Have you ever entered homes that you think are clean and well-designed, but when you saw the picture frames, something about the way they’re arranged looks sloppy and unbalanced? While there are no rules to styling and setting picture frames, there are some practices that can ensure that your photos look cohesive and well-put-together. Here are some tips and ideas you need to know.
Be intentional about the frames you choose and how you arrange them
But first, let’s zero in on the one thing you should avoid: Being flippant about the types of frames you choose and how you arrange them. You can’t just select frames of different colors and shapes and except cohesion, and you can’t just mindlessly hang them on a random wall or arrange them together on top of a console table. When it comes to framing photos, purpose and intention matter.
Choose frames that look best with your interiors
This may seem like obvious advice, but it goes over the head of many homeowners because it’s such a small thing—but it’s one of those small things that can make a world of difference in your space. If you’re doing some redecorating, don’t forget to include your picture frames and the photos you plan to include in your entire planning process. Make sure the frames you choose will complement your new color palette, and think of your photos’ filters as well. Make an effort to keep the photos’ colors and filters complementary to the color palette of your new home.
If you already have so many picture frames and you think it’s a waste to throw them away in favor of buying new ones, consider re-painting them. There’s nothing a little DIY can’t fix.
When in doubt, keep everything symmetrical
If you don’t want to think about how to keep everything balanced, opt for symmetry. This means choosing the same picture frames, meaning they are uniform in size, shape, and sometimes, in color, then hanging them symmetrically. Then you can print photos in the same filters or similar colors as well. Opting for a gallery wall in symmetric style is so much easier, faster, and much less of a hassle than trying to put together a wall filled with frames of different shapes and sizes.
Take your time
A big part of not haphazardly arranging your frames is taking your time with it. Here are some tips to ensure that your picture frames look good together:
- Do the necessary measurements. The rule of thumb is to provide at least four inches between every frame because anything less than that can make your space look overcrowded.
- Take a look at the gallery from every angle, lighting, and distance. It may look nice and perfect from one vantage point and total garbage from another.
- Invite an artist to take a look at the gallery. Better yet, ask for more than second and third opinions, especially from family and friends that you know have a knack for interior design, or all kinds of designs, for that matter. They can give you practical tips to make the space look better and more cohesive and balanced.
- Don’t be afraid to try all kinds of combinations and patterns until you find the one that looks the most put together.
Form one big shape
If you decide to opt for frames of different shapes and sizes, make sure that all your frames form one shape. It’s the only way to ensure it doesn’t look sloppy or uncoordinated. Here are some tips for finding the best shape for your chosen frames:
- The simplest shape you can form is a rectangle, especially if you’re only opting for rectangular or square frames.
- Look up some patterns on Pinterest so that you have a guide you can follow.
- Another shape you can try is the spiral, which is all about choosing one big piece for the center and spiraling out smaller frames from the biggest one in the center.
Think outside the box
Artwork and pictures can make or break a lovely home. It can add to the story you’re trying to tell through your space, or it can make your interiors look sloppy. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to let your personality and style shine through, but make sure your gallery blends well with the rest of your interiors.
When it comes to arranging photo frames or smaller art pieces, following the basic principles of interior design will help. Make sure there is rhythm, pattern, harmony, emphasis, proportion, and balance, and you’re well on your way to styling a gallery wall or shelf you can be proud of.
Meta title: Picture Frames: Using Them to Their Best Potential
meta desc: While there are no rules to styling and arranging picture frames, some practices can ensure that your photos look cohesive and well-put-together.