The Fine Art of Family Magazine

Identical frames containing photographs are fine to hang on your wall, however, I would suggest a different approach if you’re looking to create a display for a single flat surface, like a shelf, desk or side table. If all the frames share the same height and color, they lose their individuality. Choose frames that are as distinctively special as the photos inside them.

While most people typically opt for classic square and rectangle frames, I highly recommend looking into other shapes, like round and oval, that are more rare and, therefore, eye-catching.  Also, consider frames made of varying materials, such as glass, wood, leather, or silver.

I cannot stress enough how powerful it is to mix the old and the new. For example, it’s fun to place recent photos in vintage frames and, vice versa, age-tinged images in brand-new ones. You could also match frames from different eras to their subject, like an Art Deco-style one to a picture of your WWI veteran great-grandfather.

Once you have an arrangement you like, you’ll find that these frames become as familiar and companionable as the images they hold. I like to group my framed photos in sets of threes, fives, or sevens (odd numbers look more interesting) that complement rather than cancel out each other.

When photos come together to create what I call “vignettes”, it helps bring up conversations about cultural history, reminding kids (especially) that they share a family life with parents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents. Suddenly, your shelf, desk, table or even wall becomes a testimonial to your family’s past, present and future.

xox,
M

For more tips on how to capture your best memories and other home decor advice, check out my book LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE.

Published on August 16, 2010

Tags: Ask Monica, Capturing, Family, Home, Home Style, Photography