30 Creative Ways to Display Photos On Your Walls

For a look that's as nostalgic as it is dramatic, look no further than this photo-covered space by The Novogratz. Here, family photos (mostly black and white) act as a wallpaper of sorts, covering every available inch of space for a time-traveling surprise around every corner.

A photo display doesn't have to take up the whole wall. In fact, sometimes, a bite-sized arrangement can have an even bigger impact. In this living room, designer Heidi Caillier opted for a freeform composition of mini frames for an artsy moment that makes you look twice.

If a high impact is what you're after, black-and-white photography is the answer. While a collection of grayscale pictures is already eye-catching, pairing the display with an inky black backdrop—like seen here in the home of designer Ariene Bethea's—adds another layer of drama to the whole scene.

For a cohesive look that unites your art display with the rest of your room, consider "framing" a favorite piece of furniture with an arrangement of your favorite pieces, as seen here by designer Katie Ridder. The end result? An eye-catching vignette every friend will want to Insta the second they come over.

Part of the fun in displaying artwork and photography around your home are the tiny moments of surprise it can bring. To harness that playful nature, look for unexpected spots to stash your favorite pieces. In this kitchen, designed by Rita Konig, two cheery frames find a permanent home on the hood of the stove.

For a dynamic, museum-worthy arrangement, try paring a similarly-sized gallery wall arrangement alongside a strikingly large piece. The unique layout works especially well when nestled into a corner, as designer Ann Pyne did in her New York City apartment.

When it comes to hanging treasured pieces of artwork, you want to put them somewhere you can really enjoy them every day. And if that spot happens to be the ceiling of your bedroom? Well, so be it! The creative locale can actually be a great spot for a one-of-a-kind display, as seen in this dramatic primary suite designed by Krystal Matthews.

To make a photo or art collection feel cohesive, stick to a general theme (don't worry, it doesn't have to be too prescriptive!), like the loosely nautical display seen here in the home of designer Jeffrey Alan Marks. Not only will it visually tie together your arrangement, but a common thread will allow you to be more playful with your other elements, like framing or matting, without skewing too eclectic.

Many homes—especially older ones—often have puzzling nooks or walls that just need a little something to make them come alive. (Hint: Art is that little something.) The next time you've got a sloped wall that has you stumped, try using it as an opportunity for a uniquely-shaped gallery wall display. Here, designer Phillip Smith leaned into the charm of his 1716 Hudson Valley home with an eccentric display of frames, sketches, and photographs.

If you're the indecisive type that wants to take pictures down almost as quickly as you put them up, a photo ledge could be the perfect solution for you. Instead of committing to a permanent gallery wall display (with real nails and lots of measurements), photo ledges—like this angular display in a home by Laura Hodges—allow you more flexibility to rearrange your photos on a whim.

Eclecticism can be fun when it comes to artwork and photography—but so can sameness. In this cozy lounge, designer Javier Burkle used identical frames of different sizes to encase black and white sketches, providing a necessary moment of cohesion in the otherwise funky room.

For an experiential photo display that changes with every step, mirror the angle of your stairwell with a trailing gallery wall. Here, designer Zoe Feldman relied on frames of different sizes and orientations to mimic the slope of the handrail.

The right artwork display can instantly transform a forgotten corner of your home—like a utilitarian hallway—into a true "moment." Here, designer Jean Liu relied on a floor-to-ceiling display of colorful vintage art to breathe new life into a simple landing zone.

If your home boasts particularly tall walls, carrying a gallery-style arrangement only halfway up them may look unfinished. Instead, lean into the drama and go floor-to-ceiling with your display, as designer Andrew Brown did here. Sure, you won't be able to have those top pieces in your sightline every day, but the end result will be impactful enough to make it worth it.

Figuring out the right way to display your photos or artwork is as much about listening to your chosen pieces as it is listening to your home. You want to strike a symbiotic balance with all elements—from the framing and matting to the layout—to find the right "look" for your pieces. Here, a bold collection of pieces marries seamlessly with the room's color palette thanks to a streamlined display and simple white framing.

Think of this next idea as the artsy equivalent of Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs. Instead of allowing carbs to lead the way, carry your artwork around the corner or down the hall with a never-ending gallery wall, like the dramatic display seen here by designer Fran Keenan.

And by box, we mean the living room, dining room, or bedroom. Many areas of your home could benefit from an artistic accent, so the next time you're looking for some blank wall space to hang your new find, look to unexpected spots like a laundry room or bathroom for a touch of whimsy.

A more-is-more outlook on art and photography means your display techniques can follow in those exuberant footprints, incorporating two or even three ways of showcasing your pieces in one stunning moment. Here, designer Charlotte Lucas relied on traditional framing, display ledges, and casual photo holders to bring a dose of funk to this vibrant study zone.