They're Easy For Anyone To Collect: The Budget-Friendly Way To Spruce Up Collage Walls

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Everyone should have a go-to souvenir that they like to collect. These items should be inexpensive enough for you or a friend to grab without a second thought, fairly small so they're easy to transport, and readily available in most destinations. Postcards fit the bill beautifully, but if you're struggling to find a method to display them beyond crowding your refrigerator, consider using them as a way to modernize an outdated gallery wall.

Basic walls full of framed, generic prints are starting to fade in popularity, but displays comprised of sentimental, unexpected objects are seeing a rise. So-called collage walls embrace items that are different shapes, textures, and materials in an effort to break things up and create a more personal look. Postcards are a great add-in, whether they're souvenirs from your own travels, gifts from friends, or even tiny pieces of art sold by your favorite makers. An added bonus? They're cheap — even the most luxe postcards will run you less than $5, so if you're planning to buy new postcards for this project, it certainly won't break the bank.

Whether you frame them solo, create a collage within a larger display, or pin them up with tacks, postcards can add an immediate dose of style and personality to your space, especially when mounted alongside other meaningful items. It's an artistic way to repurpose your mementos, and once you're done hanging, your wall will act as a constant reminder of your favorite memories and people.

Because postcards are thin and come in standard sizes, you shouldn't have a hard time finding a frame that will fit them. Most postcards are either 4 by 6 inches or 4 ¼ by 6 inches, so picking up something like this two-pack of LaVie Home 4 by 6 Picture Frames will give you a more sleek, polished look on a budget. You can also get luxe frames for cheaper at the thrift store — a great strategy if you're looking for something a bit more ornate than plain black or brown options.

To create a display that can act as a centerpiece for your collage wall, consider putting multiple postcards in the same large frame. A pre-cut mat is the easiest way to accomplish this, but you can also attach your postcards to a piece of backing material and place this display behind the glass. Try to choose postcards that contain similar colors or ones that are central to a specific theme. This design will create a more cohesive look visually, but it will also give you the opportunity to tell a story with your picks.

Is there one specific trip or experience you want to hone in on with your display? Now's the time to get crafty. Take some inspiration from junk journalers and save miscellaneous items from your travels — think ticket stubs, receipts, labels, maps, admission stickers, and boarding passes. Once you're home, collage them together, using your postcard to complete the collection. After it's beautifully framed, you'll be left with a sentimental piece of art full of highlights from your journey, perfect to bring a truly personal touch to your collage wall.