I think it depends on the pictures. I will say I usually do not like family photos in publc spaces IMO they are best hung in hallways going to bedrooms or a stairway going to a bedroom level. The size of the work and how often you might want to change it also figure into the choice .Could you post a pic of the whole space and the pieces you are thinking about, that will be very helpful.

I recently faced the same question (my photos are in a wide stair well and landing area rather than over a couch though). After ordering a picture shelf I opted to do a gallery wall instead - the picture ledge stands out enough that I felt like it protruded in the space (it wouldn't actually have been in the way, it just felt like it was). You might have the same problem if you placed one over a sofa. That said, it does mean my pictures are staying where I put them and it's taking me along time to hang them all.

Without seeing the pics. Gallery wall. But maybe show us the pictures to say Forsure. I’m thinking some big pictures not a collage style gallery wall with a lot of frames. Less is more here

Shelves for photos and for open storage in the kitchen are starting to get on my nerves! I agree with Patricia.

I would suggest a gallery wall above the couch! Here are some suggestions:

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I had picture ledges in my house for about six months and put up a gallery arrangement. Could not stand the pictures ledges. Gave them to my granddaughter for her small stuffed animals..She loved them.

I planned to order picture ledges from Pottery Barn. I ordered a long narrow accent table to go under the three ledges. Now wondering why you could not stand the picture ledges? I have four adult children and eight grandchildren. They like to see that I have pictures of them up for everyone to look at. Thought I could change them out often.

Maybe I didn't like my ledges because they were in a hallway leading to the bedrooms and it just looked too narrow. Your space looks wider so you may like the ledges.

I am not a fan of ledges, but if you want to change out your art or photos, it would be much easier to do with ledges. A gallery wall, which is what I prefer, would not give you the same convenience.