20 Creative Photo Display Ideas (with Images)

From the classic cameo to the contemporary gallery wall, photos are an integral part of turning a house into a home.

It’s never been easier or more affordable for the average person to take photos of their daily lives and most precious moments. Many of us have hundreds — if not thousands — of photos saved to our digital devices and stored physically in our closets.

So it’s no wonder that we’re often overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating our favorite pictures into our home decor.

Check out these creative photo display ideas that will inspire you to dig through your photo collection and finally let the best images see the light of day.

1. Create a Macrame Photo Display

Use a macrame wall hanging as a unique backdrop to clip or tie your favorite photos. This creates a bohemian vibe in any room and allows for easy swapping of pictures. Choose a macrame with intricate designs to add a touch of artistic flair.

A blue macramé photo display with hanging lights and polaroids attached, adorned on a white wall — Source: @queenp_handmade via Instagram

Wall art display with hanging photos clipped on strings between two wooden rods, adorned with small green leaves — Source: @olivehouse1 via Instagram

Wall decor with three strands of hanging polaroid photos, suspended from a wooden stick, adorned with white beads — Source: @mysuffolkcottage via Instagram

Wall decor with photos and tassels on strings, candle in glass holder, decorative vase, and dried plants on a nearby table — Source: @lovelyjubblygifts via Instagram

A wall hanging with a wooden rod displaying various cards and photos clipped on strings — Source: @miniandray via Instagram

Hanging photo display with five Polaroid pictures next to a curtained window — Source: @lauren.mw via Instagram

2. Set Up a Fishing Pole Photo Display

Mount an old fishing rod on the wall and use its line to dangle photos using small clips. This display adds a quirky, nautical touch to your space and works well in areas with a casual or coastal theme.

Fishing rod on a wall with picture frames hanging from it, each frame a different color, resembling a catch of photo memories

3. Design a Corkboard Photo Showcase

Transform a simple corkboard into a dynamic photo display. Pin your photos in a creative arrangement, and feel free to add other elements like postcards or small keepsakes. This method is perfect for those who frequently update their photo collection.

A display of family photos on a wall and table, with vases and decorations — Source: @xvancreates2 via Instagram

4. Build Your Own Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall by arranging various sizes and styles of frames in an appealing layout. Mix and match frame colors and textures for a more eclectic look or keep it uniform for a sleek, modern feel. This approach turns your photos into a focal point in any room.

A living room wall with a collage of framed family photos and words like "family," "fun," "love," and "home" above a white sofa — Source: @decor_mooore_ via Instagram

A dark shiplap wall with three framed family photos above a bench featuring a patterned cushion, a pink pillow, and a plant nearby — Source: @arrowdesignnj via Instagram

Three framed family photos on a wall featuring parents with a child, playing and posing with a toy car — Source: @kirrilynndesigns via Instagram

Cozy corner with framed photos on a wall, a "hello" sign, an armchair, a plant, and a small cabinet with storage cubes — Source: @everythinghomedecorandmore via Instagram

A wooden wall with multiple framed family photos arranged in a grid pattern, featuring groups of people in various poses — Source: @shophour25 via Instagram

A 3x3 grid of black-framed, black-and-white photos on a wall, featuring people, a dog, and everyday scenes — Source: @oaktreeupdates via Instagram

Living room with a gray sofa, collage wall art, decorative Christmas tree, patterned rug, and a small plant — Source: @bianca_and_herboys via Instagram

A collage of black and white family photos in various frames arranged on a white wall — Source: @not_a_boring_new_build via Instagram

A hallway with framed family photos on the wall, lit by adjustable wall-mounted lamps — Source: @27pinedesign via Instagram

Hallway with framed photos and artwork on the wall, leading to a doorway with a glimpse of a bathroom — Source: @sonjagdesign via Instagram

A collage of family photos on a brown wall, featuring a couple and a baby in various settings — Source: @shelby_lynn519 via Instagram

A wall collage of framed photos featuring people at a Disney theme park, with characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse — Source: @thegriffinshire via Instagram

Wall with a grid of framed photographs, a staircase, and a white cabinet with decorative items in a well-lit room — Source: @georginashomedecor via Instagram

Seven framed wedding photos arranged on a wall with the words "Our Wedding Day" above them — Source: @cwtchup via Instagram

Dining room with a wooden table, beige chairs, framed black-and-white photos on the wall, a tall plant, and a modern light fixture — Source: @big_sky_state via Instagram

A white hallway with several black-and-white photos in white frames arranged on the wall above a staircase railing — Source: @houseof_hannah via Instagram

Wall with family photos in decorative frames; a small gold tinsel Christmas tree with snowflake ornaments is in the foreground — Source: @weddingbellescork via Instagram

5. Assemble a Chalkboard Photo Collage

Another fun idea is to create a chalkboard photo collage. This involves painting a large chalkboard on your wall and then using chalk to draw frames around your photos. This can be a great way to add a playful and personalized touch to your photo display.

A decorative photo collage board titled "Emily" with various personal photos, floral designs, and string lights at the base — Source: @fresh_prints_of_belaire via Instagram

6. Install a Floating Shelf for Photos

Place a series of floating shelves on a wall and line up framed photos. This minimalist approach keeps walls clutter-free while displaying your photos in a sleek, modern manner. It’s a versatile option that fits in almost any room.

Two wooden shelves with various framed photos and a central quote: "Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow" — Source: @har_per_and_co via Instagram

Wall shelves with family photos, a potted plant, and wooden house decor — Source: @willowlayneco via Instagram

Two wall shelves with various family photos in frames, a small table with a lamp, and a wicker basket below on the wooden floor — Source: @jules.m.77_ via Instagram

7. Craft a Scrapbook Wall Display

Create a visual scrapbook on your wall by hanging pages or attaching them to a large board. This is a creative way to display photos along with mementos, tickets, and other small keepsakes, making it a deeply personal display.

Open notebook with vintage photos and dried flowers on pages, against a backdrop of cursive writing — Source: @scribbles.snippets via Instagram

8. Frame & Strings Photo Display

Stretch strings across an empty frame and use clips to hang photos. This rustic yet elegant display method is simple to set up and allows for easy photo replacement. It’s perfect for a casual, country-style room.

Wooden frame with black string in a geometric pattern, holding four photos with small clothespins — Source: @seabydesigns via Instagram

9. Turn Wine Corks into a Photo Board

Glue wine corks in a frame or on a board in a unique pattern and use pins to attach photos. This display is both eco-friendly and stylish, ideal for a kitchen or dining area.

A cork bulletin board with four pinned family photos, framed with a rustic wooden border — Source: @thewineingtwins via Instagram

10. Repurpose an Old Window for Photos

Use an old window frame, with or without glass, as a photo display. Attach photos directly to the panes or use it as a frame. This adds a charming, vintage feel to any space.

Vintage door frame photo display with lace and black-and-white photos clipped to each pane — Source: @weddingbellescork via Instagram

11. Utilize a Wooden Pallet for Photo Display

Paint or varnish a wooden pallet and use it to hang or clip photos. This rustic display can be leaned against a wall or mounted, suitable for spaces with a farmhouse or industrial aesthetic.

Photo display stand with multiple pictures of children in a room with orange walls and various objects in the background — Source: @picnpaintpottery via Instagram

12. Hang Photos with Hook-Mounted Display

Install small hooks on your wall and hang photos with decorative ribbons or chains. This method adds a touch of elegance and is flexible for rearranging.

Wall with green paneling and white trim, featuring framed photos, a small wreath, and a wooden sign saying "together" with decorative text — Source: @kirrilynndesigns via Instagram

Three framed photos hanging on a wall: a couple smiling, a person walking outdoors, and a person standing in an open field — Source: @whiskeyrosehomedesign via Instagram

13. Create a Beaded Photo Garland

String beads and photos together to create a decorative garland. Hang it across a mantle, shelf, or wall for a playful and colorful photo display.

A wall display with two colorful beaded strings, clipped photos, cards, and a paper cutout — Source: @queenp_handmade via Instagram

14. Use Wooden Photo Stands for Display

Use small wooden blocks or stands to display individual photos on shelves, desks, or tables. This is a great way to highlight special photos and works well in minimalistic or Scandinavian-style interiors.

Two photo prints in wooden holders: one of a bouquet, another of a woman with flowers in her hair; a wedding photo lies flat below — Source: @woodenobjects.co via Instagram

A light blue instant camera and five Polaroid photos on wooden stands on a shelf, with a small plant in the background — Source: @itsmejulialynn via Instagram

Five Polaroid photos of nature and a plane on wooden stands with a potted plant in a metal bucket on the right — Source: @itsmejulialynn via Instagram

15. Arrange a Hanging Photo Garland

Create a garland of photos using string and clips, and hang it from the ceiling or across a wall. This whimsical display adds a cozy, personal touch to any room.

Office cubicle with a bulletin board displaying colorful photo prints of people, each bordered with different colored paper — Source: @chashnee_art via Instagram

Polaroid photos clipped to a string, hanging on a brick wall, with a part of a balloon visible at the upper right corner — Source: @muppetc via Instagram

A wall display of five rows of photos clipped to strings, featuring various groups of people in different settings — Source: @our_new_home_at39 via Instagram

String of photos and green leaves hanging on a wall with clothespins — Source: @nbomar.designer via Instagram

A wooden frame hangs on the wall with four rows of photos clipped to strings, displaying various outdoor scenes and moments — Source: @amn84 via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with white bedding, a wooden dresser, and a wall decorated with string lights and a collage of photos — Source: @newleafwriter via Instagram

16. Transform Your Staircase with a Gallery Wall

Turn your staircase wall into a gallery by arranging photos along the incline. This utilizes often overlooked space and creates a visual journey as you ascend or descend the stairs.

Photos arranged in a grid on a white wall above a staircase with a wooden handrail — Source: @john.grogan.photo via Instagram

A wall display of various framed photos, arranged in a grid, beside wooden staircase railing in a home interior — Source: @lb_design_llc via Instagram

A staircase wall adorned with various photo frames and a Christmas garland along the railing — Source: @avsnash via Instagram

17. Welcome with an Entryway Gallery Wall

Welcome guests with a gallery wall in your entryway. Use a mix of family photos and artwork to create a warm, inviting atmosphere right at your front door.

A bright entryway with a white door featuring small windows, patterned tile flooring, and a wall displaying a grid of framed photos — Source: @lime_house18 via Instagram

18. Printed Canvas Photo Wall

Have your favorite photos printed on canvas and arrange them on a wall. This adds an artistic, professional touch to your photo display and works well in modern and contemporary spaces.

Heart-shaped collage of black and white wedding photos on a wall, featuring couples, bouquets, and celebratory moments — Source: @mrscsl via Instagram

19. Framed Photo Collage

Arrange a series of photos within a large frame to create a collage. This method allows you to group themed photos together, perfect for commemorating events or showcasing family portraits.

A bulletin board filled with various family and travel photos in a wooden frame, hung on a beige wall — Source: @kirrilynndesigns via Instagram

Collage of group photos showing people in various settings, smiling and posing for the camera, with a central large photo of a person speaking — Source: @artstudiott via Instagram

Collage frame with six black-and-white wedding photos and decorative rings, titled "Our Wedding" at the top — Source: @briannajo_smith via Instagram

20. Rustic Picture Frame on a Tray

Place a rustic picture frame on a decorative tray and lean it against a wall on a table or shelf. This casual display method is perfect for adding a cozy, country touch to small spaces.

A wooden frame with "Mr. & Mrs." and "Established 2014" on white paper, placed in a woven basket — Source: @beetreedesignco via Instagram

How do you display digital photos?

You can always print your favorite digital photos to frame or use for another creative idea. Even at-home printers are able to produce high-quality photos for use as home decor.

If you can’t choose just a few of your favorite pictures to display, then consider investing in a digital photo frame. These frames come in all different sizes, styles, and types and feature a digital screen for displaying various pictures. You can even set the frame to rotate between photos so you don’t need to choose between them!

What is the best way to display photos without nails?

If you don’t want to drill a hole in your drywall to hang a photo, the frame can instead be propped on a shelf or piece of furniture. Most frames are designed for both display styles.

Products like Command Strips can accommodate picture frames of all sizes and weights. Just be sure to select the right product for your specific needs.

You can also use more creative photo display ideas like macrame wall hangings or string lights to hang your favorite images without damaging the existing wall with nails.