Personally, I’m not a big fan of framed pictures displayed around the house but I have to admit that there are some pretty interesting ways to make these things stand out. Some are so inspiring that they make you reconsider your home decor. Obviously, we’re talking about projects that you can do yourself and customize in any way that you want. Have a look at these DIY picture frames and let your creativity run wild.
Awesome DIY Picture Frame Ideas To Incorporate In Your Home
1. Add Flowers To A Plain Frame
A plain picture frame is pretty boring, even if the picture itself is interesting. The solution to this problem is simple: add some spark and beauty to the frame with some DIY flowers. These ones, for instance, are made out of a cardboard egg carton. Yes, we know it sounds weird, but give it a try and you’ll find out it’s a simple project that you’ll fall in love with. You can use these flowers for others things too.
2. Put Your Photo On Wood
Maybe you’re not a fan of pictures printed on paper. They don’t really stand out in any way but you can change that using a simple technique. The idea is to transfer the picture on wood. What you’ll get is a more rustic and interesting version of the original photo, not as crystal clear and HD but more original. The technique is simple. Cover the surface of the photo with Mod Podge and then put it face down on a piece of wood. Let it dry overnight and then gently peel off the paper on the back of the photo.
3. Dipped Picture Frames
If you like abstract and artistic designs, then maybe you’d like to try something a bit different: paint-dipped picture frames. The idea is simple. You put a picture in a frame and you cover it with glass. Then you take a piece of tape and you divide the frame in two. It doesn’t have to be a perfect line. After that, paint over the frame and glass and cover up one of the two sections. Remove the tape and let the paint dry. The picture won’t be damaged in the process, being protected by the glass.
4. Mount Your Photos On Scrap Wood Frames
Conventional picture frames can be pretty boring, even though there are lots of types and styles to choose from. If you’d prefer something similar but at the same time different, perhaps you could display your favorite photos on scrap wood picture frames. All you have to do is find some leftover pieces of wood and cut them to the desired dimensions. Then attach pictures to them using thumbtacks. They’ll be framed, but not in the traditional way.
5. Turn Mirrors Into Photo Frames
Sometimes it’s enough to change something simple about a standard picture frame to make it more interesting. For instance, what if you were to choose circular frames instead of the usual rectangular ones? That would be an interesting twist. Of course, round frames are pretty hard to come by so you can improvise: get some mirrors, pop out the glass and turn them into picture frames. Then glue some belts around the edges so you can hang them. It’s simple, fun, and cheap and it’s all described on Abeautifulmess.
6. Create A Chicken Wire Frame
Something about traditional picture frames makes them look formal and that’s a style that doesn’t usually suit spaces like the bedroom or modern and contemporary decors in general. So what can you do in such a case? Well, you shouldn’t give up the idea of personalizing the room with pictures. Instead, look for more casual alternatives, like this large DIY frame with chicken wire instead of cardboard. The pictures are displayed with the help of wooden clothespins. It’s not really a picture frame as much as it is a picture display. {found on diyweekendwife}.
7. Make An Acrylic Frame
If you want something a bit more refined and sleek, check out this chic acrylic frame featured on Abeautifulmess. Don’t be intimidated by how clean and stylish it looks. This is actually something that you can craft yourself. Here’s what you’ll need: a piece of acrylic a bit bigger than the photo you want to display, mounting hardware, screws, a drill, gold spray paint (or a different color), painter’s tape, glue dots, and a picture.
8. Craft A Glassy Frame
A somewhat similar idea is mentioned on Paulsvera. The suggestion here is to use two pieces of plexiglas and to place a picture between them. Then you frame it all with pieces of wood that have grooves and at the end, you take a piece of elastic and you glue it around the edge of the frame, with the top portion slightly loose so you can hang it. You can also try this with dried flowers or pretty much anything that you can put between the two sheets of acrylic.
9. Burn Designs Into A Wooden Frame
If you like the look of wood frame, the rusticity, and warmth that they add to the decor, then perhaps you might like to have some fun with a wood burner. Just take a plain and simple wood frame and your wood burning tool set on high and start drawing lines and other designs on it. You can pretty much create any pattern you want. It doesn’t even have to be a symmetrical or repetitive design. Just be creative and have fun. {found on craftylittlegnome}.
10. Spray Paint Your Frames To Be Two Tone
You can do a lot of great things with just a little bit of spray paint. For instance, check out this two-tone picture frame design featured on Dreamgreendiy. This is one of the easiest ways in which you can personalize a picture frame to make it stand out in a unique way. All you need for this sort of project is the frame, some painter’s tape, and spray paint in two different colors. Use tape to divide the frame into two sections and to cover up the interior edges (if you want). Then just paint the two sections in two different colors. You can use the accent colors already employed throughout the room or you can use this opportunity to introduce a new set of colors to the decor.
11. Easy Cracked Wood Photo Frame
Another interesting and inspiring idea is suggested on Craftylittlegnome. Check out the tutorial to find out how to get that cracked wood look. It’s not as difficult as it may seem. It all starts with a simple wood frame. First, you need to apply some stain. This will be the color of the cracks. Let it dry and then apply white school glue on the frame and once it starts to dry add a coat of paint on top of the glue. As the paint dries it will start to crack and you’ll get this vintage-rustic look.
12. Modern And Chic Painted Frame
Stripes are always chic and they’re easy to work with so obviously we just had to include a striped picture frame design in this list. We selected the design featured on Dreamgreendiy. We like the black and white combination and the pastel accents squeezed in there. Of course, you can choose any combination of colors for your own picture frames. In addition to the acrylic paint, the project also requires a foam paintbrush, painter’s tape (the thin kind), and scissors. You can find all the details in the full tutorial.
13. Go For The Gold Dip
It seems paint-dipped frames are quite trendy and that’s great because they’re so easy to customize. Check out this frame featured on Brooklynberrydesigns. Isn’t it glamorous and beautiful? If you’re not a big fan of ornate frames or gold paint you can choose a different style for your own version of the project.
14. Build A Multi-Photo Gallery
If you’re up for a challenge, maybe the project featured on Build-basic is for you. Keep in mind that’s a bit more complex than what we covered so far. You’d have to build the frame yourself from scratch and for that, you’ll need some wood boards, molding, nails, wood glue, wood filler, and possibly also wood stain or paint. The design featured here includes four picture frames attached to a large board but you can customize yours however you want.
15. Design Your Own Geometric Frame
I like how playful the pattern on this picture frame is. The colors are also pretty fun and dynamic and that suits the style well. If you want to create something similar, you’ll need to start with a plain wood frame, acrylic craft paint in various colors, and a sharpie. First of all, paint the frame white. Then use a pencil and a ruler to draw the chevron pattern on the frame. After that, color some of the triangles and at the end trace the pattern with a sharpie. It’s all described in detail in 365designs.
16. Cute Color Pencil Frame
Speaking of colorful and playful designs, check out these quirky picture frames decorated with colored pencils. Yes, that’s right, the pencils are part of the design. Here’s how you get this look: take a box of colored pencils, divide them into groups, and cut them. You’ll need a few long ones for the top and bottom of the frame and then some short ones for the sides. Alternate the colors to get a nice random combination. Attach them to the frame with glue. {found on leighlaurelstudios}.
17. Frame Your Photos Map Style
For larger pictures or oversized photos, you can forget about the standard picture frames and try something else instead. You could simply attach some thin pieces of wood to the top and bottom of the picture so you can hang it straight. Cut, sand, and stain the wood and then secure them to the top and bottom, sandwiching the picture between them using nails. It’s a technique often used when hanging maps or posters. {found on cityfarmhouse}.
18. Clip Your Photos To Scrap Wood
We also came across a fun little idea while browsing Jugglingactmama. It goes like this: you attach the pictures to blocks of wood using clips. It’s not as strange or as difficult as you’d imagine. Just find some scrap pieces of wood, cut them so they’re just a bit bigger than the pictures, and then paint them. You can also cover with scrapbook paper or fabric. Then attach a clip to each block of wood. You can also use a dowel piece to make a support that holds the picture so you can display it on a shelf or a table.
19. Astounding Ombre Fabric Photo Frame
In case you happen to have some fabric scraps waiting to be used for something creative, check out this ombre picture frame design featured on Mimimommyandme. It’s a fairly simple project and all you need for it is a picture frame, some scrap pieces of fabric, and some glue. You can use fabric pieces in different shades of the same color and arrange them in a gradient or you can mix and match them however you want.
20. Mosaic Tile Frame
Some projects are so easy even kids could try them. Actually, there’s this one on Ponkstripesocks that’s particularly suitable for kids. It’s a mosaic picture frame design for which you need some cardboard, glue, tape, acrylic craft paint in various colors, and some paint brushes. First, a piece of cardboard needs to be cut slightly larger than the picture. The frame needs to be painted and it can also get a coat of mod podge for a shiny finish. Then the mosaic tiles are cut out and painted. They’re then glued to the frame around the photo.
21. Striped Tape Frame
These adorable striped tape DIY photo frames by Bombshell Bling are easy to create and can be customized to fit into any room. You only need a plain photo frame and some washi tape in the colors and designs you desire. You can spray paint the frame white to make the tape stand out more, as was done in the example, or you can leave the photo frame black, or whatever other color it comes in—based on your individual needs. These frames are so simple and quick to make you can even have the kids help!
22. Illuminate Your Photos
Making this unique photo luminary may seem difficult, but if you have a printer at home, this project won’t take you more than a few minutes. The directions are outlined on That’s What Che Said, and this project only requires a few supplies you may already have lying around the house. Do note however, that if you choose vellum paper with a design on it, that the design will show through your photo, so choose your design wisely. You can also add other cut out designs on top of your photos such as a heart or snowflake for a really cool illuminated look.
23. Travel Map Photo Frames
Do you take most of your pictures while you are traveling? Makes sense! Which is why you should check out these neat map DIY photo frames by Alyssa B. Young. To create these awesome frames, you’ll need some maps you don’t mind destroying, a photo frame, and mod podge. This is another project which won’t take long, so it’s a good idea to make extra and keep them on hand as gifts for others.
24. Versatile Mason Jar Frame
This is the best DIY photo frame for those who have a plethora of mason jars lying around after the canning season is done. And these jars can be used to hold much more than pictures, from flowers to candy or even bath salts. The project is outlined on Home Stories A to Z, and it won’t take you long or a lot of money to complete. Just make sure you follow the instructions and seal your jar with clear spray paint so it doesn’t chip with wear and tear.
25. Rolled Newspaper Frame
If you are on a strict budget, then this next DIY photo frame is definitely the project for you. It simply requires cardboard, old newspapers, and some glue. Follow the instructions outlined on Saved By Love Creations to create the newspaper ‘reeds’, and then you are ready to design your photo frame. You can make the reeds into any design you want, from straight to swirl, the sky is the limit!
26. Scrabble Photo Frame
Maybe you have a photo from an event and you’d like to label it in a unique way. Check out the instructions for this scrabble photo frame by Rose Clearfield, in which you can use scrabble pieces to personalize your photo frame. You can put the person in the photo’s name, or you could also put where and when the event took place, like the ‘first day of school’ or ‘graduation’ would work too. You can even create a mini crossword with everyone’s names for a photo with multiple people in it.
27. Patriotic Yarn Frame
This yarn DIY photo frame by She Calls Me Mama Leisha looks fantastic and there is no sewing required! You will just purchase yarn in the colors of the flag and wrap it around a plain frame in the design of a flag. Don’t forget to pick up some star decals to place on the blue section (if you’re making an American flag). That being said, you can use this idea to make a photo frame modeled after any flag, or into school colors, making this a great gift for a college or high school grad!
28. Collect Letters With Your Photo Frames
To be honest, this project is definitely going to take a little help or at least a background in installing brackets. But once you finish this project, it’s a really neat way to collect letters at a wedding or baptism or donations at a charity event. And the cool thing is you can reuse the box because you can go back and change the photos later. Just follow the instructions on Instructables and even if there is no event coming up, you can use this project as a box to store things in your office or child’s room.
29. Use Vintage Books As Frames
Now for those that don’t like cutting into old books, this project isn’t for you. But for crafters who don’t mind putting a square shaped hole into the cover of an old book, this can be a great way to repurpose books you don’t read anymore. These photo frames can even stand on their own, which is a nice added feature. Follow the instructions outlined in Well Rounded, and make a few of these to spice up your side table or library corner.
30. Pour Your Own Concrete Frame
Okay, this next DIY picture frame isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can be a really cool idea to frame nontraditional items like plants! You will simply need to make a cardboard mold in the shape you want your photo frame to be, then pour the cement, let it dry, and remove the mold. The steps for adding the wall hook can be found at A Piece of Rainbow. Our favorite thing about this project is that you can make the cement into any photo frame shape you want, just make the mold in the shape you want your frame to be!
31. Book Lovers Frame
If the previous idea of defacing a book didn’t sit well with you, consider making this newspaper lined photo frame for your book loving friend instead. You will just need a plain frame, some old newspapers, and modge podge. You can also take this project a step further like Alyssa B Young did and use coffee and a flame to antiquate the pages to look older. And of course, if you don’t want to use newspaper, pages you are looking to recycle from a damaged book will create the same look.
32. Festive Photo Frame Wreath
When selecting pictures to put in frames, it can be difficult to narrow it down! But when you decide to embark on creating this nifty photo frame wreath, you won’t have to choose because it will be a collection of all your best photos. This project was featured in Infarrantly Creative, and although we love this project, if there aren’t already a plethora of small metal frames lying around your house, this DIY photo frame project can get expensive, and fast.
33. Photo Frame Tiles
This DIY photo frame project is perfect for those who aren’t feeling a traditional photo frame. This project is very similar to putting your photos on wood like mentioned above, except this time you will need some tiles instead. The neat thing about this project, originally featured on Crunchy Betty, is that you can select tiles based on the size of your photos. You can mix and match sizes to create a unique collage on your wall. Wondering how these cute tiles hang? Well, you can choose to hang them like decorative plates or use double sided sticky tape, the choice is yours.
34. Recycled Keyboard Photo Frame
Looking for something to do with your old computer keyboard? You probably didn’t think of making it into a one-of-a-kind picture frame. And surprisingly, this project by Hannah Hack Royd, isn’t that difficult to make, but you will need to know how to dismantle a computer keyboard. From there, this DIY project is as easy as gluing keyboard keys to a plain photo frame.
35. Popsicle Stick Frames
Gluing popsicle sticks into the shape of a photo frame isn’t a new idea, but there are things you can do to make these projects look classier and more refined. Start by following this example in Eighteen 25 and using washi tape to cover different sticks in patterns. Then you can either arrange them into the stereotypical square, or you can align them in a parallel formation, using a pushpin to hold the picture, to create a unique frame. Additionally, feel free to add small decals to the side of the frame next to the photo to spice up the look!
36. Repurposed Window Photo Frames
Repurposing only window frames into photo frames is a stress-free way to get into the recycling game! This project is outlined on Keeps On Ringing, but basically, you will need some old windows, clear magnets, and some glue. You will affix the clear magnets to the glass, place your picture down, and next put the other sides on the photo on the other side of the magnets. This is the perfect DIY photo frame for larger photos, and you can change them out as frequently as you would like!
37. Nature Ladder Photo Holder
This nature ladder photo frame featured on Creative Ambitions, is perfect when you have three or more photos from the same event that you want to display. And for those with a tree in their backyard, getting the right supplies will be a no brainer. The hardest part about this project is finding the right wall to lean this unique frame on, oh and keeping the kids from climbing on it!
38. Beachy Bottle Photo Frame
Have old liquor and wine bottles laying around? Transform them into unique photo frames following these instructions on Craftiments. You can use twine like they did in the example to give the photo a beachy vibe, or you can also place some sand and small shells in the bottom of the bottle. And for someone not interested in a beachy vibe, this DIY photo project can easily be transformed to look steampunk or vintage depending on the décor you choose for your bottle.
39. Cool Autumn Acorn Frame
This is another DIY photo frame you can make just using items you find around your backyard. Start by gathering acorns next time you are out for a walk, then glue them to a painted photo frame as they did in 320 Sycamore Blog. Of course, you don’t just have to stick to acorns though! Feel free to collect twigs or stones, and glue them to a photo frame for the same effect.
40. Decorative Cardboard Frame
The last frame on our list is so cute that you wouldn’t even know that it was made entirely of cardboard! To make this cute frame you will just need some cardboard, glue, and whatever items you wish to decorate your frame with. Follow this tutorial on 
Now that you’ve seen all of these amazing DIY photo frame ideas, you may find yourself with the urge to create numerous adorable photo frames for your home. You may even find that you’ve made too many, but don’t worry, photo frames make great gifts, so don’t be afraid to make a few extra and start giving them to your friends and family for holidays. After all, who doesn’t love the gift of a personalized photo frame?
The post 40 DIY Picture Frame Ideas For Personalized And Original Decors appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.