Thrift stores always have a shelf of picture frames. Gold ones, black ones, chunky ones, frames still holding someone else’s art print. They cost a dollar or two each, yet most people walk right past them.
Old frames are one of the best things to upcycle because the hard part, the shape and the glass, is already done. A coat of paint and a new idea for what goes inside is often all it takes.
Here are seven easy ways to turn old frames into decor that looks intentional and fresh.
What You Need
- Old picture frames in any mix of sizes
- Glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth
- Fine sanding sponge (220 grit)
- Spray primer and spray paint, or acrylic paint and a small brush
- Painter’s tape
- Work gloves for handling glass
- Small pliers for pulling old staples or points
- Craft glue or spray adhesive
- Fabric, cardstock or pressed botanicals for filling the frames
- Picture hanging hardware and a level
Expect to spend under $25 on supplies for three or four frames, plus whatever the frames cost.
How to Prep a Thrifted Frame
- Take it apart. Put on gloves, flip the frame face down on a towel, and pull out the backing staples or points with small pliers. Remove the backing, any old art and the glass.
- Set the glass aside safely. Lean it against a wall inside a box, or lay it flat on a towel where no one will step or lean on it.
- Clean the frame. Wipe off dust and grime with a damp cloth and let it dry.
- Scuff sand. A quick pass with a 220 grit sponge helps paint grip on glossy frames.
- Prime and paint. Spray in light coats outside or in a ventilated space, holding the can about 10 inches away. Two thin coats are better than one heavy one.
- Clean the glass. Wash both sides with glass cleaner before reassembling.
Safety note: Old frame glass often has sharp edges. Wear gloves, never press on the center of the pane, and wrap broken glass in newspaper before throwing it away.
1. Paint a Matching Gallery Wall
Mismatched frames painted one color instantly look like a set. Warm white, matte black or soft gold all work. Keep the frame shapes and sizes varied for interest, and let the paint color tie everything together.
To plan the layout, trace each frame on kraft paper, cut out the shapes and tape them to the wall. Move them around until the spacing looks right, usually 2 to 3 inches between frames. Then hang the frames right over the paper and tear it away.
2. Pressed Flower Frame
A frame with clear glass on both sides, or a frame where you use the glass with no backing, shows off pressed flowers beautifully.
- Press flowers and leaves between sheets of paper inside a heavy book for about two weeks. Flat blooms like cosmos, pansies and ferns work best.
- Lay the clean glass flat and arrange the pressed pieces on it with tweezers.
- Add a tiny dot of clear craft glue under each stem if needed.
- Place the second pane or a plain white backing on top and close the frame.
This makes a lovely handmade gift, and it works year round with whatever is growing in season.
3. Turn a Frame Into a Serving Tray
A sturdy, flat frame with intact glass makes a pretty tray for coffee in bed or a bathroom counter.
- Paint the frame and let it cure for a full day.
- Slide a piece of fabric, patterned paper or a linen scrap behind the glass for color.
- Replace the backing with a thin piece of hardboard cut to size and glue it in for strength.
- Attach two small cabinet handles to the short ends with short screws.
- Add small felt pads to the bottom corners so it does not scratch surfaces.
Use it for light, dry items only. Wipe up spills right away, and avoid placing hot pans on the glass.
4. Make a Memo Board
Remove the glass completely and stretch linen or burlap over a piece of cork board cut to fit the frame. Staple the fabric to the back of the cork, set it in the frame and add the backing. Push pins and small notes look tidy inside a painted frame on a kitchen or office wall.
5. Build a Jewelry Organizer
Take out the glass and backing, then stretch a piece of metal mesh or hardware cloth across the back of the frame and staple it in place. Hang earrings through the mesh and add a row of small hooks along the bottom edge for necklaces and bracelets. Wear gloves when cutting mesh, since the cut ends are sharp.
6. Frame a Piece of Fabric
A beautiful scrap of fabric, a linen tea towel or a remnant of patterned cotton makes simple art. Wrap it smoothly around the backing board, tape it on the back, and put it in the frame with or without the glass. Large frames with textured linen look especially calm above a bed or sofa.
7. Swap the Glass for a Mirror
Many hardware and glass shops will cut a mirror to size for a frame you bring in. Ornate frames painted a soft color with a new mirror inside make an easy statement piece for an entry. Mirrors are heavy, so use hanging hardware rated for the weight and screw into a stud or use proper wall anchors.
Tips for Hanging Frames Safely
- Check the weight rating on every hook or anchor.
- Use two hooks for wide frames so they stay level.
- Stand on a sturdy step stool, not a chair, and have a second person help with large mirrors.
- Hang art so the center sits roughly at eye level, about 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
An old frame is a ready-made border for almost anything you love. Pick up a few next time you are at the thrift store, choose one color, and start with whichever project fits the empty wall you have now.
Do you have a stack of old frames waiting in a closet, and which of these upcycles would you try with them first? Tell us in the comments.
Quick Questions
What paint works best on old picture frames?
Spray paint over a spray primer gives the smoothest finish on carved or detailed frames. Acrylic craft paint with a small brush is fine for simple flat frames.
Can I paint a frame without taking the glass out?
You can tape off the glass with painter’s tape, but removing it gives cleaner edges and avoids overspray. It only takes a few minutes with small pliers.
How do I make mismatched frames look good together?
Paint them all one color, use the same kind of art inside, or keep the mat color consistent. Any one of these ties a mixed group together.
Are thrift store frames safe to use?
Yes, with a little care. Check for loose joints, clean them well, and wear gloves when handling the glass in case of chips or sharp edges.
