These days, smartphones, iPads and digital cameras mean we’re taking more photos than ever. And if you’re a parent, you can probably agree than 90 percent of those photos are of your kids. In fact, you may find yourself faced with the fairly regular predicament of just which photos to delete off of your phone so you can create more space to take more photos. The solution to this modern problem? Do something with the pictures on your phone! While it’s nice to be able to show inquisitive co-workers and random strangers alike a phone full of photos of your children’s milestones and your family vacations, it’s even better to be able to enjoy those moments yourself on a daily basis.
Our advice: Create a family photo wall. Gallery walls are a huge trend these days, and your family photos give you an instant, highly personal art collection that’s also guaranteed to make you smile every day. Here are a few tips for creating a gorgeous display.
- Make your selections. The most important step in the process is also often the hardest: sorting the photos. You’ll want to consider both the individual pictures, as well as the way they will all look together on a wall. A well-balanced mix of close-ups (like individual portraits, or those shots of your kids hands and feet from when they were babies) and pulled back or group shots will often look best. If you want your family photo wall to enhance the decor of your space, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to the color scheme and feel of each photo. Consider editing each image using the same filter in Instagram or an image editing app to give them a cohesive feel, or print all of the images in black-and-white.
- Print the photos. While it may be tempting to print off pictures at the drugstore, it’s like the old adage says, “you get what you pay for.” When it comes to preserving your memories in a beautiful way, professional quality photo printing is the way to go. It will make a huge different in not only how your photo wall looks from the beginning, but also in the way the photos hold up to fading over the years. Before you print, it’s also a good idea to consider the way you will arrange the images on the wall. If you prefer a symmetrical look, print each photo in the same size. For a more eclectic feel, vary the size of the prints you choose.
- Choose the frames. Like the sizes of your prints, the way you frame them will also have a big impact on the way your family photo wall looks. If you chose to get each print in the same size, you’ll want to continue the theme of consistency by selecting simple, identical frames for each print. If you’re going for the collected look, feel free to get creative when choosing your frames, mixing and matching to the look of your decor. Keep in mind, however, that a gallery wall will often look best when there is at least one unifying theme, so consider choosing frames in a single color, material, or style.
- Arrange the wall. Last but not least, it’s time to make your arrangement. If you’d prefer to hang your photos in neat rows or create a symmetrical salon wall, it’s a good idea to hire a professional picture hanging service, which will guarantee your photos are hung straight and evenly spaced. Otherwise, the best way to create an appealing family photo wall is to arrange the framed pictures on the floor first. Aim for visual balance by placing a similar number of large and small frames in each quadrant of your gallery (left, right, top, and bottom).
For help creating the perfect family photo wall for your home, stop by ILevel’s New York City studio. Our expert staffers can help you select your best family photos, have them professionally framed and printed, and arrange them in your home. Or, find out more about our family photo wall service here.