How to Print Large Scale Photos for Cheap

You know that feeling when a room just needs a little something extra? That perfect piece of art that ties everything together? I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a big expense. One of my favorite design secrets is to use meaningful, high-quality personal photos as large-scale wall art. It’s an amazing way to fill a big blank wall, add a personal touch, and make a huge impact on a budget.

I’ve gotten so many questions about how I do this, so I wanted to share my go-to method for transforming a simple photo into a beautiful, oversized statement piece.

The Secret: Printing on Vinyl or Fabric

The key to creating large, beautiful wall art without a hefty price tag is to skip traditional fine art printers and use custom banner print shops instead. These companies specialize in printing on durable materials like vinyl or fabric, which can be surprisingly high-quality and, most importantly, very affordable. The large-scale printers they use are perfect for making your favorite photos shine.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Choose Your Photo: Select a high-resolution photo. Since you’ll be blowing it up to a large size, you want to make sure it’s a crisp, clear image.
2. Find a Printer: Look for an online custom banner printer. Many of them offer a variety of materials and sizes. I used this one.
3. Choose Your Size: Decide on the size and shape you want. Measure your space, then look for a pre-made size that fits, or select a custom size. Just be sure to note the width of your finished photo, as you’ll need this for the next step!
4. Customize Your Print: During the ordering process, be sure to skip all accessories. You want a plain, rectangular print without any grommets, holes, or wind flaps. This will ensure your photo can be neatly framed later.
5. Upload & Order: Upload your high-resolution photo, double-check the dimensions, and place your order!

The Frame: Simple Wooden Hangers

Once your photo print is on its way, you’ll need a simple and stylish way to hang it. Wooden photo hangers are the perfect solution for this project. They’re a modern, clean, and affordable alternative to traditional frames.

These hangers typically come in two pieces for the top and two for the bottom. They have magnets embedded in the wood that effortlessly sandwich your photo print, holding it securely in place. You can find these online from a variety of retailers in different wood tones and widths. Just make sure to order a hanger that is the same width as your photo!

Assembly & Hanging Made Easy

Once your print and hangers arrive, you’re ready to assemble your new masterpiece!

1. Prep Your Print: Your photo will likely arrive rolled up. To help it flatten out, simply roll it in the opposite direction and let it sit for a few hours.
2. Hang the Hanger: Place one of the wooden hangers with the hanging string behind the top of your photo. The corresponding piece goes on the front, and the magnets will snap them together. Repeat this on the bottom to weigh it down and keep it straight.
3. Level It Up: If you’re hanging a series of photos and find that the strings on the hangers are different lengths, don’t worry! You can easily adjust them by wrapping the string a few extra times around the nail or hook until all your pictures are perfectly level.

That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a beautiful, large-scale piece of custom art that is personal, impactful, and a wonderful reflection of your family.

For more budget friendly wall art ideas, click here.

What space in your home could use a stunning, personal centerpiece like this? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!