How do you display kids’ art? You can display kids’ art using frames, clipboards, string and clothespins, bulletin boards, or even by creating a dedicated gallery wall. The best ways to showcase kids’ art involve making them visible and celebrated in your home.
The vibrant scribbles, colorful paintings, and imaginative drawings that emerge from your children are more than just paper and crayon – they are tangible pieces of their growth, creativity, and evolving personalities. These masterpieces deserve to be seen, admired, and cherished. But how do you go about it without your home looking like a chaotic art store? Fear not, parents! This guide is packed with creative and easy ideas for displaying kids’ art, transforming your living space into a celebration of your little artist’s talent. We’ll cover everything from simple hanging techniques to building a stunning gallery wall.
Why Showing Off Kids’ Art Matters
Before diving into the “how,” let’s touch on the “why.” Displaying children’s artwork is incredibly important for several reasons:
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: When kids see their work proudly displayed, they feel valued and recognized. This positive reinforcement encourages them to keep creating and expressing themselves.
- Fosters Creativity: Seeing their art showcased in a prominent place can spark further creative endeavors. It shows them that their imagination has a physical presence and is appreciated.
- Creates Cherished Memories: These displays become visual records of your child’s journey. Years from now, you’ll look back at these pieces and remember the specific time and effort your child poured into them.
- Decorates Your Home: Let’s be honest, kids’ art is often bursting with color and personality, adding a unique and heartfelt touch to your home decor that store-bought art can never replicate.
- Encourages a Love for Art: By valuing their artistic output, you’re helping to nurture a lifelong appreciation for art and creativity.
Simple and Speedy Kids Art Display Ideas
Sometimes, the simplest methods are the most effective. These ideas are quick, easy, and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy households.
The Classic String and Clothespin Method
This is a timeless and super easy way to hang children’s drawings. It’s flexible, allowing you to swap out pieces regularly.
What You’ll Need:
- String, twine, or ribbon
- Small clothespins (craft or mini sizes work best)
- Command hooks or nails
How to Do It:
- Attach Hooks: Screw or hammer small hooks into the wall where you want to create your display. Alternatively, use strong adhesive hooks like Command hooks for damage-free hanging.
- Thread the String: Tie one end of the string to a hook, pull it taut to the next hook, and tie it off. Repeat to create multiple lines for hanging. You can create horizontal or even diagonal lines.
- Clip the Art: Use the clothespins to attach your kids’ artwork to the string.
Tips for this method:
- Use colored twine to add an extra pop of color.
- Paint the clothespins to match your decor.
- Mix in small photos or other mementos for a more eclectic look.
The Clipboard Gallery
Clipboards offer a sturdy and stylish way to display art, especially smaller pieces or those on cardstock.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden or plastic clipboards (various sizes can be fun)
- Screws and wall anchors, or strong adhesive strips
How to Do It:
- Prepare Clipboards: Decide if you want to hang them as is or give them a fresh coat of paint.
- Mount Clipboards: Securely attach the clipboards to the wall. You can screw them directly into wall studs or use wall anchors for a secure hold. Alternatively, use heavy-duty adhesive strips. Arrange them in a grid pattern or a more scattered, whimsical layout.
- Insert Artwork: Simply slide your child’s latest masterpiece into the clipboard.
Creative Touches:
- Use chalk markers to write your child’s name and the title of the artwork on the clipboard itself.
- Mix and match clipboard styles and colors for visual interest.
Magnetic Magic: The Fridge Door or Magnetic Board
The refrigerator door is often the first place art ends up. While functional, a dedicated magnetic board can elevate this display.
What You’ll Need:
- Magnetic paint
- Magnetic primer (optional, for stronger magnetic pull)
- A smooth wall surface or a large piece of metal sheeting
- Magnets
How to Do It (Magnetic Board):
- Prepare the Surface: If painting a wall, clean it thoroughly. For a metal sheet, ensure it’s clean and smooth.
- Apply Magnetic Paint: Apply several coats of magnetic paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You might want to add a primer coat first.
- Paint Over: Once the magnetic paint is dry, you can paint over it with your desired wall color to make the magnetic element discreet.
- Display Art: Use fun magnets to attach your children’s artwork.
Alternative: Use a large metal baking sheet or a custom-cut metal panel. You can mount these on the wall and use magnets.
The Frame Rotation System
Instead of permanent displays, create a system where you can easily swap out framed pieces. This is a sophisticated way of framing kids’ artwork.
What You’ll Need:
- Picture frames (consider affordable options like Ribba frames from IKEA or dollar store finds)
- Command picture hanging strips or wall hooks
How to Do It:
- Select Frames: Choose frames that complement your home decor. You can paint them to match or use a variety of finishes.
- Frame the Art: Carefully place your child’s artwork into the frames. Consider using a mat for a more polished look, especially for smaller pieces.
- Hang the Frames: Use Command strips or hooks to hang the framed artwork.
- Rotate Regularly: Make a point to swap out the artwork every few weeks or months. This keeps the display fresh and gives your child new pieces to be proud of.
Building a Dedicated Kids Art Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a fantastic way to showcase a collection of your child’s work, creating a focal point in a room. This method requires a bit more planning but yields a stunning result.
Planning Your Gallery Wall
Before you start drilling holes, take time to plan.
h4: Curating the Collection
* Choose a Theme: You could focus on a specific medium (paintings, drawings), a time period (all of last year’s art), or a color palette.
* Select Your Best Pieces: It’s okay to be selective! Pick pieces that are vibrant, show progression, or have special meaning.
* Consider Variety: Mix different sizes, shapes, and even mediums.
h4: Layout and Arrangement
* Floor Mock-up: Lay your chosen frames and artwork on the floor to experiment with different layouts before committing to the wall.
* Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide if you prefer a perfectly balanced arrangement or a more free-form, eclectic look.
* Spacing: Aim for consistent spacing between frames (usually 2-4 inches) for a cohesive appearance.
Creative Gallery Wall Techniques
h5: The Grid Layout
* Description: This involves hanging frames in perfectly aligned rows and columns. It offers a clean, modern, and organized look.
* Execution: Use a level and measuring tape to ensure everything is perfectly straight. This is a great way to showcase children’s drawings in a uniform way.
h5: The Eclectic Mix
* Description: This approach embraces variety. Mix frame sizes, styles, and orientations (horizontal and vertical).
* Execution: This can be more forgiving and often feels more organic. Start with a central piece and build outwards.
h5: Incorporating Different Display Methods
* Description: Don’t limit yourself to just frames! Integrate clipboards, mounted pieces, or even a special shelf for 3D art into your gallery wall.
* Execution: This adds texture and dimension to your display. For example, you could have a row of framed paintings, interspersed with a clipboard showcasing a recent drawing. Mounting children’s paintings on foam board can give them a more substantial look for a gallery setting.
h4: How to Mount Children’s Paintings for a Gallery Wall
For paintings, especially those on thicker paper or canvas, mounting can provide a cleaner finish.
- Foam Board Mounting: Cut foam board to size and adhere the artwork using spray adhesive or double-sided tape. This creates a rigid backing.
- Matting: Use picture framing mats to give smaller pieces a more professional look and to fit them into standard frame sizes.
- Direct Framing: Some frames can accommodate thicker artwork directly.
Beyond the Wall: Unique Kids Art Display Ideas
Why limit yourself to just hanging? There are many other creative ways to show kids art.
The Art Book or Portfolio
What You’ll Need:
- A nice binder or a dedicated art portfolio
- Sheet protectors or cardstock
How to Do It:
- Select Art: Choose your favorite pieces.
- Organize: Place artwork into sheet protectors. You can arrange them chronologically or by theme.
- Add Details: Consider writing the date, age, and a brief description of the artwork on a separate card or in a dedicated section of the book. This is a wonderful way of organizing children’s artwork that preserves it and makes it easy to browse.
The Art Cart or Rolling Display
What You’ll Need:
- A metal utility cart (often found at craft or home organization stores)
- Clipboards, magnetic clips, or binder clips
How to Do It:
- Assemble Cart: Put your cart together.
- Attach Displays: Use clips to attach artwork to the sides of the cart. You can also clip artwork onto the shelves themselves.
- Roll it Out: This mobile display is perfect for playrooms or even moving from room to room.
3D Art Displays
Don’t forget those wonderful sculptures, clay creations, and mixed-media projects!
- Shelving: Dedicated shelves are perfect for showcasing 3D creations.
- Display Cases: Small, clear display cases or shadow boxes can protect delicate creations while still making them visible.
- Tree Branch Display: A sturdy, dried tree branch mounted on the wall can serve as a unique hanging spot for small sculptures or painted rocks.
Digital Displays
In our digital age, you can even go digital!
- Digital Photo Frame: Load a digital photo frame with pictures of your child’s artwork.
- Dedicated Social Media Account: Create a private Instagram or Facebook account solely for your child’s art. This is a great way for grandparents and faraway relatives to see their creations.
Displaying Preschool Art: Special Considerations
Preschool art is often full of raw energy, bold colors, and uninhibited creativity. Displaying preschool art requires a slightly different approach to capture that spirit.
- Embrace Imperfection: Don’t worry about perfect alignment. A more whimsical, slightly messy display can be charming.
- Kid-Friendly Heights: Hang artwork at your child’s eye level so they can easily see and point to their work.
- Focus on Process: For very young children, the process of creation is as important as the final product. You might display a few pieces that show different stages of a project.
- Interactive Displays: Consider a large chalkboard or a wall covered in paper where they can draw directly.
Tips for Organizing and Preserving Kids Artwork
As your child creates more and more art, you’ll need strategies for managing the influx.
The Art Archive System
- Designated Bin: Have a large bin or box where you initially place all new artwork.
- The “Select, Sort, Store” Method: Regularly (e.g., once a month), go through the bin.
- Select: Choose a few pieces to display or keep long-term.
- Sort: Categorize keepers (e.g., by child, by year).
- Store: File them in a dedicated portfolio, flat file, or archival box.
- Photographing: If you don’t have space for everything, take good quality photos of the artwork. You can then create a digital archive or even a photo book. This is a crucial part of organizing children’s artwork effectively.
What to Keep and What to Let Go
It’s impossible to keep everything. Here are some guidelines:
- Sentimental Value: Keep pieces that have a strong emotional connection or represent a significant milestone.
- Artistic Development: Keep examples that show a clear progression in skill or style.
- Unique Concepts: Hold onto pieces with particularly creative ideas or original concepts.
- Donation: Consider donating art to nursing homes, hospitals, or schools that can use it for decoration.
The Art of Framing Kids Artwork
Framing kids artwork can elevate it from a casual craft to a displayed piece of art.
Choosing the Right Frames
- Budget-Friendly Options: Dollar stores, craft stores, and IKEA offer affordable frames. You can also find good deals at thrift stores.
- Matting: A mat can make a small drawing look more substantial and protect the artwork from touching the glass.
- Open Frames: Some modern frames don’t have glass, which can be great for textured or thick artwork.
- Shadow Boxes: Ideal for 3D art or mixed-media pieces that have depth.
DIY Framing Ideas
- Paint and Decorate: Buy plain frames and paint them to match your decor. You can even let your child help decorate the frames.
- Washi Tape Frames: Apply colorful washi tape to plain frames for a quick, decorative update.
- Cardboard Frames: Cut thick cardboard into a frame shape and let your child paint or collage it.
Best Ways to Showcase Kids Art: A Summary
The best ways to showcase kids art are those that are meaningful to your child and integrate well into your home.
- Make it Accessible: Display art at your child’s height.
- Rotate Displays: Keep things fresh and give more children a chance to shine.
- Celebrate Progress: Show how their skills develop over time.
- Involve Your Child: Let them choose which pieces to display and where.
- Create a Dedicated Space: Whether it’s a gallery wall or a special shelf, a designated art area shows its importance.
Creative Ways to Show Kids Art: Final Thoughts
Displaying children’s artwork is a beautiful way to acknowledge their creativity and build their confidence. Whether you opt for a simple string of clothespins or a meticulously planned gallery wall, the most important element is the love and pride you show for their creations. So, gather those masterpieces, get creative, and let your home shine with the vibrant spirit of your little artists! Mounting children’s paintings or hanging children’s drawings should be a joyful process. Remember, organizing children’s artwork is key to managing the volume, but the joy of seeing their talent displayed is truly priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I change the displayed artwork?
A1: It depends on your preference and the volume of art! For very young children, changing it weekly can keep them excited. For older kids, monthly or quarterly might be more practical.
Q2: What if I have too much art to display?
A2: That’s a common problem! Use the “select, sort, store” method. Take photos of some pieces, create a digital archive, or have a designated storage bin for “later review.” Rotate which pieces are displayed.
Q3: Should I frame all of my child’s art?
A3: No, not necessarily. Framing kids artwork can be done for special pieces you want to preserve and showcase prominently. For everyday art, simpler methods like clipboards or string displays are perfect.
Q4: How do I protect artwork from fading or damage?
A4: Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors. When framing, use UV-protective glass if possible. Store unframed art flat in an acid-free box or portfolio to prevent creasing and yellowing.
Q5: Can I combine different types of art on one display?
A5: Absolutely! Mixing drawings, paintings, 3D creations, and even photographs of art on a gallery wall or display creates a more dynamic and personal exhibit.