Best Picture Frame Display Ideas for Gallery Walls and Beyond

Your memories deserve more than digital folders; they should be part of your home, displayed in a colorful or personalized picture frame that reflects your style. Picture frames also make it easy to surround yourself with the people, places, and moments you love most. From gallery walls to tabletop frames, when styled intentionally, these designs become meaningful décor that reflects your story.  

Why Frame Your Photos?  

Framing a photo is a great way to elevate your everyday life and transform a fleeting moment into something permanent, celebrated, and seen. A colorful picture frame can turn a snapshot into something meaningful, whether it’s your child’s first day of school, your anniversary dinner, or just a happy candid moment.  

Digital albums are convenient, but nothing compares to walking past a personalized picture frame on your shelf and feeling instantly connected to your favorite memory. A well-placed round picture frame or a beautifully styled photo wall encourages daily nostalgia and invites conversation. More than décor, photos displayed in a colorful picture frame, a vintage-inspired round picture frame, or a custom personalized picture frame turn your house into a home filled with personality and heart.  

Creating a Beautiful Picture Frame Display in Your Home 

No matter the size of your space, there’s an art to styling frames in a way that’s both collected and curated. A beautiful display starts with intention but can also be flexible and fun. Whether you’re framing photos, children’s artwork, or special keepsakes, using a mix of colorful picture frames, round picture frames, and personalized picture frames adds variety to your home.  

Step 1: Pick the Space 

Decide where your frame display will live – on a wall, a shelf, a tabletop, or a piano. The location will help determine the number, size, and shape of the frames you want to include.  

A tiny space may call for a small picture frame, while larger areas could feature round picture frames or a collection of colorful picture frames. Personalized picture frames look great anywhere you want to add a sentimental touch.  

Step 2: Decide on a Theme  

Create a coordinated display by tying your frames together through color, style, or subject. For instance, a grouping of beach vacation photos might look perfect in matching colorful picture frames, while a wall of family portraits could be unified with personalized picture frames. Mixing in a round picture frame could add softness to more angular layouts.   

Step 3: Select Your Pictures  

We often recommend choosing your frame collection first and then selecting photos that complement their size and orientation. This keeps the overall shape intentional and avoids awkward cropping.  

When selecting what to frame, choose a mix of people, places, and meaningful moments. Black and white photos create a unified look, especially if you use colorful picture frames or frames in different styles and sizes. And don’t shy away from framing nontraditional items, like a handwritten note or cherished recipe card, in a personalized picture frame.  

Step 4: Add Some Accessories 

Layering with accessories like candles, vases, or books adds depth and personality. A personalized picture frame surrounded by curated accents can transform a simple corner into a storytelling vignette.  

For tabletop arrangements, don’t forget about the lighting. A small lamp {we love these chic touch lamps} can make all the difference.  

Picture Frame Arrangement Ideas  

Your home offers countless possibilities for creative displays beyond standard walls. Mix and match picture frames in different colors, sizes, and shapes for a curated look.  

Think beyond simply hanging frames on walls and explore displays on shelves, mantels, and tables. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:  

• Curated gallery walls – Ideal for showcasing multiple stories at once. Use a combination of round picture frames and rectangles in different sizes. Intermingle colorful picture frames to add dimension and character.
• Shelves and ledges – Think bookcases, mantels, and floating shelves. Lean your round picture frame in the back and layer small picture frames in front. Sentimental touches like handwritten notes in personalized picture frames add further meaning to your display.  
• Tables and nightstands – Provide the perfect opportunity to layer two or three frames with various heights. Combining colorful picture frames and round picture frames creates flow, while one personalized picture frame can ground the arrangement.  

Creating a Gallery Wall  

Creating a gallery wall can be a large task. You can either build the entire gallery wall at once for instant impact or curate the layout over time as you collect new designs. It’s also essential to map out your layout on the floor first or trace the frames on craft paper and tape them to the wall before committing.  

To build a gallery wall, start with a central “anchor” frame and build outward using a mix of shapes and orientations. You can add further interest by framing a special object, quote, invitation, or other sentimental tokens. Use a round picture frame to break up square symmetry and include a colorful picture frame or two to inject your personal style.   

Symmetrical vs. Mixed Gallery Walls 

A symmetrical layout with matching round picture frames or identical colorful picture frames is clean and timeless. On the other hand, a mixed layout with different frames offers a creative and relaxed look. Embrace variety in frame colors, textures, materials, sizes, orientations, and shapes to create an eclectic, off-balanced look in your living room, stairwell, or den. 

Best Ways to Map Out Your Gallery Wall  

Planning your frames before hanging a gallery wall is key to creating a beautiful, balanced arrangement without ending up with a dozen unnecessary holes in the wall. Whether you’re working with round picture frames, colorful picture frames, or personalized picture frames that hold meaningful memories, the layout makes all the difference.    

We love this layout guide from Emily Henderson, which helps you visualize spacing and flow: How to Make a Gallery Wall. There are also a few tried-and-true methods that can help you plan out your gallery wall, including:  

The Paper Template Method 

The paper template method is a foolproof way to confidently plan and hang your gallery wall, especially when working with nontraditional shapes like a round picture frame. Tracing each frame onto paper and taping those outlines to the wall lets you map out your entire layout before picking up the hammer. Follow these six steps to perfect this method:  

• Step 1: Trace Your Frames – Lay each frame on kraft or wrapping paper and trace its outline. Label each template with the image it will contain, the orientation, and the color if you’re mixing frames.
• Step 2: Mark Hanging Points – Flip your frame over and mark on the template where the frame hangs from. This ensures precise placement when it’s time to put it on the wall. 
• Step 3: Arrange Templates on the Wall – Use painter’s tape to affix your paper templates to the wall. Play with the arrangement until it feels balanced and visually pleasing. 
• Step 4: Adjust and Finalize Layout – Step back and evaluate. Shift templates around if needed to get the proper spacing and flow. 
• Step 5: Install Hardware – Once you’re happy with the layout, hammer nails or install hooks directly through the marked spots on the paper. 
• Step 6: Remove Templates and Hang Frames – Carefully tear away the paper, leaving the nails or hooks in place. Then, hang your frames and enjoy your perfectly placed gallery wall.  

The Floor Layout Method  

If we had to pick a favorite gallery wall planning technique, the floor layout method wins every time. This approach is ideal for larger wall spaces and visual planners who want to see everything come together before making any commitments.  

Start by using painter’s tape to outline the exact dimensions of your wall directly on the floor. Then, arrange your actual frames within that taped space. This lets you preview the layout, spacing, and how the frame styles, finishes, and photo contents interact. It’s particularly helpful when mixing materials, round picture frames, colorful designs, multiple textures, or incorporating artwork as it keeps the overall composition balanced and intentional.  

Once you’re happy with the layout, snap a photo for reference. Then, transfer the arrangement to the wall one frame at a time using a measuring tape and level for accuracy.  

The Intuitive Hang  

For the bold {or time-strapped}, start with your central anchor frame and build outwards. For your anchor frame, we recommend a colorful picture frame that draws the eye or a personalized picture frame that holds meaning. Keep a consistent spacing between frames (2-3 inches is a good rule of thumb), and step back every so often to adjust as needed.  

Coordinating Your Picture Frames with Your Home Décor 

Create an intentional look throughout your space when you coordinate your frames with your home décor. Consider the color palette, textures, and overall style of the room where your display will live.  

Opt for sleek, simple picture frames if your décor leans modern and minimal. For a more bohemian vibe, mix colorful picture frames with other textures such as wood or metallic finishes. Personalized picture frames are always the way to go if you want a warm and homey vibe.  

No matter your style preference, matching every frame isn’t necessary. In fact, a thoughtful mix can add visual interest, but it should feel like all frames belong in the same design family.  

Consider Frame Style

Frame style plays a key role in setting the tone of your display. Ruffled edges or decorative details {like in our Signature White Ruffle Frame} are softer and more romantic, while sleek enamel designs {like a chic round picture frame} lend a minimalist and contemporary edge. Ornate gold or carved wood frames add a vintage allure and traditional sophistication.  

For added interest, consider mixing materials like wood, metal, or ceramic, but keep some consistency in silhouette or finish. Our curated collection of frames blends artistry and craftsmanship with hand-painted details, scalloped corners, and signature shapes that make each design personal and special.  

Determine Your Picture Frame Colors 

Frame color is powerful in creating visual harmony and expressing your personality. A blue and white picture frame can introduce a calming, coastal touch while keeping your overall look bright and timeless. White frames offer a clean, classic backdrop that works in any room, allowing your photos to shine, while black frames are perfect for modern or monochrome arrangements. 

For a more unconventional look, colorful picture frames like our Coton Colors designs in patterns like our birthday dots or pink gingham can double as decorative accents that reflect your home’s palette and style. Whether you keep all of your frames in the same tone or mix and match complementary colors and patterns, be intentional and ensure the color scheme matches the surrounding décor.  

Frame Shape and Size 

Mixing frame shapes helps your photo display become more dynamic. Include at least one larger frame to anchor and structure your display, and then try combining rectangular, square, or even a round picture frame. 

A small picture frame is perfect for filling in negative space or showcasing sentimental snapshots. These minor touches can soften the overall layout and add layers of personal meaning.  

Complement Your Picture Frames with Accessories  

 Frame displays truly come to life when you add layers that introduce height, texture, and warmth. Instead of relying solely on frames, consider the surface around them as part of the composition. A few well-placed accents can turn a flat arrangement into a dynamic and styled setup.  

Always try to use odd numbers when styling, as groups of three or five tend to feel more organic and visually balanced. Here are a few of our favorite accessories to experiment with:  

Candles and Candle Holders 

Candles add an instant glow and warmth to any frame grouping. They also create ambiance and dimension when styling a round picture frame on a console table or clustering colorful picture frames on a shelf. Use a taper for added height, a votive for a soft flicker, or a pillar for grounding structure.  

Candle holders bring depth, texture, and polish into your space. Choose materials that coordinate with your frame styles. Pair a simple white frame with matching candle holders from our Signature White Collection, or go bold by mixing colors and finishes.   

Vases Add Character 

Decorating with vases adds a burst of color and life without overwhelming your picture arrangement. Place a bud vase filled with fresh blooms and seasonal clippings next to a round picture frame on a side table or a personalized picture frame on a vanity to soften the display.   

For a coordinated aesthetic, match your vase {check out our new vases from our Signature White and Iris Blue Collections} to your frame palette. Even a small vase paired with a ring dish and personalized picture frame can create a thoughtful, curated moment.  

Use Books for Height  

Books are a stylish and functional way to elevate your frame displays. Stack a few beautiful books to act as a riser for a small picture frame or personalized picture frame, helping it stand out among taller elements. Choose covers or spines in tones and textures that complement your colorful picture frame selection for a layered and cohesive look.  

Don’t Forget Lighting  

Lighting transforms your photo arrangements. A small table lamp positioned near a group of colorful picture frames or personalized picture frames casts a cozy glow that makes the area feel more intentional.  

Picture lights or overhead sconces work beautifully for larger gallery walls, highlighting both the round picture frames and rectangular formats. Lights brighten the display and help your memories shine.  

Gifting Framed Photos 

Framed photos make deeply personal and heartfelt gifts. Adding a handwritten note or favorite photo gives it that extra special touch. To elevate your present even further, consider pairing the frame with a ring dish, candle, vase, or book. Here are a few of our favorite moments for gifting a framed photo: 

• Anniversaries
• Baby showers
• Graduations
• House warmings 

And don’t forget to add personalized picture frames to your baby registry or wedding registry. When you have the right frames to showcase these special moments, you keep the memories fresh.  

As your life evolves, so will the memories you display. Your home becomes a living gallery that celebrates where you’ve been, who you love, and the little moments that make up a meaningful life. Whether you show off your favorite pictures on the entry table or create a gallery wall in the hall, the right frame will elevate your space.