Displaying Photos on Stairs

The paper inside frames can make a good guide when displaying photos in a stairway.

Stairways are often overlooked when it comes to decorating. But it is important to remember that this seemingly small portion of your home is likely one that is used, and seen, regularly. Displaying photos on stairs can help to give the space a polished look and allow you and the other members of your household to view memorable images several times a day. Despite this, there is an art to arranging the photos on the wall, and planning is needed for the best visual effect.

Things You'll Need

• Photos
• Frames
• Tape
• Measuring tape
• Picture hangers
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Gather a selection of photos that you would like to display in the stairway and purchase frames in the size you need. Place all of the photos in their respective frames, and keep the paper piece that comes in most frames for reference.

2. Move the pieces of paper that came from the frame to a large table or flat space similar in size to the area in the stairs where you want to display the photos. Play around with potential picture layouts on the table so you have a good idea where to start on the wall.

3. Arrange with tape the pieces of paper on your stairway wall in the layout you want to hang the framed photos. Start with the bottom step and place the first piece of paper at eye level. Working up the stairs, arrange each piece of paper after the first one approximately a half or third higher than the last. You can also measure up from the first step to the bottom of the first piece of paper, and then arrange each photo after that the same distance from its corresponding step. Once you have the general angle down with your initial pieces of paper, arrange the other papers around these until you have a layout that you like.

4. Install your picture hangers using the papers taped on the wall as guides. The variety you use will depend on the type of wall you have, and whether you can or want to put holes in the wall. You can hammer or screw directly through the paper to get your picture hangers exactly where you want. But if you are using stick-on hangers. you will have to remove each piece of paper first.

5. Remove all of the paper from the walls once you have your picture hangers installed. Hang the pictures up to finish displaying your photos in your stairway.

References

• She Knows: How to Arrange a Family Photo Wall