Surround yourself with framed photos of family, friends, and your most precious memories—and turn your
home or office into a beautiful art gallery in the process. You don't need an interior designer to enhance your
décor. Just use this guide to turn your best photos into handsome, meaningful displays.
Choose a theme
When you pull photos together according to a theme, you're off to a great start. Grouping images based on a
common subject matter creates a visual story for all to see. Some possible ideas include:
When you print photos that you plan to frame, be sure to use top-quality photo paper that's made for your printer,
such as HP Premium Plus
photo paper to ensure that your framed photos won't fade. According to tests conducted by the leading independent
image permanence lab, Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. (WIR), HP Premium Plus photo paper is certified to last up to
105+ years.
Get more information on additional permanence testing factors.
Printing photos on matte paper will help reduce the glare that can sometimes reflect off of framed glass. Use
high-gloss paper when printing photos that will be displayed away from windows or bright lights. Learn more about
choosing HP photo paper.
Remember, you want your photos to stand out more than their frames, so simple combinations such as metal, black,
or plain wood frames with neutral-colored mats are often the best choice.
If you want a splash of color, match colored frames to a non-dominant hue in the photos you're framing. Colored
frames work especially well in neutral rooms. For maximum impact, avoid matching frames to walls or décor too
closely.
When grouping frames together, stay consistent in style. Try similar frames in a variety of sizes, or an assortment
of frames in the same color scheme.
Be careful not to overwhelm your photos by pairing light-colored frames with dark mats, or by dwarfing small
photos with huge frames.
Where you display your photos matters. For example, hanging one small photo in a large space may look out of
proportion. Fill large areas with a few different frames or one big one. On the other hand, don't overload
small spaces with too much artwork.
Hang photos in common areas where people can enjoy them, such as dining rooms or along staircases. Collections
of photos also look great on mantles, low tables, and other furniture.
Pictures are best hung at or slightly below eye level. When hanging pictures over a sofa, don't leave too much
space between the top of the couch and the frame.
Whether you're hanging three frames or 23, you'll want to create a balanced arrangement. To test your grouping
before hammering any nails, lay out frames on floor. If you don't have the space, cut paper in the size of your
frames and play with different arrangements by taping them to the wall.
Create visual interest by placing frames high, low, and off-center. Vary the heights and shapes of the frames
within an arrangement. Also consider mixing in other types of art in your grouping, such as fine art or
work by your children.
HP Photosmart photo printers
are a good choice for printing and framing photos to use as gifts for friends and loved ones. Or, try a
portable printer
which lets you print photos on the spot.
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
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