How to Decorate Walls With Unframed Photos

Protect your photos. The advantage of a frame is getting that photo behind glass where it is protected from pollutants and damage from handling. This is easily done by purchasing cheap plastic cases sold alongside picture frames in most department stores. These rigid sleeves allow you to sandwich the photo between clear plastic panels, without altering the look of the photo. Another, even cheaper option is to visit a local gallery or frame shop and ask for plastic sleeves. These are like clear envelopes that the photo can be sealed inside for safekeeping.

Create a collage on a bare wall by using double-sided tape to stick up numerous photos. You may choose a theme, such as family and friends, vacations, pets or still life, or choose random photos of interest. Your collage can be wacky and disorganized, or meticulously arranged to pull the eye into a focal point of interest.

Stretch a string, clothesline or length of yarn from one wall to another, secure with thumbtacks, and hang pictures on it side by side, securing them with clothespins. This is also ideal for displaying greeting cards.

Design a portable collage or group of collages by arranging photos on pieces of poster board and gluing them down. Display the collages in odd-numbered groupings on a bare wall.

Turn your photos into decoupage. You can “paper” pieces of wood furniture like coffee tables, bread boxes or trinket boxes with your photos. The photos should be arranged and glued to the wood surface, with care taken to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Protect the photos with a clear, hard shellac.