Memories, not mess: How to display printed photographs without creating visual clutter
Displaying images of people and memories at home doesn't have to create tangible or visual clutter in your space. Here are tips for ways keeping memories accessible without the overwhelm.
Printed photos are a timeless way to display key moments in your family’s life. Digital photo frames have been making a big splash as a low-clutter way to have countless photos cycle through your home, but there's something to be said for the impact of displaying a printed photo. The old school analog way of displaying photos — either nicely framed or stuck onto a corkboard can be great, but can often grow out of control and lead to undesirable visual busyness. Here are our best tips and guidelines for displaying the photos you love, without them fading into background clutter.
Use matching frames and oversized mattes for a clean look
One of the best ways to ensure your displayed photos look clean and minimal-ish is to use a set of matching frames with large white mattes (like this one from Target). The visual contrast allows your eye to settle on each photo individually when it is ready, or simply enjoy the elegant symmetry created by the many frames at large. This style works well with a symmetrical hanging pattern like a straight row of three or a grid of 2x2 or 3x3. A set of matching frames can be challenging to thrift, but if you choose a timeless frame, it can serve you well for years to come.
Rotate liturgically with a floating shelf
If you crave variety, consider installing a floating shelf so you can easily change and replace your photo display. Anchor your photo shelf rotations to the liturgical year to be sure you keep things fresh and relevant! Consider displaying your sacramental photos during the summer span of Ordinary Time, your favorite holiday memories during Advent and Christmas, and baby photos during the Easter season!
Opt for monochrome to reduce visual noise
For some decor styles, opting to print photos in black and white can help further cut down on visual clutter. The monochrome color palette simplifies the visual effect. If you prefer warmer tones, a sepia print could work well with your design. You could even mix things up by choosing a bright, bold-colored frame while opting for monochrome photos!
Beware the pitfalls of a gallery wall
Gallery walls have been growing in popularity, but can be tricky to pull off without overwhelming your space. If you want to commit to a gallery wall, ensure it will be able to be the focal point of your room, not an afterthought. Plan out the wall hangings on pieces of butcher block laid on the floor before you start hammering into your wall! Gallery walls can be an excellent choice to display your family heritage and photos of your lineage, chronologizing the ways your own children have grown through the years, or a collection of favorite travel destinations or pilgrimage sites.
Charting out your gallery wall is pivotal in ensuring the entire wall doesn't grow into an ever-expanding photo display. Follow the classic design “rule of three” and hang photos in groups of 3. If you do not feel prepared to craft a gallery wall from scratch, a tasteful collage frame can be a good choice. The key is to have a parameter that specifies the number of photos without slowly creeping into visual clutter.
Contain your fridge display with magnetic frames
Displaying photos on your fridge can be fun and easy, but regrettably this is one of the many places in a home where visual clutter can easily run rampant. Opt for a cute set of magnetic fridge frames! This will define the space and help you resist the temptation to slap anything onto your fridge with any nearby magnet. The cohesion of the magnetic frame set can help provide that sought-after visual unity despite the variety within the photos themselves. There are frames for every style, like these ornate gold frames from Hobby Lobby or these funky scalloped frames from Amazon.
Whether you are adding printed photos to your home for the first time, or are seeking to streamline your existing displays, remember that the goal is to display the photos so that they can truly be seen and enjoyed. Lessening visual clutter isn't about cutting down on the amount of beautiful things in your home, but rather, about freeing up your ability to actually take in the beauty in front of you.
