Overall, this place is anti photos in main areas of the house and think they should be in bedrooms. I disagree but usually prefer photos framed on end tables. I like galleries in hallways because, depending on how it‘s done, I think you can get away with using smaller photos since the space isn’t as wide and you’re standing closer.

Have you looked at any gallery layouts online? I’d start by doing that. I think asymmetrical ones can be tricky. Wherever photos are at I think it looks best when frames (usually marching) as well and the photos themselves create a nice flow. Nice to mix candid with professional and sprinkle pets in, etc. Then get some posterboard and painters tape and cut out and arrange different set ups on the walls. Take a photo and also look at the picture. It can help to ‘see’ something better. Many times things are too small or too cluttered etc. when I do that.

For because the I can guarantee 8x10 will be too small. Think large. You could try an 8x10 matter to a 11x14 but I still think that’s going to look small. Possibly stacking two frames on each side (portrait/vertical position) would help but I’m thinking it will be better to head into the 16x20 (14x16 matted to 16x20) size. Definitely cut some out and do mock ups for visuals. Don’t be afraid to leave it up a few days or weeks to get a feel if you like it.

Gallery walls are tricky and most people get them wrong. Some places offer gallery packages that provide all the frames and give you possible layouts. The trick is to get an arrangement that is balanced and has movement without being boringly symmetrical.

Also don't use those horrible collage frames. Snapshots do not belong on the wall. And make sure your family photos are worth looking at. Candid shots and vintage photos are best.

Your fireplace wall is a whole other problem. Ideally, you should drywall over the niche, then I would actually put the TV on a console on one side or the other with a matching console on the other side holding a vignette and art over the mantle. Right now the wall looks bare and sad.

This is more interesting than your mirror and wall vases:

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@groveaxel - I was thinking of a gallery wall being with more than photo frames. Thinking of sayings, maybe some arrows/keys , etc.
I agree they are hard to manage and figure out. It just seems the wall has lots of utility stuff (air return, thermostat, monitor) and I’m wondering if a gallery wall will add to the “clutter” on the wall.
We do not have much room for tables in the living room, so not a lot of room to display family photos. We have a newborn so looking to display some professional pictures

As for the fireplace wall- we do plan on closing in the niche. I can’t get my husband on board with moving the tv to the side of the fireplace

I don't know what it is with husbands and TVs over mantels. Ergonomically, the center of the TV should be at seated eye level, somewhere between 38 - 40" from the floor.

I like orderly arrangements. If you streamline the number and size of the photos you want to display, you can make them as important as art in the room. The first idea, with photo ledges/shelves gives you flexibility. For your larger wall that currently has the mirror, I would do something like the other two arrangements. You could do just three large photos - couple, baby, and family or all three of the baby. .

Ikea has the ledges and frames at a good price.

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@tqtqtbw - would you think the shelving would look fine on both sides of the fireplace if we keep the TV as is?

@groveraxel I love that you’re able to re do my room like that !! I do like that, although I do feel it’s still a little “off” either the tv on one side.
How do you feel about closing the niche & keeping TV above the fireplace, and adding the floating shelves someone recommended?

i would leave the t.v. over the fireplace and flank it w/ledge shelves to display your photos and accessories. I like symmetry.
I like the second pic of gallery wall that groveraxle shared.
You can hide that thermostat by hanging an open backed framed saying or pic over it.
Experiment w/poster board cutouts in different sizes. That's what I did.
I have a large mirror (similar to yours) over sofa and I'm planning to hang 2 11×14's(one above the other) on each side of it.

The thermostat does need to be exposed to work properly....

Disguising wall thermostat

I think if I try to cover the thermostat the gallery wall would be TOO big. Here is a better picture of the wall. (Disregard the decor on the wall. We took down the mirror to get an idea of how it will look without it, and if it would make the room darker)

Yes,you do have alot going on. I can see how far over to the left your thermostat is located now

Paint your return air vent the same color as the wall.

I see a lot of homes on house tours and I have to say that black and white family photos look a billion times better than color photos. The color wall gets really busy--the black and white images calm everything down.