Family photos are some of our most prized possessions, yet we often frame them haphazardly and place them on our walls in ways that don't do the photos, or the room, justice. A unifying element--be it the frame color, the mat color, or the orientation--can make all the difference. Here are some strategies for hanging photos in ways that will augment your decor. Experiment with your groupings on the floor before placing them on the wall.

USE ONE KIND OF FRAME FOR VARYING PHOTOS AND MATS

Create consistency by putting images of different sizes in matching frames. The color of the mats can be the same or different, but if you vary the colors, keep them in the same range--shades of gray, for example--so the elements do not become disparate.

UNIFY WITH FRAME RAILS

Group eclectic frames and photos by using frame rails, available at home stores or through catalogs. Try to mix small and large images on each rail to create visual balance. …