5 min readI may not have kids of my own, but I am a proud auntie to many. During a recent conversation with my sister-in-law, she asked if I was interested in some of her young daughter’s artwork, and in true auntie fashion, I was excited to receive “an original” from her and put it on display. My design brain, of course, started churning, too: how does one display kids’ artwork at home, tastefully? What are parents doing with their children’s 8” x 11” sheets of paper with paint blobs? And…is it kind of mean if you choose not to show off their art?
I turned to several designers for answers, and all the experts I spoke with are in favor of displaying your child’s artwork around the home (phew!).
“When it’s done thoughtfully, it becomes one of the most meaningful layers in a home,” says Ansley Majit, founding principal of Lark + Palm. “As kids get older and stop bringing art home from school, those pieces become even more special. Seeing my boys’ artwork on the walls still makes me happy every single time I walk past it; it’s such a personal reminder of a moment in time.”
As for how to incorporate all your little ones' drawings, collages, and more, into your space without ruining the grown-up aesthetic that you worked so hard to curate, read on. The designers had plenty of wisdom to share—and I will certainly be applying their advice to my art-collecting auntie life.
Frame Your Child’s Artwork Like a Professional
Treat your child’s art, whether done in school or at home, like you would a piece you just bought: get it nicely framed. Designers all agree this is the most tasteful way to showcase your little one’s masterpiece, whether you get this professionally done, order a frame off Etsy to DIY, or thrift a vintage frame.
“Edges are instantly improved when paired with a mat, and framing elevates the pieces to seamlessly work with many other collections. I like to use colorful or oversized mats with a French line to emphasize the composition,” says Anne Underwood, founder of Underwood Interiors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“If you’re displaying several pieces, keeping the frames consistent helps balance the variety of colors, mediums, and styles that naturally come with children’s art,” adds Majit. “That cohesion makes it feel intentional rather than chaotic. The real secret to displaying a child’s art without it feeling chaotic is to treat it like real art, frame it beautifully, and edit thoughtfully.”
Incorporate the Piece Into Your Gallery Wall
If you have a colorful or eclectic gallery wall, make space for your kids' favorite pieces. “Your art collection should mean something to you, and what could mean more [than your kids]? I also think back to the pride that I felt when my parents displayed my artwork, and I know my children feel that same encouragement,” says art curator, Liz Lidgett.
As for how to pull off the gallery wall, Sandy Baisley and Natasia Smith of RE-FIND say, “Mix your child’s artwork (framed, of course) with pieces you’ve invested in. The combination helps the wall feel less themed and more collected.”
“I also love the idea of a gallery wall dedicated entirely to kids’ pieces, all framed the same way, which creates a really charming moment,” adds Majit. This curated gallery could live in the hallway, their playroom, or even in the mudroom, so every time your kids drop off their bags and shoes from school, they see their work on display. “
Display the Art in These Spots
Dedicate a space or two around the home to showcase your little one’s paintings and drawings.
“We suggest displaying children’s art in transitional areas such as hallways, mudrooms, and stairwells,” says Underwood. “Hang them floor-to-ceiling in a loose salon-style and mix with family photos and other collected pieces of art for high impact. I’ve had clients who collect posters or restaurant menus from places they have traveled to and add them to the mix with their child’s artwork, creating a family wall of memories.”
Another obvious spot is the playroom, their own bedrooms, or even the kitchen. Other designers noted laundry rooms and even the pool house are fair game. “Honestly, kids take over the whole house anyway, so if you have a more eclectic home, why not put it somewhere more prominent?” Madison Shoemaker, designer from Inside Stories, says. “Classically, [art goes] on the fridge, so having a little gallery in the breakfast nook could be a cute way to nod to this tradition.”
And…Avoid Showcasing Them in These Areas
For some parents, you may be tempted to cover every inch of your home with your child’s imaginative pieces, but designers caution against doing so. You want the art to feel intentional with the space it’s in. Avoid placing their paintings and doodles in formal dining rooms, living rooms, and even in your primary bedroom.
“Never say never [but this space is] meant to be your sanctuary, and sometimes that means taking a break from all things kids,” says Baisley and Smith.
Rotate Their Art on Display
If your six-year-old is a little Matisse in the making, you may be receiving more of their creations than you have room to display. Don’t fret! Get a frame like this one that stores their work and lets you switch it out whenever you want. “For younger kids who are constantly creating new masterpieces, it’s sweet to have a rotating display area, like a magnet board or a wire with clips, where they can showcase their latest work. It keeps things playful without overwhelming the rest of the house,” says Majit.
The designer also suggests making it a family ritual at the end of the school year to choose your favorite pieces to frame. That way, you can see their whole collection and then decide on which ones feel hang-worthy.
Another idea comes from social media: Some parents are hosting “art shows” in their homes where friends, family, and neighbors can come and buy their little one’s art. This is a thoughtful way to celebrate your child’s creative genius without having to hang up everything they make.
Turn Your Child’s Art Into a Custom Decor Piece for the Home
While framing and hanging up their artwork is an easy, do-it-in-one-weekend project, there are other designer-approved ways to incorporate their magnum opus into your home’s decor.
“For one project, we took inspiration from our client’s child’s artwork and favorite colors to design a custom Moroccan rug,” shares Baisley and Smith. “He was thrilled about the idea, and so was Mom. By pulling the playful shapes and hues from his art and combining them with our design style, we created a rug that could grow and mature with him over time. It was such a joy to bring that piece to life.”
If a custom rug is not on your home-decor bingo card, Shoemaker suggests turning their work into a cute coffee table book instead. There are many online services that let you take photos of their work, upload them, and turn them into a hardcover book the whole family can enjoy.
Alternatively, Lidgett suggests keeping all their creations, then at the end of the year, collaging said pieces onto a large canvas. If you’re not feeling crafty, though, you can hire someone (or rope in the favorite auntie) to make a collage for you.
