How To Turn Boring Home Photos Into Wall Art!

One of the best ways to create a memory of a specific event, person or place is to take a picture, right? And, in today’s high tech world where nearly every device has a camera incorporated into it, it is easier than ever to capture a moment in time. But, for most people these pictures are hardly more than a digital image that they only look at in their camera, iPhone or on Facebook.  If you talk to any kind of photographer, most will tell you that pictures are meant to be displayed so that you can enjoy them on a regular basis.  It is the same for stunning pictures of architecture and soaring landscapes, as it is for family photos.  And with that I say, there is no better gallery for all these works of art than your own home’s walls. There are so many cool things you can do with home photography nowadays, where you can literally turn just about any semi-good picture into a stunning focal piece. Here some of my favorite stylish ways to display personal photography in your home.

1. Large and in charge! Not every family photo is worth enlarging, but the really good ones are.  This is a really neat way to transform your favorite pictures of say, your kids or pets, into a pseudo-mural.  You can do one massive photo or a group of enlarged pictures, but make sure it’s not too much overkill.  The best pictures for this would be ones that are simple or have a certain artistic flair.  Enlarged pictures also look great when printed in black and white or sepia!

2. Puzzles, squares and rectangles! Arrange photos in groups to form simple squares and rectangles, or combine them so that they fit together into a puzzle.  You can use a variety of different size frames, or all the same size to achieve different looks.  The key, unless you are going for the eclectic look, is to have coordinating or matching frames.

3. Hangers, clips, rails, and shelves! Use a variety of different hanging or mounting methods to achieve different levels of sophistication.  Use rails to line a wall and incorporate other items, like lamps and books, along with framed photos to make artistic collections. Perhaps try lining a wall with silver wire and clip unframed or simple matted photos along the line for a more fun and whimsical feel. 

4.  From one end to the other!  Arrange photos of all kinds in assorted frames along with painted works of art, over the entire length and width of one wall.  Chose a wall that will not be intrusive, like along the staircase, or pick one that will serve as a focal point, like behind the couch.  

5. Go vintage!  Antique frames have a certain flair that modern ones just don’t have anymore.  Try hitting up your local antique shops and look for frames that have distinctive character.  Don’t worry about their color or finish, instead just stop by your local hardware store and grab some sandpaper and a few cans of spray paint to give them a quick new look.  Tip: Make sure the frames are not worth money before you paint them!  Another great vintage idea is to frame photos in old window panes and then hang them in groups along the wall.

With tips like these, there is no reason to be afraid of displaying your personal photos to create your own style and home decor.