How to Arrange a Collage Frame & Shelves

Coordinate the photos for your collage in a logical grouping or theme. For instance, you may decide on a theme, such as family, pets, an event, period of time, or visual similarities such as black and white photos or landscapes. Place the photos in the collage and mix and match photos until you have an appealing arrangement. Purchase pre-matted with photo cutouts collage frames making for easy organization. Secure the photos in the frame and tighten the back of the frame.

Gather ideas for the arrangement of your collage frame and shelves from magazines and online design websites. Measure the wall space where you plan to hang shelves and your collage and consider the placement of furniture and if it will complement or interfere with your frames and shelves. Decide if you want a symmetrical or unbalanced look.

Consider room color and lighting when arranging your frames and shelves. If significant natural sunlight floods the room, you may want to place your frames out of the light so you're not worried about your photos fading. If your frames and shelves are a dark color, you may want to consider placing them on a lighter colored wall so they will show a contrast and enhance the room’s décor.

Draw your arrangement on paper first to get an idea of the look. Starting from the collage as the eye-level center of interest, use hooks, nails, pencil marks and removable tape where you plan to place your collage frame and shelves. Step away to view the space and re-arrange until you find the arrangement that's most appealing. Leave pencil marks as a final marker for nails and hooks and remove the tape and other site markers.

Hang shelves using the pencil marks as a guide for placement and use a level to confirm your shelves are hung evenly. Place the frames and other items on your shelves and continue to rearrange until you have a satisfying look.