue wine corks in a frame or on a board in a unique pattern and use pins to attach photos. This display is both eco-friendly and stylish, ideal for a kitchen or dining area.
10. Repurpose an Old Window for Photos
Use an old window frame, with or without glass, as a photo display. Attach photos directly to the panes or use it as a frame. This adds a charming, vintage feel to any space.
11. Utilize a Wooden Pallet for Photo Display
Paint or varnish a wooden pallet and use it to hang or clip photos. This rustic display can be leaned against a wall or mounted, suitable for spaces with a farmhouse or industrial aesthetic.
12. Hang Photos with Hook-Mounted Display
Install small hooks on your wall and hang photos with decorative ribbons or chains. This method adds a touch of elegance and is flexible for rearranging.
13. Create a Beaded Photo Garland
String beads and photos together to create a decorative garland. Hang it across a mantle, shelf, or wall for a playful and colorful photo display.
14. Use Wooden Photo Stands for Display
Use small wooden blocks or stands to display individual photos on shelves, desks, or tables. This is a great way to highlight special photos and works well in minimalistic or Scandinavian-style interiors.
15. Arrange a Hanging Photo Garland
Create a garland of photos using string and clips, and hang it from the ceiling or across a wall. This whimsical display adds a cozy, personal touch to any room.
16. Transform Your Staircase with a Gallery Wall
Turn your staircase wall into a gallery by arranging photos along the incline. This utilizes often overlooked space and creates a visual journey as you ascend or descend the stairs.
17. Welcome with an Entryway Gallery Wall
Welcome guests with a gallery wall in your entryway. Use a mix of family photos and artwork to create a warm, inviting atmosphere right at your front door.
18. Printed Canvas Photo Wall
Have your favorite photos printed on canvas and arrange them on a wall. This adds an artistic, professional touch to your photo display and works well in modern and contemporary spaces.
19. Framed Photo Collage
Arrange a series of photos within a large frame to create a collage. This method allows you to group themed photos together, perfect for commemorating events or showcasing family portraits.
20. Rustic Picture Frame on a Tray
Place a rustic picture frame on a decorative tray and lean it against a wall on a table or shelf. This casual display method is perfect for adding a cozy, country touch to small spaces.
Photo Display FAQs
You can always print your favorite digital photos to frame or use for another creative idea. Even at-home printers are able to produce high-quality photos for use as home decor.
If you can’t choose just a few of your favorite pictures to display, then consider investing in a digital photo frame. These frames come in all different sizes, styles, and types and feature a digital screen for displaying various pictures. You can even set the frame to rotate between photos so you don’t need to choose between them!
If you don’t want to drill a hole in your drywall to hang a photo, the frame can instead be propped on a shelf or piece of furniture. Most frames are designed for both display styles.
Products like Command Strips can accommodate picture frames of all sizes and weights. Just be sure to select the right product for your specific needs.
You can also use more creative photo display ideas like macrame wall hangings or string lights to hang your favorite images without damaging the existing wall with nails.