How to Frame Old Family Photos (Safely and Beautifully)
Frame old and restored family photos the right way: originals vs reprints, archival mats, UV glass, gallery wall ideas and where to hang them.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
A wall of family photos across the generations is one of the most personal things you can put in a home. Framing old photos well means making them look good and making sure the frame doesn't slowly destroy them.
Frame a reprint, keep the original
The most important rule: display a restored reprint and store the original in an archival box. Light and air in a frame fade and yellow prints over years (see preventing photos from fading). With a digital copy restored in Refixo, you can print as many copies as you like and replace one if it fades.
If you must frame an original (a cased daguerreotype, a signed cabinet card), use full archival framing and hang it away from light.
Archival framing basics
- Mat: acid-free, lignin-free mat board. It keeps the photo off the glass and looks elegant.
- Glazing: UV-filtering glass or acrylic. Acrylic is lighter and safer for large frames.
- Mounting: archival photo corners or hinges, never glue or tape on the photo.
- Backing: acid-free foam board.
Style ideas
- Classic: white or cream mats, thin black or wood frames. Works with black and white and sepia.
- Before and after: a double-opening mat with the original scan print and the restored version.
- Generations: same frame style for each generation, hung in a line.
- Gallery wall: mix sizes but keep one frame color for cohesion.
- Shadow box: the photo with a small object (a medal, a ribbon, a letter).
Matching colorized and black and white photos
On a gallery wall, either keep all photos in one style (all black and white, or all colorized), or group them by generation. A single colorized photo among many black and white ones draws a lot of attention, which can be a nice focal point.
Where to hang
- Interior walls, away from direct sun and windows.
- Not above radiators, fireplaces or in bathrooms and kitchens.
- At eye level (center of the arrangement around 145–150 cm from the floor).
Print size and mat proportions
A small old photo looks great enlarged a little and surrounded by a wide mat. For example, a 5 × 7 print in an 11 × 14 frame. Check resolution first (see restoring photos for printing and printing restored photos).
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to frame original old photos?
It's better to frame a reprint. If you frame an original, use archival mats, UV glass and avoid sunlight.
What kind of glass is best for photos?
UV-filtering glass or acrylic.
Why use a mat?
It keeps the photo from touching the glass, which prevents sticking and damage, and it looks better.
Should I frame colorized or black and white versions?
Either. Many people frame the colorized version and keep the black and white one in an album.
Restore it in seconds
Bring your old photos back to life
Refixo's AI removes scratches, tears and stains, sharpens faces and colorizes black & white photos in seconds. Free to download on iPhone and iPad, with a 3-day free trial.
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