Prints, Canvases, or Digitals? Choosing the Right Finish for Your Living Room Wall

You’ve finally got the family photos you’ve been dreaming of. The lighting’s perfect, the kids smiled at the same time (minor miracle), and the whole vibe is warm and timeless. But now what?

They sit in an online gallery, looking gorgeous and totally unused.

We get it. After the shoot, figuring out how to display those images is the step most families skip. And let’s be honest, a USB in a drawer doesn’t exactly say “cherished memory.”

So let’s talk about the best way to display family photos. Whether you’re leaning toward classic prints, eye-catching canvases, or going full digital.

The Classic Print: Still Going Strong

Nothing beats a high-quality photographic print. There’s a reason prints have lasted generations. They’re timeless, flexible, and elegant.

Best for:

• Gallery walls

• Hallways and entryways

• Shelves and mantels

• Gifts for grandparents

Why we love it:
Prints give you the freedom to frame and style each photo to fit your space. Whether you’re going with a clean modern frame or a vintage distressed wood, the look is completely customizable. They’re also affordable, which makes swapping them out each season (or each kid’s growth spurt) easy.

Heads up:
Skip the cheap big-box store labs. They’ll butcher your colors. If you’re ordering prints, do it through a pro lab or directly through your photographer. You’ll see the difference.

Canvas Prints: Big, Bold, and Ready to Hang

Canvas prints make a statement. They bring your images off the screen and into your space in a way that feels modern and warm at the same time.

Best for:

• Large living room walls

• Over the fireplace

• Staircases

• Feature wall centerpieces

Why we love it:
They’re lightweight, durable, and you don’t need to worry about glare from the glass. Canvases give that high-end, finished look right out of the box. They’re ready to hang the moment they arrive.

Something to consider:
Canvas has texture. It’s stunning for family portraits, lifestyle shots, and candid moments. But if you’ve got a heavily detailed photo (like a large group or intricate clothing patterns), you may want to print that one instead for sharper detail.

Digitals: The Most Flexible Format (If You Actually Use Them)

Digital images are included with every session we offer, and they’re great for a lot of things: sharing on social, texting to grandparents, and backing up your family memories.

Best for:

• Creating your own albums later

• Sharing online

• Printing your own cards or gifts

• Displaying on digital frames

Why we love it:
Digitals are flexible and instant. You can display a rotating slideshow in a digital frame, use them in photo books, or even get creative and print them on ornaments, mugs, or calendars.

The catch?
They often get forgotten. They sit in your inbox or on your desktop until it’s too late. That’s why we always suggest pairing your digitals with at least one tangible piece. Choose something that makes your home feel like you.

Matching Your Format to Your Home

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you pick the right format for your space:

• Living Room:
  Go big. A single canvas or a framed statement piece works beautifully.

• Hallway or Staircase:
  Try a gallery wall with prints in matching or complementary frames. Start with 3–5 images, then add over time.

• Kitchen or Mudroom:
  A small framed print on a shelf or even a photo block adds personality in everyday spaces.

• Home Office:
  Digital frame = rotating slideshow of everyone you love. Instant mood booster.

And don’t forget to think about your home’s style. If your decor is clean and modern, black frames with white mats keep it sharp. Rustic farmhouse? Bring in distressed wood frames or linen-backed canvases.

Our Advice (and What’s Hanging in Our Home)

In our own house, we mix it up. One wall has a canvas from the senior year of our kid’s lives. The hallway has a gallery wall with framed prints that we update. And yes, we have a digital frame in the kitchen that makes coffee-time feel extra cozy.

There’s no single right answer. It’s about what works for your space, your style, and your real life.

Don’t Let Your Photos Live in the Cloud

Your family isn’t a file folder. Those moments (tiny toes, gap-toothed grins, grandparents hugging grandbabies) deserve to live on your walls, not just your Wi-Fi.

If you’re not sure where to start, just talk to us. When we plan your session, we’re already thinking about how it could look in your home. We’ll help guide you toward prints, products, and finishes that turn your photos into art.

Because your family is the best part of your house. Make sure everyone can see that.

Want help choosing the best way to display your family photos?

Reach out to us at J&B Patton Family Photography. We’re here to help you turn your session into something you see and feel every day.