I used to have my own photography business, and I hung around on many photography forums. One thing that came up again and again was how so many people would order very small sizes of prints. They might order some wallets, a handful of 5x7s, and then their big portrait — an 8×10.
I will admit, I once thought of 8x10s as big. Not anymore. Sure, if you’re planning on using it on a 12×12 scrapbooking page, then an 8×10 is nice and eye-catching. But, on a wall, if you can swing the expense of a large print from a photographer or even print your own photograph large, it is really worth it.
In my house, we don’t have a lot of photographs on the wall, but the ones that we do are larger. The smallest ones we have up are 12×12 framed scrapbook pages. Most of the others are large and printed on canvas (from when I was able to get deals on them).
Just look at the comparison of an 8×10 portrait that I set next to the 24×24 (yes, that’s two feet by two feet) canvas and 16×20 canvas that I have on the wall. Even the 16×20 looks small compared to the 24×24, doesn’t it? (Sorry for the messy desk, but I needed to add in the desk to give a true size comparison.)
I get so many compliments on the portraits that I have on display, and I think one of those reasons is that they are eye-catching in their size.
For a more frugal twist on this decorating idea, the next time one of the big online photo labs offers up a great deal on large prints (think at least 11×14, but why not a 16×20), order some of your favorite photos that you have taken. Then, watch for deals on frames at places like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
Trust me — you will get compliments, and, if you’re like me, it will make you smile often while you’re looking at the big portraits on your wall.
This post is linked to: Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Fridays.
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So true. I recently had my son's portrait taking and went ahead and ordered it up 11×14. It is fab and every visitor loves it!
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great tip… next time I get a canvas print offer I'm gonna do it. I've been too chicken in the past!
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I agree with you! One of the ways we decorate our home is with our own photographs. Some are of people but others are just of scenery and whatnot. I agree, the bigger the better. They make a bold statement!
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