6 Creative Ways to Transform Old Picture Frames
There are so many thrifty ways to make design improvements that don’t require much hassle or cost. Picture frames are often an afterthought compared to repainting the room or reupholstering the couch, but they can do some heavy lifting when freshening up a space. Adding color or dimension with different wood stains can work wonders for your family tree picture gallery. You can create a unique focal point in a room by surrounding a sentimental memory or simple art print with a bold frame. The design possibilities are endless, and so are the ways to elevate old picture frames.
Whether your picture frames have been hanging on the wall for years or you just picked some up from the thrift store, these picture frame refurbishing ideas will spark inspiration for how to give them a whole new look.
‘Gild’ Them With Metallic Spray Paint
Lennart Weibull
An easy way to give your old picture frames a new look is to spray-paint them. Spray paint offers an efficient and budget-friendly way to change the color of any frame. For a beautiful vintage look, spray-paint your frame metallic gold. This will create a focal point on your wall while keeping the color of the frame neutral.
When using spray paint, it’s best to work outdoors due to the strong fumes. Before spray painting, lightly sand the frame to help the paint adhere properly. After applying a few light coats and letting the paint dry, you can add a clear coat to seal it and provide a glossy finish—or keep them matte for an antique look.
Add a Varnish
For wooden frames, adding a varnish can make them look brand new while sealing and enhancing the wood’s appearance. The varnish protects the frame from moisture and regular wear and tear, with the option to give it a glossy or semi-glossy finish. Simply varnishing old frames can transform their look while preserving their original design.
Stain a Wooden Frame
matthew williams
For a rustic and natural design aesthetic, stain your wooden picture frames. You can choose from many timeless wood stains, making it an ideal option for a more sustainable look instead of bold colors.
Only a few prep steps are needed before staining a wooden picture frame. Sanding and cleaning the frame is essential before applying the stain. To achieve a natural finish, work the stain deeply into the wood. The deeper the color you prefer, the more stain you should apply.
Glue Patterned Fabric to the Frame
Gluing fabric onto your frame is a great way to transform the look of your space with bold patterns. You can use scrap fabric or purchase a new roll to define your space. To attach the fabric to the picture frames, we recommend using frames that are flat with minimal detailing. Cut the fabric pieces to match the exact measurements of the frame, then glue them onto the frame with Mod Podge to ensure it dries clear. With fabric frames, you can create a fully customized wall display that complements the aesthetic of your upholstered furniture.
Paint Them a New Color
Add accent colors to your space with painted picture frames. Different colored frames lend an eclectic design aesthetic and are easy to achieve. Meanwhile, painting a disparate collection all the same color can create a cohesive look.
The only prep work involved in painting picture frames is sanding and priming. This ensures that the paint adheres properly and that the previous color doesn’t affect the pigment of the new color. Painting picture frames makes for a fun DIY craft to do with friends, family, or your kids.
Embellish Them With Bows or Gems
If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty while elevating your picture frames, this idea is for you. Add a personal touch by embellishing your frames. This can be as simple as tying bows around the top of the frame or gluing gems and glitter to bedazzle them. You can get creative with what you add to the existing frame to spice it up without the mess of painting or staining the frame.
