I know from experience that many people spend a lot of time selecting art for their homes. When it comes to displaying more personal items, I find it can be easy to get stuck on how to incorporate them with the rest of a home’s design.

I like to think of personal keepsakes, photos, and art as a way to add another layer of character to your space. They’re a part of making your home feel alive and individual to the people who live there. In reality, they’re not a thing you have to try too hard to fit in. It’s all about selecting pieces that are interesting to you, that spark joy, or that have the potential to start a conversation with guests.

Today I’m sharing seven of my favorite creative ways to display personal photos at home.

Ways to Display Personal Photos, Art, and Keepsakes at Home

1. Go three-dimensional.

I love the idea of going three-dimensional when it comes to displaying personal items. Framing something in a shadow box can create such a compelling piece. It can be art your kids have made, a favorite childhood keepsake, or a collage. Anything that’s full of rich dimension would work beautifully.

2. Use standing frames to their full potential.

It can be easy to forget about standing frames when we’re so accustomed to hanging everything on a wall. I love a console table or any other flat surface full of framed photos. Displayed together, they always feel like such a special and intimate collection. I’ve collected a bunch of them over the years and we used to have them on display on the piano. We’ll find another dedicated home for them one of these days!

3. Frame textiles.

It could be your grandma’s handkerchief or a piece of the veil you wore at your wedding. Whatever it is, framed textiles have the power to add a beautifully personal touch to a room.

I like to think of personal keepsakes, photos, and art as a way to add another layer of character to your space. They’re a part of making your home feel alive and individual to the people who live there.

4. Maximize your wall space.

Consider going beyond framed displays only in your main living areas. Stairways and hallways are the more intimate parts of most homes, and they’re a great place to display your personal keepsakes and photos. If you want a more coordinated look, consider printing photos all in black and white to create a cohesive gallery wall.

5. Use framing options that allow you to easily swap out art.

I saw a great DIY frame idea on A Beautiful Mess. The frame allows you to display kids’ art (or any kind of art or photos) in a more elevated way than simply pinning it up on your wall. The best part? The frame opens in the front so a piece can easily be swapped out whenever you (or your kids) want to replace it.

6. Go digital.

Use digital technology like the Samsung Frame TV to display scans of family photos or kids’ art. I love that this option grants you the opportunity to showcase a rotating collection and give lots of different pieces their time in the spotlight.

There’s something particularly special about intentionally picking photos that feel iconic and timeless, especially ones that you feel capture the essence of the people in them.

7. Start small.

If you’re interested in displaying personal photos, art, or keepsakes but don’t want any given display to feel like “too much,” you can always start small and with intention. I’ve kept a couple of select framed family photos with me for over a decade. There’s something particularly special about intentionally picking photos that feel iconic and timeless, especially ones that you feel capture the essence of the people in them. If you want to start small, pick one or two such photos to display in your home, and bring a little bit of history to your present day.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.