Introduction:
DIY picture frames are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your home decor while keeping your budget in check.
Whether you’re going for a rustic, minimalist, or eclectic vibe, creating custom frames can enhance the display of your favorite photos, artwork, or prints.
DIY picture frames allow you to unleash your creativity and craft something that truly reflects your style.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 unique DIY picture frames for every style and budget. From repurposed materials to creative techniques, these ideas are simple to make and can be tailored to fit your decor preferences.
Let’s get started on framing your memories in style!
12 Unique DIY Picture Frames for Every Style and Budget.
1. Rustic Pallet Wood Frame.
A pallet wood frame offers a rustic charm that’s both stylish and sustainable. This frame is perfect for those who love the farmhouse aesthetic and want to add warmth to their home.
Materials Needed:
- Pallet wood (or any reclaimed wood)
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue or nails
- Picture hanging hardware
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Wood: Sand down the pallet wood to smooth any rough edges.
- Assemble the Frame: Cut the wood into four pieces (two long, two short) and glue or nail them together to form a frame.
- Finish with Stain or Paint: Leave the wood natural for a rustic look, or add a coat of wood stain or paint to match your decor.
- Add Hardware: Attach picture hanging hardware to the back, and you’re ready to display your photo.
Expert Tip: DIY Enthusiast Josh Abramson suggests using a dark walnut stain to enhance the natural grain of the wood, giving it a vintage feel.
2. Washi Tape Frame for a Pop of Colour.
For a quick and budget-friendly frame that requires no woodworking, a Washi tape frame is the perfect solution. Washi tape comes in various patterns and colors, allowing you to switch up your design whenever you like.
Materials Needed:
- Plain picture frame (or old frame)
- Washi tape (your choice of colors and patterns)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Frame: Take an old frame or a plain one and clean it thoroughly.
- Apply Washi Tape: Wrap the frame with Washi tape in any pattern you like—diagonal stripes, vertical lines, or random patches.
- Trim Excess: Once the tape is in place, use scissors to trim any excess at the edges.
Expert Tip: According to Interior Designer Maria Keller, “Washi tape is a fun way to add a temporary splash of color to frames. You can easily change it out seasonally or with different room themes.”
3. Twine and Clothespin Frame for a Boho Look.
If you’re into the boho or eclectic aesthetic, a twine and clothespin frame is a beautiful way to display multiple photos at once.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden frame (without glass)
- Twine or jute string
- Mini clothespins
- Glue gun or staple gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Remove the Glass: If using a store-bought frame, remove the glass and backing to leave just the frame.
- Attach the Twine: Secure twine horizontally across the frame using a glue gun or staples. Space the strings evenly.
- Clip the Photos: Use mini clothespins to clip your photos or small artwork onto the twine.
Expert Tip: Craft Blogger Lydia Peterson recommends using vintage-style photos or Polaroids for a true bohemian vibe.
4. Seashell Frame for Coastal Charm.
If you love the beach, a seashell frame is a beautiful way to incorporate coastal elements into your home. This DIY picture frame is perfect for vacation photos or beach house decor.
Materials Needed:
- Plain wooden frame
- Seashells (collected or store-bought)
- Hot glue gun
- Sandpaper
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sand the Frame: Lightly sand the wooden frame to prepare it for gluing.
- Arrange the Shells: Before gluing, arrange the seashells on the frame to get your desired look.
- Glue the Shells: Use a hot glue gun to attach the seashells to the frame, filling in gaps with smaller shells or pebbles.
Expert Tip: Interior Stylist Jane Lawson suggests adding tiny bits of sea glass for extra texture and color variation.
5. Driftwood Frame for a Natural, Organic Feel.
A driftwood frame offers a more rugged, natural look. It’s ideal for coastal or nature-themed decor and can be made with found materials for a completely free project.
Materials Needed:
- Driftwood pieces
- Cardboard or an old frame base
- Hot glue gun
- Twine (optional for added detail)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Base: Cut a piece of cardboard or use an old frame as the base.
- Attach Driftwood: Glue the driftwood pieces around the edges of the base, overlapping them for a natural look.
- Finish with Twine: Wrap twine around the corners or edges of the frame for extra detail, if desired.
Expert Tip: According to Nature Crafter Erin Matthews, “Don’t worry about making the driftwood pieces uniform; the more organic and varied the pieces, the better the frame looks.”
6. Button Frame for a Fun and Quirky Touch.
For a whimsical and playful frame, try a button-covered picture frame. This craft is especially great for kids’ rooms or as a gift.
Materials Needed:
- Plain picture frame
- Assorted buttons
- Hot glue gun
- Paint (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Paint the Frame: If you want a background color, paint the frame first and let it dry.
- Glue the Buttons: Arrange buttons in various sizes and colors across the frame, then glue them down. Try to cover the entire surface for a full effect.
- Let It Dry: Allow the frame to dry completely before using it.
Expert Tip: Craft Expert Allison Reed recommends using buttons in similar tones to create a more cohesive look, or mixing and matching for a fun, eclectic style.
7. Embroidery Hoop Frame for a Vintage Vibe.
An embroidery hoop frame is an innovative way to showcase pictures or fabric-based art. It’s minimalist yet adds a soft, vintage feel to any room.
Materials Needed:
- Embroidery hoop
- Fabric (plain or patterned)
- Glue gun or fabric glue
- Needle and thread (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Stretch the Fabric: Place your chosen fabric inside the embroidery hoop, pulling it tight.
- Attach the Photo: Use fabric glue to attach your photo or artwork to the fabric, or sew it on for a more rustic look.
- Trim the Edges: Cut away any excess fabric around the hoop.
Expert Tip: Sewing Expert Carla Hayes suggests using vintage linens or lace to create a soft, nostalgic backdrop for your photos.
8. Floating Glass Frame for Minimalist Elegance.
A floating glass frame allows your photo to “float” between two pieces of glass or acrylic, creating a sleek and modern look.
Materials Needed:
- Two pieces of glass or acrylic (same size)
- Picture hanging hardware
- Glue or frame clips
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Glass: Clean both pieces of glass thoroughly.
- Position the Photo: Place your photo between the two glass pieces, centering it as desired.
- Secure the Frame: Use frame clips or glue to hold the two pieces of glass together, leaving enough space for the photo to “float” inside.
Expert Tip: Minimalist Decor Expert Jason Blake recommends using black-and-white photos for a sleek, modern aesthetic in a floating glass frame.
9. Cork Board Frame for Practical Decor.
Combine form and function with a cork board frame that lets you easily swap out pictures, notes, or small mementos.
Materials Needed:
- Cork board
- Old frame (or build your own)
- Pushpins or decorative thumbtacks
- Paint (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Paint the Frame: If desired, paint the frame to match your decor.
- Insert Cork Board: Cut the cork board to fit inside the frame, and secure it with glue or small nails.
- Pin Your Photos: Use pushpins or thumbtacks to attach your photos, notes, or postcards to the cork board.
Expert Tip: Home Office Decor Specialist Sarah Wright suggests adding small hooks to the bottom of the frame to hang keys or other small items for an even more functional display.
10. Scrap Wood Frame for a Rustic, Eco-Friendly Option.
Using leftover or scrap wood, you can create a rustic frame that has tons of character. This project is not only eco-friendly but also budget-conscious.
Materials Needed:
- Scrap wood pieces
- Wood glue or nails
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Wood: Sand the edges of the scrap wood pieces to smooth any rough areas.
- Assemble the Frame: Glue or nail the wood pieces together to form a frame.
- Finish the Frame: Leave the wood natural for a rustic look, or apply paint or stain for a polished finish.
Expert Tip: Woodworking Expert Jack Harris suggests embracing imperfections in the wood, as they add character and uniqueness to the frame.
11. Paper Roll Frame for an Upcycled Twist.
For an eco-friendly and quirky approach, use upcycled paper rolls to create a unique frame that’s as creative as it is budget-friendly.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard paper rolls (from toilet paper or paper towels)
- Glue gun
- Scissors
- Spray paint (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut the Rolls: Cut the paper rolls into smaller sections to create a petal or circular shape.
- Arrange the Pieces: Glue the sections together in a pattern around the frame, creating a flower-like or geometric design.
- Paint the Frame: Spray paint the frame for a uniform look, or leave it as-is for a more organic feel.
Expert Tip: Sustainability Advocate Rachel Green says, “This frame is a great example of upcycling—it’s easy, affordable, and makes use of materials that would otherwise go to waste.”
12. Magazine Collage Frame for an Artistic Touch.
For a fun, artistic approach, create a magazine collage frame that uses cutouts from old magazines to craft a unique, colorful border.
Materials Needed:
- Old magazines
- Plain picture frame
- Mod Podge or glue
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut Out Pieces: Cut out small shapes or pictures from magazines.
- Arrange and Glue: Arrange the cutouts on your frame, gluing them in place with Mod Podge or regular glue.
- Seal with Mod Podge: Once the collage is complete, brush over it with Mod Podge to seal and protect the cutouts.
Expert Tip: Art Teacher Linda Rose suggests picking a theme—like colors or a specific type of imagery—to create a more cohesive collage design.
Conclusion
With these 12 unique DIY picture frames, you can find a project that matches your style and budget while adding a personal, handcrafted touch to your home decor. From rustic wood to modern minimalist designs, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your materials and get creative—your photos deserve to be displayed in style!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What materials can I use for DIY picture frames?
You can use a wide range of materials such as wood, cardboard, Washi tape, twine, cork board, or even upcycled items like driftwood and buttons.
2. How can I make my DIY picture frames look more professional?
Sand the edges smoothly, use quality glue, and ensure your materials are cut accurately. Adding a coat of paint or stain can also give it a polished look.
3. What’s the easiest DIY picture frame to make?
A Washi tape frame or a twine and clothespin frame are both easy, quick, and require minimal tools.
4. How do I make a frame without using glass?
You can create fabric or string-based frames, or use cork board or cardboard as a backing to hold your pictures in place.
5. Can I make DIY picture frames as gifts?
Absolutely! Personalizing DIY picture frames with a theme or favorite colors makes them thoughtful and unique gifts.
