Get Luxe Frames For Cheaper With This Crafty Thrift Store Strategy

Everyone agrees that wall art and décor are important elements in your home, often setting the tone of a space, giving it character, and tying everything together. Frames for wall artwork, photos, and other kinds of décor, however, can be hard to find from retailers with budget-friendly price tags, particularly those that are larger in size or made from luxurious materials. You may be overlooking a convenient source for budget-friendly frames in a variety of sizes and designs: Thrift stores can offer a treasure trove of options available for a steal. All you have to do is remove the existing contents and replace them with your own.

This approach works wonderfully for framing photos, ephemera, prints, and original artwork in a stylish and professional-looking way at a bargain cost. If you love the shape or size of the frame but don't particularly like the look or materials, there are also many cool ways to put a new spin on existing thrifted frames with paint and added accents.

To modify the existing contents of a thrifted frame, begin by removing any material, like paper or velvet, that covers the back. Use a staple remover or butter knife to pry the existing fasteners from the frame. You'll want to keep the backing cardboard to use behind the newly inserted material, so try to avoid damaging it during this process. Remove the staples around the frame, or if it has U-shaped fasteners, you can just bend them up to replace the contents. You can keep existing matting or replace it with new matting or backing. Once you have placed the new art or photo inside, slide the cardboard back into the frame and replace any staples as needed.

If your thrifted frame has the right dimensions but isn't exactly what you're looking for, there are several great upcycling tactics, such as removing all glass and materials and painting the frame. You could also decoupage paper or fabric around the frame for a pretty, elevated look. Other techniques include adding small touches to a boring frame like corner brackets or millwork appliques to make the photo frames look like vintage treasures. Replacing the backing or mat can also make a huge difference, especially if you use textured materials like burlap, cork, or woven textiles. Turn a thrifted frame into one-of-a-kind wall art by filling it with pretty scrapbook paper behind an image. Or use these thrifted frames for one of the many creative ways to repurpose old picture frames.