Photographs that capture happy memories with friends and family are a great way to personalise your interiors. But you need the right photo frame ideas to make your precious moments stand out and not look mundane. From DIY picture frames to family photo wall ideas, here’s the lowdown from HomeLane on all the best trends out there.
Create a Gallery Wall Using Photo Frames
A gallery wall is a great way to utilise blank walls in your home. Mix and match your favourite prints and photographs in simple, thin-edged frames. You can also choose a single theme or a colour palette for this photo frame idea. Another wall frame idea is to interspace the photo display with other memorabilia or curios such as accent clocks, ethnic masks and hanging plants!
Set up an Eye-Catching Backlit Frame
This is a photo frame idea that goes well with a luxury bedroom design. For this, you can either choose one photo that captures a special moment in your life or an artwork that speaks to you. The frame size should ideally cover 60-70% of the free wall space. LED lights are fixed behind the picture frame, surrounding it with a heavenly halo of light. Keep in mind that this photo frame idea works best with a no-frills and simple picture frame.
Mix and Match Photo Frame Designs
If your photo frame idea involves giving your home a candid and personalised feel, then it is best to mix and match different frames as you like. Interspace glass with metal, vintage with modern, portrait with landscape and whatever else you like. Moreover, with this photo frame idea, you can keep shuffling your pictures and not get bored of seeing the same layout.
Build a Monogram of Your Photos Without a Frame
A unique way of creating photo wall ideas without frames is through a photo monogram. Trace and cut out your first or last initial on a canvas. Then, create a collage of all the photos you like, covering the whole letter on one side. You don’t have to be neat or maintain any order, but just make sure the photos don’t stick out from the canvas. This makes for a great DIY picture frame if you want your space to have a fun, boho vibe.
Display a Timeline Using Picture Frames
Instead of covering an entire wall with pictures, customise your space by creating a timeline. This photo frame idea uses a select number of frames arranged linearly – either on a vertical or a horizontal plane – linked with wall art. The wall art can be a simple bee-line tracing each frame or something more intricate like baby footsteps. The friendly experts at HomeLane can help you create this feature for your living room interiors.
Place Your Frames Within a Bigger Frame
Panelled walls are a much-loved trend in homes these days. By adding wall frames to your panelled walls, you can create a unique photo frame. For this ‘frame within a frame’ design, hang up a large frame that covers most of your wall. Smaller frames of similar material with a complementary design should go inside this larger frame. Do not display any photo or artwork in the larger frame, which should ideally have a cork or felt texture.
Highlight your Photos On a Grid Wall
Like panelled walls, grid walls are also gaining traction. And while covering your painted or panelled grid with mirrors is a safe option, it can also lead to a photo frame idea. Since frames already add a 3D feature to your walls, make sure the underlying grid is a painted one. A more accentuated photo display can be created if you juxtapose a square grid with circular frames.
Cherish Your Best Moments With Personalised Frames
Personalised frames embossed with a special quote, date or GPS coordinates are a romantic yet affordable way to add a loving touch to your bedroom, office or drawing room. There are several options to choose from and you can even go with a collage frame idea or a single picture frame wall design.
Don’t Leave Out Vertical Walls
Who says photo frame ideas only work on horizontal walls? Make the best of any vertical space by decorating it with picture frames from top to bottom. You can either choose similar frames or mix and match different shapes and styles. One popular picture frame wall design is to use photos in a chronological sequence linked with a simple black line on the wall.
Don’t Leave Out Vertical Walls
Who says photo frame ideas only work on horizontal walls? Make the best of any vertical space by decorating it with picture frames from top to bottom. You can either choose similar frames or mix and match different shapes and styles. One popular picture frame wall design is to use photos in a chronological sequence linked with a simple black line on the wall.
Use Glass Panels With Florals
Simple metal frames with glass on both sides are best to preserve florals on your walls. If you want to add nature and greenery to a wall that doesn’t get enough sunlight, try using this photo frame idea instead. Maybe you already have some old flowers or leaves in an old book that you’d like to display? Well, now is the time to pull them out and include them in your interior design.
Flaunt Your Family Tree
Here’s a lovely family photo wall idea: display photos of your family through the generations on your walls. Remember those family trees we all made as kids? This photo frame idea is something similar and goes well with modern interiors. Start with your grandparents at the base and keep adding frames with photos of other family members above theirs. Make sure to spread them out like a tree. Finally, paste actual branches — use real or good-quality fakes — for a 3D effect!
Customisable DIY Picture Frame Ideas
For this project, try to find a frame with a series of metal wires (or even ropes) arranged as a triangle, circle or square. The wires need to have enough spacing to create a pleasing pattern. Now, print the photos you like and attach them to the wires using magnets or paper clips. Note: this DIY photo frame idea looks best with polaroid shots.
Make uour Photos Shine With Fairy Lights
Fairy lights inspire this next DIY picture frame idea that works best as a decor option for festivals, parties or just at home. First, hang up fairy lights on the wall using nails or easily removable tape. Then, use aesthetic metal or wooden paper clips to attach your favourite photos to the wire in between the twinkling lights. This is an easy photo wall idea without frames and the frames can also be placed on windows or curtains!
Make Your Staircase Stand Out
If your home has a staircase, one way to make that space feel more personal is by adding some picture frames. You can use a few small, symmetric picture frames and build a sort of family photo wall collage. Alternatively, you can create a clean and chic photo frame idea by placing one or two large-sized pictures. If your staircase has a wooden or metal railing, you can choose frames of a similar material to maintain a visual balance.
Brighten up Your Desk With Photo Frames
There’s nothing quite as personal as a framed photo of someone you love propped up on your work desk. Depending on the overall theme of your workspace, you can choose a gilded frame with embellishments or a simple wood-panelled classic. You can also play around with different types of frames on your desk and group them with tiny showpieces, desk fidget toys or a table organiser to create the photo frame idea that best suits you!
Mix Things Up With a Pinboard Collage
Of all the fun photo frame ideas, a photo collage on a pinboard is a must-have. Don’t just stick to photos of friends and family, but add your favourite holiday snaps and photos of your pets. You can also cut out interesting quotes or photos from old magazines and use ribbons or dried flowers to make an eclectic mix of memories for your wall.
What did you think of these photo frame ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments! Which idea do you think fits your style perfectly? If you want to discuss your interior design and decor vision and issues with an expert, you can always contact the HomeLane team for help. We’re here to make your dreams of home come true!
FAQs
How do you make a homemade picture frame?
You don’t need expertise in working with wood or metal to make a homemade picture frame. Instead, you can use materials such as canvas, paper-mâché or cardboard to make the frame. Following this, add a glossy touch to the frame by mixing paint and glue for a final coat and voila, you have a picture frame for your wall design.
What can I use instead of a photo frame?
If you don’t want to use a traditional photo frame to display your family photos, you can recreate any of the photo wall ideas without frames mentioned in the HomeLane blog. You have several options including a DIY fairy light photo display, a photo monogram and much more.
What are three ways to make a picture frame?
To make a picture frame, you can:
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Cut out and glue together an easy-to-work-with material such as canvas or cardboard. Finish your frame with a coat of glossy paint or glitter.
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For a DIY picture frame idea, take an old hardbound book cover and paste your photos on it or carefully cut out an indent in the cover that fits the size of your photo and use it as a frame.
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Use old plastic or metal wires with clips to make a picture frame. With this design, you can create a vertical or horizontal panel of photos.
