{"id":625227,"date":"2026-06-07T01:04:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/625227\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T01:04:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:04:50","slug":"this-is-how-interior-designers-display-family-photographs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/625227\/","title":{"rendered":"This Is How Interior Designers Display Family Photographs"},"content":{"rendered":"

While everyone snaps away on their phones and shares images online, there\u2019s been a quiet resurgence of the printed photograph. Whether that\u2019s down to screen fatigue (understandable) or something far deeper, people are once again appreciating the family photo as a physical object rather than a fleeting image on their camera rolls.<\/p>\n

Speaking from experience, there\u2019s a big difference between knowing how to hang art<\/a> and displaying family photos in a way that looks good. Paintings and art<\/a> prints often arrive framed, which removes at least some of the guesswork, but they can vary widely in shape and size. Photographs, on the other hand, tend to be more uniform, again opening up a whole variety of options \u2014 should you group them? Hang them one-by-one? Create a gallery wall?<\/p>\n

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So, what are non-tacky ways designers like to display family photos, and how can you capture these ideas in your own home? Let’s find out.<\/p>\n

Latest Videos From<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

1. Highlight a Moment<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

One favorite photograph can become a focal point for a modern bedroom<\/a>‘s nightstand. <\/p>\n

(Image credit: Rebecca Hope, Project: Rebecca Udall)<\/p>\n

Some photos deserve pride of place. \u201cDisplaying one photograph individually allows it to take on greater significance in your space,\u201d says Sophie Pringle<\/a>, founder of Pringle & Pringle. \u201cA single family photo can make a beautiful statement.\u201d<\/p>\n

For maximum impact, display that single image in a prominent position. \u201cYou want it to be somewhere that feels personal to you and that you\u2019ll enjoy every day,\u201d suggests Sophie. A bedside table, desk, or console is likely to make the most sense depending on the context of your chosen image.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re only displaying one family photo, the frame becomes more important than it otherwise might. \u201cThe frame has the power to turn your family photo into a decorative object in its own right,\u201d the interior designer explains. \u201cIt should fit within your space\u2019s wider design story, so look at your existing palette and the materials you\u2019ve used.”<\/p>\n

She suggests timber, brass, or tortoiseshell frames for warmth and character, “while contemporary spaces are suited to metallic or cleaner-lined designs,” she adds.<\/p>\n

The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what\u2019s shaping interiors now – and what\u2019s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n


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\"Talasa\n<\/p>\n

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If you’re only displaying one photo, you might as well choose a statement frame. This wavy design features red brushstrokes applied by hand.<\/p>\n

\"InteriorSophie Pringle<\/p>\n

Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n

<\/a>Creative Director, Pringle & Pringle<\/p>\n

Sophie founded her design studio in 2015 and leads a team working on high-end residential projects in London and across the UK. She is trained in architecture, imbuing creative spaces with a distinctly practical sensibility.<\/p>\n

2. Curate a Black-and-White Gallery Wall<\/p>\n

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The key to a gallery-style arrangement is curation rather than crowding.<\/p>\n

(Image credit: The White Company)<\/p>\n

Gallery walls<\/a> have long been a go-to for displaying family photos, but interior designers are now steering clear of eclectic, mixed-and-matched arrangements. Instead, more streamlined displays are bringing a simpler, elevated look to family home projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cA gallery wall can turn a collection of memories into something much more, but they work far better when they feel intentional, not accidental,\u201d agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova<\/a>, founder of K\u2019Arte Design. Map out your arrangement on the floor, but try a few different compositions before settling on your final decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best always have a unifying thread that makes them curated rather than chaotic,\u201d adds Katerina. \u201cThat could be a consistent frame finish, a shared mount colo<\/a>r, or simply a considered starting point that everything else builds around.\u201d<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

Consider opting for black-and-white printing, too, which can bring a uniform look to images shot at different times and across a variety of places.<\/p>\n

3. Lean In<\/p>\n

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\"Contemporary\n<\/p>\n

A floating picture ledge allows for a flexible display of framed photographs.<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Brie Williams, Project: Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors)<\/p>\n

If you like displaying photographs in proper frames, but enjoy rotating their arrangement, a floating shelf beautifully balances practicality with flexibility. “Leaning frames<\/a>, rather than wall mounting them, allow pieces to rotate over time without damaging paint<\/a> or wallpaper,” explains Maggie Mardre<\/a> from Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors.<\/p>\n

For a design-led approach, opt for a subtle ledge (like this one from John Lewis)<\/a> rather than a deep shelf \u2014 this keeps the focus firmly on the family photos, rather than allowing the surface to become cluttered with other objects or decorative accessories.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this project, wrapping the steel ledge around the room also creates a linear visual element, adding structure to the display of layered frames,\u201d says Maggie. \u201cWhen mixing different sizes, always create a balanced composition rather than a chaotic one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"InteriorMaggie Mardre<\/p>\n

Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n

<\/a>Senior Interior Designer, Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors<\/p>\n

Maggie joined the interior design team at Ruard Veltman in 2021, working on furniture and custom builds for clients. The studio works on high-end residential projects across the US and is known for its timeless approach to design.<\/p>\n

4. Go Beyond the Basic<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

Bespoke frames can make a casual cluster of family photos look much more considered.<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Em Reid, Project: MORA Interiors)<\/p>\n

From Polaroid exposures to vintage prints, memories aren\u2019t always captured in 4×6. Whether you\u2019re arranging a cluster on a mantel or hanging just one on a wall, family photos beyond the typical dimensions can be trickier to display stylishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople are now using photo booths to capture milestones like holidays, engagements, and new babies,\u201d says Shauna Moran<\/a>, founder of MORA Interiors. \u201cThe less traditional the piece you\u2019re framing, the more elevated the frame needs to be to give it weight. I\u2019d also suggest that the smaller the photo is, the bigger the mount should be.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re framing a quirky format, don\u2019t feel like you have to play it too safe. \u201cHave fun with the framing,\u201d instructs Shauna. \u201cGo for something unexpected with mount colors, placement of the photo, or aperture shape. You\u2019ll be giving your special memory the attention-to-detail it deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n


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\"Raven\n<\/p>\n

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MORA<\/p>\n

Raven Mulberry & Candy Single Photobooth Strip<\/p>\n

Designed especially for photobooth strips, this colorful frame will bring an elegantly playful look to your memories.<\/p>\n

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\"Urban\n<\/p>\n

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Urban Outfitters<\/p>\n

Amelia Instax Photo Frame<\/p>\n

Just like a locket, this pretty gold frame feels fitting for those few seconds that feel most memorable.<\/p>\n

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\"YumraPrintsAndFrames,\n<\/p>\n

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YumraPrintsAndFrames<\/p>\n

Polaroid Photo Frame<\/p>\n

While lots of people feel the need to supersize family photos, sometimes keeping them smaller can actually have more impact. <\/p>\n

5. Pin Up<\/p>\n

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A fabric-covered pinboard can work surprisingly well in elegant spaces.<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Astrid Templier, Project: Rebecca Hughes Interiors)<\/p>\n

You may prefer to rotate family photographs regularly, in which case frames might be a hindrance rather than a key design tool. \u201cA fabric pinboard is a personal and relaxed way to display family photographs, exactly because it allows your space to evolve naturally over time,\u201d believes Rebecca Hughes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Of course, not all pinboards are created equally. \u201cFor this space, we selected a fabric with a subtle geometric pattern, giving the board visual presence without overwhelming,\u201d the interior designer explains. \u201cAs the motif has movement and texture, it disguises pin marks beautifully and prevents the board from feeling too utilitarian.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering a similar approach, why not layer in other elements rather than just family photos? Using a pinboard [like this one from Pottery Barn]<\/a> as a visual scrapbook can add a further layer of interest, turning the display into something truly interactive \u2014 postcards, invitations, and even children\u2019s artwork all make worthy additions to the mix.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re showing off a single meaningful image or building a display with lots of different family photos, the key is to do it with something of a curator\u2019s eye. Interior designers know that the best ways to display family photos involve thoughtful compositions and careful hanging.<\/p>\n

Looking for more inspiration? Discover how cool people frame their pictures<\/a>, and subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> for even more design ideas and decorating advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"While everyone snaps away on their phones and shares images online, there\u2019s been a quiet resurgence of the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":625228,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[6225,6485,6486,1120,96,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-625227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-design","tag-entertainment","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=625227"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625227\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/625228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=625227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=625227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=625227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}