Designers NEVER Hang Family Photos in This Room
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Family photos add personality and warmth to your home—and gazing at pictures of loved ones as you walk down the hall or pass through a room can offer moments of joy. But experts say certain rooms should be strict no-photo zones, while others call for moderation. Here, designers and etiquette experts reveal how to display pictures in a tasteful and meaningful way.
Hang Photos in Personal Spaces
There’s an old rule that says you should only hang photos in personal spaces—and Boston-based interior designer Liz Caan says this is a rule worth following. “I tend to not hang family photos in public spaces like living rooms, foyers, or dining rooms. I think family photos are personal and should remain in more personal spaces,” she says. Her favorite spots for hanging photos: A hallway between bedrooms, in a second-floor office, or in a bedroom.
But Not the Primary Bedroom
While bedrooms can be an appropriate place for pictures, according to Julia Marcum of the design and renovation blog Chris Loves Julia, your bedroom is not. “I love my kids, and I love photos of my kids. But if you’re trying to create a serene retreat, the bedroom is not the place for displaying a collection of your child’s portraits. These are instant mood-killers for any romance or relaxation. Plus, it’s nice to have a little break sometimes, am I right?”
Or the Bathroom
Interior designer Jason Saft, founder of Staged To Sell Home, avoids placing family photos in the bathroom. “There is something about the idea of being watched by a family member in a private space like that,” he says. “I love displaying family photos in high-traffic areas where people gather and can appreciate the images.” Bathrooms (and other functional spaces like kitchens and mudrooms) can also put cherished pictures in harm’s way. “In bathrooms, the high humidity can damage the photos over time, leading to warping or discoloration. Kitchens are prone to grease, heat, and food splatters, which can also degrade photos,” says interior designer Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co.
Display Photos in Picture Frames
Amal Kapen, an interior designer in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, doesn’t hang photos at all, and instead displays family photos in small frames (5x7 and 4x6) on side tables, nightstands, and bookshelves. “I consider family photos as personal and not decorative—something cherished that can be held closely and moved around,” she says.
Consider Your Guests
While you may love looking at photos of your family frolicking at the beach or posed for a formal portrait, you might. not want to greet your guests with these images. “I know many people will add [photos] to an entry, but I think that’s a lot for guests to walk into as soon as they arrive—it just doesn’t feel quite as welcoming,” says Marcum. And you wouldn’t want to hang anything that could potentially make guests feel uncomfortable. “Avoid hanging any photos that may be seen as intimate, revealing, or provocative in places in the home that may welcome people outside the family,” advises etiquette expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette.
Focus on One Area
Instead of hanging photos around your home, consider creating a gallery wall in one area that serves as a focal point. “We have a gallery wall of family photos in our dining room right now, and I love how it feels to be surrounded by the warmth of those memories. They’re all in black and white, so they blend seamlessly into the overall design,” says Marcum, who suggests using up to nine framed pieces for a curated, not cluttered, look.
Don’t Go Overboard
It’s natural to want to fill your home with photos of loved ones and be reminded of special moments as you wander throughout your house—but moderation is key. An excess of photos can detract from the decor. “It's important to strike a balance between personal mementos and overall design. Too many photos can overwhelm a space, while a thoughtful arrangement can enhance it, and mixing photos with other types of decor can help achieve a cohesive and stylish look,” says Chiprut. Scale is important too: Oversized portraits can overwhelm a room, so it’s best not to go bigger than 10X14.
Do What Makes You Happy
At the end of the day, “hanging family photos is completely a matter of personal preference,” says Meier—and how many photos you choose to display and where you decide to hang them is entirely up to you.
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