Family Photos In The Living Room: Pros & Cons

Most people have photos of families and friends around their home, and it's not uncommon to display them in more public areas like the living room. However, while filling your walls with family photos can be a way to make your space feel personal, homey, and inviting, there's also the argument that overdoing it can leave guests (and even homeowners themselves) feeling overwhelming, distracted, and exposed to TMI. You may be wondering, in the world of interior design, if there us a definitive answer to whether or not you should have your vacation photos lining your fireplace mantel.

The truth is... well, not really. A lot of it comes down to personal taste, preferences and your own level of comfort sharing family photos with visitors. But if you do feel like you want some guidance in this area, there are some pros and cons out there that can help you determine whether putting your family photos on display will be the right choice for you. And if you do decide that such photos are a key element in the "vibe" of your home — after all, when it comes to living room ideas and inspiration, your own heart should always be the guiding factor — you can at least make them work in a more sophisticated manner. 

The most obvious reason to keep your family photos in view is that it brings personality and a sense of comfort into your home. While you may be concerned about your home looking "lived-in," that's also part of what makes it feel warm and inviting — and not only to you, but to your guests. If you have new visitors, photos can be a conversation starter, and even help your acquaintances get to know you better.

If you decide to keep the photos around, but you also want a way to make them a bit more organized, less chaotic, or just more cohesive, there are a ton of solutions. One of the simplest is to invest in a digital frame. This will display selected photos on a cycle, and it is usually easy to add or remove them as you wish. If you already have a smart device with a screen, like the Amazon Echo Show, you can also program that to show your photos in a similar manner. If you're very much set on actual wall photos, though, consider a gallery wall: This option allows you to lean into the uniqueness and choose photos of all sizes, and display them in different ways — framed, matted, tucked into a mirror — with the goal of crafting something personal and curated. That said, don't place photos randomly on the wall, either: You want the size differentiations to look nice and feel fitted together in a way that complements the photos, instead of taking away from them. 

That said, as nice and homey as family photos can be, there are plenty of reasons not to have them displayed. If you want to make your living room feel calm, zen, and stress-free, you are probably best served by keeping your material more neutral. You can fill the space with art, plants, wallpaper, mirrors, and other decorations that still show off your personality, hobbies, and interests, without getting too personal or visually overstimulating. 

In contrast, family photos quickly clutter up a space, and lead to guilt or awkward situations if certain family members are represented more than others. A cool art piece will never have to be replaced or feel "dated," whereas with pictures, you may feel pressured to replace them as people age, find new partners, or so on. Just as some people are not keen on sharing every detail of their lives on social media, putting your personal photos out in the open — even in your own house — can also feel a bit too vulnerable at times. 

If you are feeling a bit trepidatious but still do want some photographic representation in the public areas of the home, keep only the most PG, wholesome, and stock-image-y options out for public consumption: Leave the baby bathtub pics, passionate kisses, and bikini shots for the more private spaces. Vintage photos or prints of your family members can also be a great way to add a personal touch to the space while maintaining a unique, curated style. Again, there's no right answer here, but consider the goals of your space and use these tips to help you find the solution that works best for you.