From Digital to Display: 5 Creative Ways to Print & Display Your Family Photos
Don’t let your memories gather digital dust
There’s something special about flicking through an old album with loved ones or seeing your happiest moments on the wall that makes it feel like home. While digital storage is convenient, your family photos deserve to be seen and enjoyed every day.
The good news is: Whether you’re looking for gallery wall ideas, statement prints, or DIY-friendly displays, there are plenty of creative ways to bring your digital photos to life, even if you’re on a budget or renting. In this post, I’ll walk you through beautiful, practical, and renter-friendly ways to bring those digital memories to life.
1. Create a Mismatched Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is one of the best photo display ideas for telling your family’s story visually, but displays where every frame is the same lack personality. Your family is unique and your gallery wall should be too. I like to mix frame styles, sizes, and colours for more personality, but group photos together in a way that tells a story.
Gallery wall tips:
Mix and match photo frame styles (wood, metal, vintage).
Combine black-and-white and colour family photos for contrast.
Mix in other elements like artwork, meaningful quotes, or shadow boxes with keepsakes, or even plants for texture.
Save money by re purposing second-hand frames and even artwork from op shops and garage sales.
Use damage-free hanging solutions like Command strips or picture ledges if you’re renting.
Protect your prints by avoiding hanging them in direct sunlight wherever possible.
👉 Pro tip: Arrange your frames on the floor first to find the best layout before committing.
2. Highlight a Feature Piece
A large photo print can be a stunning statement piece in your home. If you have a single family photo that you just love, make it the focal point of a room.
Best types of feature prints:
Canvas prints offer a soft, artistic feel.
Metal prints for a sleek, modern look.
Framed poster prints are always elegant and timeless.
Acrylic prints for a high-definition, contemporary style.
👉 Pro tip: If you can’t drill into the walls, lean oversized prints against the wall on a console table, dresser, or even on an already existing shelf.
3. Embrace flexible, modern displays
Want something sleek, modern, and ever-changing? Digital frames let you showcase hundreds of photos without clutter.
The best digital photo frames:
Frameo - great for sharing photos remotely via WiFi.
Aura - High-end, crisp display with auto brightness.
Skylight - User-friendly and clean.
👉 Pro tip: If you have family abroad, particularly parents/grandparents, WiFi enabled frames make amazing gifts. Updating my in-law’s Frameo with photos of my kids keeps me in 1st place as the favourite daughter in law, every time.
4. Preserve memories with albums and keepsakes
Nothing beats the nostalgia of flipping through a printed photo album. That’s why every session with me includes a custom heirloom album. But even beautiful books like those can end up stuffed in a cupboard. Don’t let those cherished memories gather dust; make them part of your space.
How to display photo albums at home:
Keep them on a coffee or side table for easy browsing.
Arrange them on a bookshelf for a decorative touch.
Use a dedicated album stand to make them a focal point.
👉 Pro tip: Albums are perfect for renters: No wall space required.
5. Get creative with DIY-friendly photo displays
Looking for something a little different? For a playful, personal touch—especially in kids’ rooms or creative spaces—DIY displays let you swap photos as your family grows.
How to make a hanging photo display:
- String twine or wire across a wall and use mini pegs to clip photos.
- Use a hanging photo grid with clips to attach images.
- Grab some magnetic photo frames to stick to the fridge.
- Try magnetic photo ropes or curtain wire systems (IKEA has great options).
Quick view: 5 Creative ways to display your family photos
Get creative with frames: Mix and match vintage, wood, and glass frames for an interesting gallery wall. Throw in other artwork, quotes, and even plants for extra texture.
Make a statement with a feature piece: Got a single image you love? Go large with canvas, metal, or acrylic prints to suit every space.
Embrace technology: There are a range of digital displays available that allow you to display thousands of photos in one frame, some can even be updated via Wi-Fi; great for long-distance family.
Create albums or keepsakes that become part of the decor of your home. Heirloom albums like the ones I offer are great for kids to relive their favourite memories.
Get creative: DIY photo grids with clips, fridge magnet frames, and good old string and pegs. The possibilities are endless.
Turn Your Digital Photos into Treasured Prints
Printing and displaying your family photos isn’t just about decor, it’s about keeping your family’s story alive in the spaces where you’re together the most. With social media and Pinterest-perfect homes all around us, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the spaces we live in, but personalising your space with family photos is a great way to make that house feel like your home.
If you've had a documentary family photography session with me, you already have an heirloom album to cherish and if you need help choosing the perfect prints, check out your included print size guide or get in touch for custom recommendations. I’m always happy to help.
Ready to make your house a home with meaningful family photos?
Got the ideas, the wall space, and the frames at the ready? Now you just need to fill them with memories.
Want family portraits that feel real, joyful, and unapologetically you? Book your obligation-free intro call with me today to tell your family story.
Your memories deserve more than a hard drive.
Let’s bring them to life—beautifully.
