Putting family pictures up

3 years ago

Hi ,

i have wanted to put my family pictures up for years just have not done it. I did get some opinions and one from someone that I care about very but she doesn’t live with us. Anyways she told me oh doesn’t look good having pictures up of like you mom or dad or grandparents . let’s just say it has hurt my feelings and I don’t want to be rude to her but it’s my house not hers.I want

to honor my family and I am so into genealogy too. Has anyone done a family wall. If so can you post pictures. I want to get this done thanks

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Mrs. S

3 years ago

We have a family photo gallery in a downstairs wide hallway. I'd consider putting a few family photos in smaller table-top frames around the house (when I get around to it). The thing about "family" photos is they age, and then they just look retro. Our gallery wall is mostly our teens 3-4 years ago, and already I think it looks outdated because of their ages.

I prefer family photos either reasonably fresh, or awesomely ancient. For example, my friend has her "ancestors" photos on a lovely side table in her living room. It's cool.

But when your kids are teens,(for example) to have their black and white baby photos, on the living room wall 20 years later, is not something I'd do. Why? Not because I might "offend someone"! (Who cares about that?-not me, in this instance). But, because I like things to look fresh and little more sophisticated than that. (At least, I'm working toward sophisticated; maybe someday I'll achieve that).

In your case, the photos you show, all together as a gallery wall, might not be "big" enough to look awesome on a wall that, at least in your image above, appears to be a big, blank wall. But it's all in how you do it. You might consider larger versions of the photos, or mix in some memorabilia, framed similarly, to achieve the gallery wall.

A shelf gallery seems nice, but it would look nice if were related to some larger furniture piece nearby. See how the middle photo below has the few framed items at eye level, above a table and decorative arrow-thing, for balance, and to give the wall its oomph. I'm sure you can accomplish your goal.

I'm sorry about your friend. If she is prone to saying hurtful things, and/or you're prone to being sensitive about her comments, then, I hope you are strong enough to either move on, or stop caring about her comments.

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Comments (11)

My3dogs ME zone 5A
3 years ago
You commented today on a post that was about family photos, but a search of 'Displaying family photos' came up with MANY posts. Here is a link to them - https://www.houzz.com/discussions/query/family-photos-displayed
Lala
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Have you considered a picture ledge or table display? IMO, a gallery wall can quickly become a hot mess, unless there's some kind of symmetry.
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ilikefriday
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You will find that a lot of people here do not like family photos displayed in "public" areas of the home. They find it offensive. I have been told that it is offensive because it will make guests feel obligated to comment and that makes visitors uncomfortable. I don't think my friends are quite that delicate and even if they are, they are not required to visit my home. I proudly display photos of those I love.

I pretend family photos are pieces of art. I pay attention to scale, size, color of the frame, color of the photos, etc. IMO the pieces that you have posted are too small for the wall. I would put them in larger frames. Use the same scale that you would when creating a gallery wall of art.
User
3 years ago
LOL, Friday! You tell it! People who are offended by my photos or art won't be setting foot into my house in the first place (mainly because I don't believe I even know anyone of that ilk), and if they do accidentally slither in, they won't be invited back if they comment with negativity about my home.

Now that I have that off my chest, I really like the idea of picture ledges for the OP's sweet family photos. That's a great way to group and display smaller pieces.
remodeling1840
3 years ago
I am filling the walls of my genealogy room with ancestors. It inspires my list of still-to-pursue avenues of research. When our kids were young, it was a great teaching tool. We could talk about history. It also was nice to show them they carried a responsibility to our family legacy and talk about the difficult times some of our family had endured.
L j thanked remodeling1840
remodeling1840
3 years ago
Sorry, I cannot edit from my IPad... We enjoy our more recent photos on electronic picture frames. Before I left this morning (for the genealogy library where I volunteer), I stopped to watch the little guys (now teenagers) hunt Easter eggs and assemble LEGO towers. We enjoy our trips to Yosemite and pictures of bison at Yellowstone. We actually have three frames and have one in the kitchen to brighten our mornings, two next to TVs in the family room and the library. It is fun to be reminded of a special boat trip or a party. Perhaps your friend was reminded that not every family is a happy family and your happy family made her uncomfortable?
L j thanked remodeling1840
L j
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks everyone, I just feel Like I want them up. I just like it’s my house not the persons house . I just don’t know how to tell that person sorry this how I want this way and not be rude
ilikefriday
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
It is ridiculous to have to justify the placement of family photos to someone who does not live in your home. Anyone who visits you and comments about how distasteful they think it might be is lacking in social graces. If it were me, I would simply ignore the comment unless she brings it up again, in which case I would feel justified in being a tad rude.
loobab
3 years ago
AK Is this post written to vent or is there a design question here?
L j
Original Author
3 years ago
I can’t comment, I just trying to get ideas how to do it too

Putting family pictures up

Mrs. S

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My3dogs ME zone 5A

Lala

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