Shopping for a Wedding Dress

A wall full of photos can be a fun addition and focal point to any home. The way you hang your pictures will be determined by your furnishing style and the attitude you are trying to convey. Here are some tips for getting picture perfect groupings.

Consider Your Style

The type of photos you want to display will help you know what kind of grouping to use.

• A traditional or classic grouping is perfect for wedding photos or black and white family photos. Choose white or black frames in square or rectangular shapes, and add white mats to pictures.
• Create a country look with wooden frames. Use square, rectangular and oval frames. Hang these on a wall going up the stairs or in a family room.
• Make an eclectic, playful display by using brightly colored picture frames. You can mix solid colors and patterns using the same colors. If you are artistic, try painting the frames yourself. This type of display looks great with plaques featuring words like 'love' and 'family'. You can also include open frames with no picture inside.

Plan With Paper or Cardboard

Cut out a piece of paper or cardboard the same shape and size as each of your picture frames. You can tape these to the wall to give yourself an idea of how the pictures will look once they are on the wall.

For a more classic look, carefully measure the space between your pictures and leave the same amount of space between each one. A less formal grouping can be randomly spaced. Use a level to make sure that your pictures are straight.

Once you have the look you want, pencil in an outline on your walls as a guide to where you want your pictures to hang.

Avoid the Pitfalls

There are a few ways you can go wrong when hanging your pictures. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.

• Don't mix black and white pictures with color pictures. This confuses the eye and ruins any visual flow, making it look like you've hung random pictures rather than a cohesive group.
• Don't use frame colors that don't go together. You can use different colors, but choose no more than 3 or 4 coordinating hues to keep everything looking like it was made to match.
• Don't lose your theme. Photo groupings work best when your pictures all have the same general subject. Your photos should all be of family or a particular event.

Hanging a group of photos is the perfect way to decorate and personalize your home. If you're looking for custom picture framing for your project, visit Hoosier Highlander.