Don't Throw Away Your Broken Keyboard — Use It To DIY A Retro Picture Frame
You might not have considered a computer keyboard among the office supplies you should repurpose around your home, but turns out, they can make cute decor. With a retro tech vibe that complements many interior design aesthetics, from shabby chic to Art Deco, this DIY keyboard picture frame puts the broken device to good use and creates a unique piece of art to decorate your home. Plus, it's super simple — just pop out the keys and attach them to a frame.
For this project, you'll need a keyboard, heavy-duty adhesive, tweezers, sandpaper, and a picture frame. If you don't have an old keyboard on hand, shop at the thrift store for one (or more). Old calculators also work and offer different key shapes and sizes for added dimension. While this is a quick DIY upgrade to breathe new life into an old picture frame, you can also build your own photo frame. A sheet of cardboard, plywood, an old book, a cutting board — any flat, sturdy object, really — can serve as the base, with the photo glued to the center and the computer keys around the border.
Upgrade a picture frame with computer board keys
Once you have all your materials, use the tweezers to pry the keys off. You can use random pieces or specific letters, numbers, and symbols that speak to you. Dust the keys with a microfiber cloth or paper towel to clean them. If there's any grime or dirt, soak the keys for a few minutes in soap and water before rinsing and drying them. Then lightly sand the picture frame and wipe any debris.
Now comes the fun part. Glue the keys in place, covering the entire frame. Arrange them linearly for a classic look or diagonally for a bit of whimsy. Mix and match key sizes, like the long space bar with sort number pieces, for an abstract design. Better yet, play with color. With a light sanding, primer, and spray paint, you can recolor the keys and add various hues to the frame to further personalize it. Some ribbon, gemstones, or twine glued around the outer edge of the keys can also soften the blocky, techy design. This DIY is a simple yet chic way to modernize an outdated gallery wall, decorate a tabletop, or even restyle a centerpiece.