Face Time: Creative Ideas for Decorating With Portraits

Seaside scenes, landscapes and abstract works all have their place, but portraits have something that other forms of artwork simply don’t. When you look at a portrait, whether it is new or old, painted or photographed, you are seeing a person. A life. Portraits ignite the imagination and populate a room with hidden stories — you can’t help but wonder what the subjects were thinking, feeling and doing. From vintage paintings to blown-up family snapshots and commissioned work, here are some fresh ways to use portraits around the house.

Collected. Keep an eye out for portraits that share a trait — a similar color palette or size, or works by the same artist — and hang them as a collection for maximum impact. The paintings shown here are self-portraits by the same artist; the neat grid allows you to focus on the subtle variations between the works.


Partially hidden. Peeking out from behind a woodpile is an unexpected (even a bit cheeky) treatment for a formal portrait. Or try tucking a portrait behind stacked books or plates on a kitchen shelf.


Silhouettes. Whether modern and colorful or vintage Victorian, silhouette portraits have an undeniable graphic appeal. Search sites like Etsy for artists who make custom silhouette portraits — why not have one made of each family member (including the dog) and hang them together?


Supersize photo. Have a great formal wedding portrait of yourself or a family member? Have it blown up to nearly life-size proportions for a bold, personal piece that will fill a wall.


Well-lit row. Enhance a series of portraits (whether photographs or paintings) by installing a wall sconce above each one. Nautical-style lights, as shown here, are a fresh alternative to classic picture lights.


Children’s self-portraits. Have your little one’s self-portrait framed beautifully and hang it just as you would a fine piece of art … because it is! Create a gallery wall with self-portraits from each of your children or from one child at different ages.


Casually propped. Can’t decide where to hang that portrait? Forget the hammer and nails — a portrait leaning casually against the wall can be even more charming. Try it on the floor or a credenza, or leaned atop the mantel. Surrounding it with a few stacks of books or a vase of flowers will help it look intentional.


All black and white. A mix of old and new family portraits looks striking in black and white. Keep the frames simple, with white mats and narrow black frames.


Color blocked. Shake up a grid of family portraits by mixing in a few solid color blocks — an odd number looks the most natural. This works best with photos printed on boards or canvas rather than in frames. Choose the images you want to include first, then pick a color that will complement your photos for the color blocks.



Iconic celebrity portraits. Artsy photos of celebrities are available at all price points, from (very expensive) rare and limited-edition prints at private galleries to affordable art bought online. Think of someone you really admire and see if there is a portrait that speaks to you.

More:
Design Strategies for Art Lovers
How to Design a Family Photo Wall
The Faces Have It: Large Portraits Go Over Big

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