How to Display School Pictures

Co-authored by Karen Parziale and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 24, 2021 References

School pictures are a great way to watch your child grow up throughout the years. But getting a new photo every school year means you probably have a lot of photos to display—especially if you have more than one child. With these fun DIY display ideas, you’ll never run out of ways to put up your school pictures so your friends and family can see them every time they come over.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Try a grid for a clean display.

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Arrange your frames in a grid pattern to keep your decoration symmetrical. Pick out frames that are all the same size, then pick a wall to make your grid pattern.^{[1]
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- You can use as little as 4 photos for this pattern, or as many as you’d like!
- Make sure your frames are evenly spaced by using a measuring tape and a level.
- Try displaying your photos in two rows of 3.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Karen Parziale
  Home Stager & Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Make a photo wall.

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Show off all your school pictures at once with a wall display. Put each picture in a frame, then pick a large statement wall in your living room or dining area. Fill it up with pictures in a random pattern to cover the wall from floor to ceiling.^{[3]
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- This is a great way to display school photos throughout the years! You can watch your children grow up on one wall.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Turn your staircase into a gallery wall.

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Put your pictures into frames and clear some space on your staircase wall. Arrange the photos going up the wall so your friends and family can admire them on their way to the second floor.^{[4]
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- For a little variety, choose pictures in all different sizes. Then, use big frames, small frames, and medium frames to complement each one.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Go casual by using your window sill.

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Instead of hanging pictures on the wall, lean them against a window. Set your frames on the windowsill and let them lean back against your window. You can overlap the frames just slightly for an eclectic picture display.^{[5]
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- Try interspersing your photos with framed art or dried flowers to make this display even more artistic.
- Go for frames of all different sizes for a truly randomized display.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Get crafty with a photo collage.

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Ditch the picture frames and grab a foam board instead. Arrange your school photos on the board, then apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to keep them in place. Hang your collage in your living room or dining area for a fun, cute display.^{[6]
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- You can either overlap your photos just slightly for a more traditional collage look, or you can arrange them in a grid pattern to keep it a little more cohesive.
- Pick out a foam board that matches the color scheme of your home so it blends in with the décor.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Make your photos into magnets.

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Pick out your photos and send them to a print shop. You’ll get your favorite school photos as magnets in return to display on your fridge or white board.^{[7]
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- Look for services like this on Etsy or PrintsFactoryUS.
- Depending on how many photos you’d like to turn into magnets, you might end up paying $15 to $20.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Go rustic with a wood and wire display.

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Pick out 2 to 3 wood boards that you can hang in your home. Screw in an eyehole screw to either end of each board, then twist a length of gauged wire in between them. Hang your photos on the wire using clothes pins or paper clips.^{[8]
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- Attach the wood boards to your wall using screws. If you can’t find a stud, use a drywall anchor to secure the boards onto your wall.
- This is a great display to use if your kids are still growing. You can easily switch out the photos as you get new ones every year!
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Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Label your pictures on a chalkboard wall.

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Write funny captions or phrases underneath each photo. Cover one wall in chalkboard paint and let it dry. Hang your photos up with push pins, then use colorful chalk to draw borders or labels around each picture.^{[9]
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- You can find chalkboard paint at most hardware stores.
- If you don’t want to commit an entire wall to becoming a chalkboard, just get a free-standing chalkboard and hang it up on your wall instead.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Get creative with antique frames.

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Go for older looking frames if your home has a vintage vibe. Encase your school pictures in elegant, ornate frames, then hang them up in your living room or dining room.^{[10]
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- If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on fancy frames, check out your local thrift store.
- To tone your frames down a bit, coat each one in white acrylic paint.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Make your photos into ceramic tiles.

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If you’re tired of picture frames, use ceramic tiles instead. Print your pictures out on printer paper, then cut them down to the size of the tile. Brush a layer of Mod Podge over the photo to attach it, then hang the tile on your wall with hook and loop strips.^{[11]
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- Pick up a few ceramic tiles for cheap at your local hardware store.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Glue your photos to a canvas.

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Make your school photos look a little fancier with an art canvas. Print your photo out onto printer paper, then cut it down to the size of your canvas. Use a layer of Mod Podge to stick the photo onto the canvas before hanging it on your wall with a few nails.^{[12]
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- You can find art canvases at your local art supply store.
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