We all have the same problem: it feels overwhelming to find practical, affordable, and creative ways to display the family photos we have. Whether it’s work from a professional photographer, iPhone images, polaroids, heirloom vintage family prints, or all of the above, I’m sharing my favorite ideas on how to get family photos OFF of a digital device and INTO your hands and living spaces. And trust me — displaying family photos gets so much better than simply framing prints to hang on your wall!

Keep reading for some aesthetic, creative ideas you may not have thought of yet.

Move beyond the Christmas Card

I’m always trying to get families to think out of the “Christmas Card” box when it comes to family photos. Yes, once a year, it’s nice to have a happy-looking photo to put on your holiday card. But the value of photos goes so far beyond that. Think of the images from your childhood that you treasure. They might be photos that would never make it on a Christmas Card, but they show some insight into your childhood, your family dynamics, or the spaces where you lived and loved as a kid.

So, PLEASE don’t just post a few images on socials and a Christmas card and leave it at that!

Here are some other fun ideas for putting those images to work!

Creative Frames for Displaying Family Photos

There are some incredibly beautiful and unique ways of framing photos on a tabletop, shelf, or desk in your home. Click the photos below to go to the source for purchase!

Gifting

Why pay for expensive gift wrap when you could go a much simpler, more sustainable, and personal route!? Put those photos to work by incorporating them into gift wrap for holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, etc. Also, these days, there are super cool products that showcase images in unique ways for gifting.

Wall Art Ideas for Family Photos

Using photos for wall art doesn’t mean images need to be matted and framed. Here are some other options for displaying photos on your walls at home.

Wall Framing / Modern Gallery Walls

I’ve found so many cool framing ideas on Pinterest. Hopefully the beauty of your photos speaks for itself, but a creative, nontraditional frame can add another layer of interest to your wall display.

Other Home Decor Ideas for Displaying Family Photos

I couldn’t fit these into a specific category, but I LOVE how unique these ideas are!

Realizing you need more storytelling photos of your family?

If this process has made you realize that you need updated family photos that tell the story of what life is like here and now, please reach out to me! I’d love to create some art work that shows the magic of family life in this season.