At Picture Hang Solutions, we’re always talking about hanging pictures on the wall and the best ways to go about it. But pictures also add a nice touch to spots where they don’t have to hang, like table tops.
With the right technique, tabletop frame arrangements allow pockets of a room to create more depth and character. Whether it’s your coffee table decor, decor on your nightstand, or shelf decor, a table top frame arrangement elevates a space in subtle, refined ways, making it feel more complete and personalized. The pictures you curate in these mini gallery arrangements will tell your own stories, convey your personal style, and make your space feel warm and lived-in.
Although it can be a minor part of your home decor, a tabletop frame arrangement is a more intricate process than one might think. It’s easy to clutter any surface with a bunch of frames, for one, and make an interior look not very well-thought-out. But that’s why we’re here—so that doesn’t happen to your tabletop arrangements or table decor.
Let’s begin!
Table of contents
How to Arrange a Tabletop Picture Frame Display
What you will need
To get started, you will need to prepare the following tools for a smooth tabletop frame arrangement process:
Picture frames
Measuring tape
Bubble level
Pencil
Acrylic easels
Pick a tabletop.
First things first. Which table top or surface would you like to decorate? While similar tabletops can have a similar theme, proper styling should be dedicated to each tabletop. Here are some go-to spots for table decor and a tabletop frame display, as well as some not-so-usual spots:
Study/work desk
Dresser
Coffee table
Bedside table
Bookcase
Mantelpiece
TV/entertainment console
On top of piano
Countertops
From left to right: Images courtesy of Pinterest, Valerio Geraci, Meet Me in Philadelphia, Bruce Katz, Pinterest,Megan Hanus
These are just a few ideas, but compared to wall frames, we can see how adaptable a display for tabletop frames can be, from coffee table decor and shelf decor to side table decor, as long as you have available, even space. You can check how even a surface is using a level.
Consider the area you choose in terms of size, material, and design or style. You’re not trying to fill the whole space with picture frames, only a part of it, so if you want to display more than a few frames, look at more spacious table tops.
You might also want to consider the material of the tabletop. Is it a marble countertop, a wooden desk, a metal shelf? It might matter to you when building the overall look of your frame display. Similarly, the area's design should also be accounted for in case it clashes with your desired theme, which we cover in the next part.
Decide on a theme.
To ensure your arrangement matches the rest of your interior, keep a theme in mind ahead of the process. Stick to a simple principle, such as a color palette, a certain subject that all the pictures bring focus to, or works that feature a singular art style or are done by one artist. It can also be based on whether the frame arrangement comprises only photographs or only paintings.
For instance, the theme you pick might be a black-and-white monochrome collection of family portraits all in black frames. Or you might go for a pair of paintings done by one of your favorite artists for display on your mantelpiece. Whatever theme you go with, stay true to your personal style and coordinate it with the rest of your home decor.
Curate what you’re framing.
A carefully curated collection of pictures is a given no matter what theme or type of table top you decorate. If you’re arranging framed photographs, prioritize zoomed-in or magnified shots. These are much more visible and easier to appreciate than distant or long shots as they offset the limited size of the photos and the small picture frames.
You can go for your favorite family pictures, such as family trips or school pictures, or take this chance to dedicate tribute photos to late loved ones.
When framing artwork, feel free to curate some of your most-loved pieces. You can also always mix an art piece or two with a family photo collection. Don’t limit yourself!
Bring together a frame selection that complements your space.
When you arrange the picture frames for your tabletop frame display, how should you ensure that they complement your interior and home decor?
First, place the picture frames strategically on the tabletop. If they’re displayed against the wall, you can prop them in a straight row across the tabletop. This arrangement style provides equal and complete visibility for each frame. If you have frames of different sizes, arrange them by centering them around the biggest frame. You can position one or two small picture frames in front of it, and let the rest feather out on the sides.
You can also try layering the frames together by placing more of them in front of each other, adding dimension and depth to the display. Use a pencil and measuring tape to mark positions. Experiment with different positionings and have fun with the process.
Next, limit the number of frames in your display. Nightstands, bookshelves, and kitchen counters can be well-decorated and still be perfectly usable for your daily routines, and the key to this is not overdoing a tabletop frame display. This depends on the size of the table top or desktop, but even with a big space, you don’t want to crowd the area—after all, most of these spots are still meant to be functional.
Try aiming for an odd number of select frames—say, three or seven—and displaying them in groups. A group of pictures naturally catches the eye and makes it an easy centerpiece on any table top. This way, you bring more attention to each picture without losing the tabletop’s functionality.
Finally, go for clear easels that don’t disrupt visual flow. While freestanding picture frames are the most common type of tabletop frame, you can also go for a more stylistic way of displaying frames by placing them on a mini easel.
Acrylic tabletop easels give pictures a tad more elevation and can even save you space since they don’t jut out as much as the back stands of freestanding frames. You can also use them for other decor like plaques, ceramics, and books.
Complete the arrangement with accessories.
Speaking of other decor, table decor doesn’t stop at picture frames. You can refine the look of your arrangement by adding various accessories big and small, such as:
Vases
Lamps
Books
Plants and succulents
Candelabra
Scented candles
Ceramic figurines
Other keepsakes
You can place accessories to one side of the table top and group the frames on the opposite side, or scatter the accessories while still keeping the frames organized in a group.
Accessorizing with items such as the above adds several more personal touches to the display, making it more interesting and finished. It also allows the table decor to reflect your personality much better.
Add a touch of lighting.
Beyond accessories, lighting can also play a big part in the final look of a tabletop frame display. A lamp behind or beside the frames can make them stand out significantly as a small part of your decor and even turn them into focal points of the room. Wall sconces will also lend your display a soft look and bring attention to an arrangement subtly.
With the right lighting, you give observers another layer of interaction with the table top pictures. At night, the fixtures are a practical touch that is still undeniably a part of the table decor.
Rotate the frames as you like to freshen up the display.
One of the joys and conveniences of a tabletop frame display and table decor is how easily you can switch around and rearrange the frames as you like to keep the look fresh. Even rotating a couple of the frames can make the display more engaging, which is important since it may be easy to overlook due to its size and limited space.
Final thoughts
The power of a well-arranged tabletop picture frame display is beyond simple decoration. It enables you as the homeowner to be even more thorough in personalizing your home decor, while reflecting your personality and style. Each display tells its own story to guests, sparking interest and keeping conversations going.
We already have a few table tops in mind for decorating at home—what about you? We’d love to see photos of your masterpieces, so don’t be shy to share them with us on our socials! You can email us at support@picturehangsolutions.com as well.
Happy hanging!
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