Give new life to old photos, old frames, and that boring wall with some paint and an eye for the right picture arrangement. Here's how to do it with style but without big framing costs.

Thoughtful framing and placement help avoid chaos when you assemble an array of antique photos. Search flea markets, antiques stores, and discount stores for inexpensive frames in various shapes, styles, and sizes. Simple white paint unifies the different looks. Be sure to get some rounded frames to help soften all the right angles. And, since you save on the frames, consider splurging on professionally cut-to-fit white mats.

You will need:
- Picture frames
- White acrylic crafts paint
- Paintbrush
- Old family photos
- Scissors, paper, and tape
- Mats and mat cutter (optional)
- Picture hangers

Here's how:

1. Paint and assemble
For a consistent look, paint all the frames with white acrylic paint; let dry. Insert mats and photos inside frames.

2. Start arranging
Always practice your arrangement by laying the pictures on the floor first. Mark boundaries, such as 1 m high by the width of your sofa. Place the weightiest piece low and to the left, working up and to the right from there.

3. Maintain order
To create order and balance in your arrangement, align the bottom edges of some frames with the top edges of others, align some left-hand edges, and centre some frames over others.

4. Practice with paper
When you like what you see on the floor, trace and cut paper the size of each frame. Replicate and refine the arrangement by taping all the papers to the wall. This way, you can be sure of your arrangement before you begin nailing.

5. Hang
Secure the pictures to the wall using whatever hardware is appropriate for your wall type.