Framing is everything.
Maybe your child isn’t a professional artist, but the right frame can make a haphazard finger painting look like modern art. Shop around for frames that match the style of the room in which you’re trying to incorporate your child’s art. Even if the piece doesn’t exactly match the color scheme or atmosphere of the room, the frame can help it blend in just enough so that it doesn’t take away from the room’s design.
Location, location, location.
Maybe your child’s painting of a dog that looks more like a horse wouldn’t work so well in a classy living room or formal dining room, but what’s the harm in displaying the artwork in a more personal, private area of the home? You can hang your child’s art in your bedroom, your child’s bedroom, a playroom, or even your home office. It will make you smile without clashing with decor in any of the areas of the home where you might entertain guests.
A twist on scrapbooking.
If your child’s art is small enough, you can make a scrapbook out of their work that you keep in a communal area like a living room. You can find a scrapbook with a sleek cover that complements the rest of the room while storing all of your child’s work inside. This gives them the opportunity to show family members or friends multiple pieces of their work and shows your child that you’re proud of them and value their art.
Take advantage of our digital world.
If your child brings home a ton of artwork, you aren’t heartless if you realize you can’t keep it all without it taking over your entire home. If your child seems to crank out artwork by the dozens, we suggest saving the pieces they seem to value most or the ones with the most sentimental value (such as those Mother’s or Father’s Day cards that actually make you tear up a little). Take pictures of the rest of the art, and keep it in one folder on your home computer. You can even set a favorite as the background or screensaver. This is the perfect way for your child to show off their work without it becoming overwhelming for your home’s capacity.
Kids bring home artwork from school or camp all the time, so follow the tips above to make sure your child knows you value their art pieces without inadvertently letting their work overtake your home.
