25 Creative Photo Print Ideas That Don't Need a Frame
From tape to tacks, learn how you can make your best photos shine without the frame.
Some photos are just too stunning to be confined behind glass. Maybe it's about capturing every tiny detail, showcasing a full panoramic shot, or avoiding someone’s face being cut off by a frame—whatever the reason, skipping the frame can be a great choice for removing visual clutter and telling the whole story.
And guess what? There are tons of creative, polished ways to display your favorite memories that look just as beautiful (if not better) than a traditional frame. Ready to get inspired? This guide is packed with unique ideas to get you printing and showing off your memories in no time.
This is a chic, whimsical way to hang your best memories. String a line of twine or yarn across a wall and use mini clothespins to clip your photos. Make it yours by choosing a fun color of yarn and multicolored clothespins, or go neutral–there are no rules! Or try this handy string-o-pics.
Wondering how high to hang your pictures? Explore this guide for some much-needed interior design inspo!
Don't shy away from using classic tape! You can elevate the look by cutting uniform pieces of masking or parchment tape and neatly placing them at the tops of your photo prints for a stylish touch.
Place your photo prints in small wood blocks with a slit on top. This rustic look is perfect for desktops, bookshelves, or bedside tables and is just one of many of the unique ways to display photos.
Hang clips on your wall with nails or push pins and use them to hold your photo prints. Play around with different color palettes–for instance, if your photos are in vivid color, use metallic clips, or if they’re in black and white, use black clips. The beauty here is that you can do whatever you’d like!
Pin your photo prints onto a corkboard. You can rearrange and add more over time, keeping the look fresh and ever-changing. Plus this idea is renter-friendly and won't put any holes in your walls.
Hang mini clipboards on the wall and clip a photo print onto each one. It’s easy to swap out photos whenever you want.
If wall space is limited, place a few photo or clipboard stands on a counter or dresser for a neat, organized way to display prints.
Secure your prints directly to the wall using decorative washi tape. It’s perfect for adding color and creativity to your favorite photos. Give them a more refined look by sticking uniform pieces of tape at the top and center points of your photos.
For a more organized look, arrange your prints on a bulletin board. Add notes, mementos, or even small trinkets alongside them. Think of it as your very own hanging scrapbook. Or display your photos symmetrically for a minimalistic look, remember there are no rules.
Print your photos on Canvas Wall Tiles and create a tidy, organized gallery wall of your favorite memories. Mix and match landscape and portrait sizes or keep it all uniform–the choice is yours.
For an eclectic, stylized look, place photo prints inside a glass cloche on your mantle or side table. It turns your prints into a piece of art and it immediately attracts interest. You can find them at thrift stores or buy brand new from stores like Pottery Barn.
Yes, raid your closet for your best pant hangers. Use the clips to hold the photo and use a pin or nail to have the hanger hang on the wall. It’s unique, practical, and a great conversation starter.
Simply pin your photos to the wall. Have fun with the layout, mix and match, overlap, and just do whatever makes you the happiest. Use all of the same color pins, or mix it up! Make the mood board of your dreams on your wall.
Hang a metal grid on the wall and clip your photo prints onto it with bulldog clips. It adds a trendy, industrial-chic vibe to your space. You can also clip other things to your grid to mix it up like postcards, banners, artwork, and whatever your heart desires.
Have a killer collection of magnets just lying around? This is their time to shine! Use them to hang your favorite photos, reminders, or special notes alongside the photos.
For a sleek, modern look, print your photos and insert them into acrylic or wood photo blocks. These stand beautifully on bookshelves or desks. Plus, you can add more than one photo per block.
Stick your photos to your wall using museum wax, nails, pins, or tape. Play around with mixing larger-sized prints with smaller ones and don’t be afraid to overlap.
Who says photo albums have to stay on the shelf? Create an old-fashioned photo album of your prints and leave one out on your coffee table for guests (and you) to flip through whenever you want.
Pro tip: To avoid your prints suffering wear and tear, create a deluxe coffee table-style photo book of your prints to enjoy for many years to come.
Remember those polaroid walls you may have had in your college dorm room? Well this is them all grown up. Arrange your favorite photo prints on the wall in an organized fashion. It adds a vintage touch and looks super stylish.
Instead of hammering multiple nails into your wall, put up a ledge to display multiple prints at once. Play with different sizing and layout. Plus, it’s super easy to change out your photos and decorate for each season.
This is a creative way to display your photos in an artful way. Simply tape or pin your photo prints to your canvas. Rest your canvas on a surface like a mantle or bedside table, or hang it on your wall. For a more rustic look, use the back side of your canvas to hang your photos.
This is a great option to tell a story all on one frame. Simply stick related photos to the matted section of your picture frame with parchment or masking tape. Cut your tape with scissors for a clean cut.
Use binder clips as a stand to display your photos. It’s simple, modern, and budget-friendly. Simply clip your photos, and have your binder clips rest on the surface of your choice.
Simple. Easy. A no-brainer. Display your favorite photos on a photo easel and rest it on the surface of your choice. Switch it out at any time, no nails, tape, or pins required.
A photo mobile is the perfect way to display your favorite memories—it adds movement, dimension, and fun to any space. Plus, it’s an easy way to showcase multiple prints without needing frames or taking up wall space.
Getting your prints to look sharp and professional is easier than ever when you choose a reputable service (like Chatbooks!) that offers high-quality, durable photo prints. Choose your favorite photos and check the following:
- The resolution is high enough for clear prints
- Good, clear lighting is present
- There is no blurriness in your photo
- You’ve selected your desired print size
Checking off this list before you order your prints ensures the very best quality and results for your photo prints.
Now that you have all these creative ideas, it’s time to decide where to showcase your photos. Entryways, living rooms, and kitchens are great spots for adding a personal touch with photo prints. For a classic look, create a display on your bedroom wall, arrange prints along your hallway, or create a staircase gallery wall.
What some may consider the heart of the home, your living room may also be a perfect spot to display your unique gallery wall ideas. And, don’t forget about your coffee table! A photo book filled with your favorite snapshots is the perfect addition to any living room. It’s a great way for family and guests to enjoy flipping through your favorite moments and serves as a great conversation starter.
There are so many fun options when it comes to photo prints! Here are some popular sizes and materials to consider:
- Sizes:
Standard sizes like 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 are great for most displays. For larger walls, go for 11x14 or 16x20 for a statement piece.
- Materials:
Premium matte or glossy finishes are the most common but don’t forget about metallic or even canvas for a standout look. Want to go bold? Try wood or acrylic photo prints for something extra special.
Ready to bring your memories to life? It’s never been easier to print high-quality, affordable photo prints that will last a lifetime. And while you’re at it, why not pick up a photo book too? Whether you’re creating a wall display or a coffee table centerpiece, Chatbooks has everything you need to capture and share the moments that matter most.
Related Products: Photo Prints, Family Photo Books, Infant Photo Books, Monthly Photo Book Subscription, Travel Photo Books, Mini Kids Photo Books
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