Creative Photo Display Ideas

One look at that photo of Uncle Jim performing a cannonball off the end of the dock, and you’re instantly reminded of how much fun you had at the lake in the summer of 2008. Great cabin moments like these deserve to be relived. A great way to do that is by displaying your best photos where everyone can see them. Here are some creative ways to show off your cabin photos.

1. Find a large old frame and remove the glass. String wires or ribbons across the backside of the frame, then use clothespins or paper clips to secure photos to the wires or ribbons. This free-form display makes it simple to change photos seasonally.

2. In a similar way, attach clipboards to the wall and clip photos to them. Paint the clipboards for a more personal touch. You can also clip artwork, inspirational quotes and other miscellaneous items, and swap them out when new ones come along.

3. Consider hanging a picture ledge, which allows you to easily swap out seasonal décor and experiment with multiple arrangements without putting more holes in the wall. Look for a shelf with a front lip to keep photo frames from sliding forward.

4. Hang an old window on the wall and attach a photo behind each pane of glass.

5. Create a wreath by layering photos on each other in a circular shape.

CREATE A COLLAGE
When displaying a collection of your photos at the cabin, consider these tips to achieve maximum impact:

• Start with a template. There are many DIY websites that offer photo collage arrangement suggestions. To get started, visit our Pinterest page and find our board, “Photo Display Ideas.” 
• Arrange photos on the floor before you hang them.
• Draw an imaginary line on your photo wall, or use a strip of painter’s tape as a guide for anchoring a collection of frames. Lines can be vertical, horizontal, or even a grid.
• Vary sizes, shapes, styles and textures of the frames. This is more pleasing and keeps the eye moving to various focal points.
• Or try a more cohesive look. Use frames that are all the same size or style, or use many different styles and paint them all the same color. 
• Strive for balance. An arrangement is most effective when it feels evenly weighted on all sides, but this doesn’t mean that the layout has to be symmetrical. Just try to create a balanced mix of larger, bulkier frames and smaller, lighter ones.
• Utilize shelf space. When using a picture ledge, select other décor pieces (vases, branches, books, etc.) and place them beside the frames for added interest.