Fine portraits have been used as focal points in home décor for ages. In the early days of the history of civilization portraits as home décor was reserved primarily for aristocracy. Unless there was a portrait artist in the family most households just couldn't afford to commission oil paintings of family members.

Those who could afford to have their portraits made did so with relish. They had them made to life-size or larger, and hung them with great pride and aplomb. Of course, their homes were more like castles, or were castles!

In modern times the photographic portrait has taken center stage. Photographic portraits are generally less costly than oils, and are every bit as beautiful, if not more so than an oil painting. A fine photographic portrait is deserving of place of pride in every home!

There are a number of considerations to take into account when decorating with portraits. A primary consideration is the location where the portraits will be hung. You'll want to consider what the color scheme is in the room. It's best to think about this before having your portraits made so the clothing and overall color schemes of the portraits are complimentary to the colors in the room.

Next you want to take into account the size of the wall, and the furniture. You want the portraits to be an adequate size for the space. You don't want your portraits to look like a postage stamp on the wall, nor do you want them to be overpowering.

The framing plays into both the color scheme and the overall finished size of your portraits, so this is a very important aspect as well. In my humble opinion, portraits should not be matted, but rather, they should fill the frame, the same as any other fine work of art.

There are any number of options for displaying family portrait art. You can create a wall montage of portraits, you can mix portraits with other art, and you can display a single portrait alone on the wall. Whatever your preference, decorating your home with fine portraits of your family brings warmth and fond memories into prominence into the home. Fine portraits are truly family art treasures.

Stan P. Cox II is a professional portrait photographer with over 30 years specializing in fine portraits of Families, Children and High School Seniors. His work may be seen at Watanabe Floral, Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, and at www.ParamountPhotography.com.

About the author: Stan P. Cox II runs a Portrait and Commercial photography studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been a professional Hawaii photographer for 31 years. His web address is: http://www.ParamountPhotography.com. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.