39 Clever DIY Picture Frame Ideas to Showcase Your Memories in 2025

Finding the perfect frame for your favorite photos and art can be tricky, especially if you're after budget-friendly options with character and style. While stores offer cheap frames, they’re often plain and uninspired. But with a little creativity, you can repurpose existing frames or use unique materials to craft custom designs that stand out on your walls and shelves.

We’ve rounded up a few favorites, most of which can be created with materials you may already have at home in your craft stash or recycling bin. These DIY frames will not only showcase your keepsakes and artwork in style but also let you express your creativity while adding a personal touch to your home decor. 

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• Easy DIY Picture Frame Ideas
• DIY Wood and Rustic Picture Frame Ideas
• Creative and Upcycled DIY Picture Frame Ideas
• DIY Picture Frame Ideas for Kids
• Cheap and Budget-Friendly DIY Picture Frame Ideas
• DIY Picture Frame Ideas FAQs

Easy DIY Picture Frame Ideas

1. Buttons

One of the easiest DIY picture frame ideas is decorating frames with materials you probably already have lying around. Spare buttons make a great accent for creating a mosaic on any plain wooden or plastic frame. Simply use hot glue or a mortar mix to attach them. For an eclectic look, mix different sizes and materials, or go for a monochromatic design for a more streamlined effect.

2. Decoupage

Decoupage uses paper adhered with Mod Podge to add interest and texture to any frame. Use a selection of thinner papers like napkins, wrapping paper and tissue paper to cover the entire surface of your frame.

3. Upcycled Wooden Sign

You can turn any old or new wooden sign into a fun DIY picture frame idea by simply painting it or turning it on its side. Use metal or paper photo corners affixed to the wood to hold the photograph or artwork in place.

4. Twine Wrapped Frame

Wrap any ugly picture frame with twine or rope for a beautiful and textured rustic look. Start by gluing down the end of the spool with hot glue to the frame, then unravel the ball of twine as you go, layering your pieces to cover the frame completely.

5. Corrugated Cardboard Frame

Turn ordinary packing materials into a textured DIY picture frame idea. The rigid cardboard often found in shipping boxes can be repurposed as the backing for your frame. Simply use double-sided tape to attach the photo, then cut another piece of cardboard into a rectangular frame and glue it over the top to create a sturdy, textured frame.

DIY Wood and Rustic Picture Frame Ideas

5. Upcycled Vintage Window

Turn an old wooden window into a unique frame for photos or art. If the window has glass panes, simply use clear tape to affix your photos to the back. Large windows with multiple panes are perfect for displaying several photos, while a solid window can be used to create a striking photo collage.

7. Stick Frame

Turn ordinary sticks gathered from the yard into ingenious DIY picture frame ideas. Just use some clear adhesive to glue several sticks together. You can build a frame from scratch or attach the stick configurations to an existing frame.

8. Chicken Wire

This farmhouse-chic method is perfect for displaying photos, especially if you have an empty frame with no glass. Use a staple gun to attach a stretch of chicken wire to the frame, then use mini clothespins or binder clips to hang your photos in a collage formation.

9. Woodburned Frame

If you have a plain wooden frame, add some fun woodburned details using a simple wood-burning kit. Decorate the frame with lettering, botanical accents, or symbols like suns and moons. This technique is perfect for creating personal keepsake frames that make great gifts. Wood-burning kits also make an excellent gift for crafters.

10. Woodcut Round

You can purchase round cuts of wood from online retailers and craft stores that make a perfect backing material for photos. Affix the image with Mod Podge to the wood and then add a protective coat over the image. Add some hanging hardware to the back of the wooden pieces for simple, rustic DIY picture frame ideas.

Creative and Upcycled DIY Picture Frame Ideas

11. Clipboards

Upcycled clipboards make great DIY picture frame ideas, allowing you to easily swap out images whenever you like. Simply clip the photo to the board and hang it on the wall. For a creative touch, create a gallery wall of clipboards to display multiple photos or artwork.

12. Paint Stick Scrolls

If you love the look of art or posters hung with wooden scroll frames, you can easily make your own using thin magnets and paint stir sticks. Simply glue the magnets onto the sticks, then clamp the image between the wood at the top and bottom. Add some twine or wire for hanging and you’ve got a stylish, customizable frame.

13. Wooden Trays

Pick up some old wooden trays from a thrift store to serve as stylish recessed art or photo frames. Mount your photo or image using double-sided tape or liquid cement on the base of the tray. To add more interest, use fabric or paper behind the image for a unique, layered effect.

14. Chalkboard

Old chalkboards of any size make fantastic DIY picture frame ideas for photos or artwork. Simply mount your image on the chalkboard using spray adhesive. Use the outer edges of the board to write captions or inspirational words that complement the image for a personalized touch.

15. Antique Hand Mirror

For a romantic look, use an ornate hand mirror as a frame you can hang on the wall. These mirrors often feature beautifully carved details that pair well with vintage images. Cut your photo to match the shape of the mirrored portion, then use spray adhesive or rubber cement to attach it.

16. Cutting Board

If you have a solid wood cutting board you are not using in the kitchen, consider using it can make a great base for DIY picture frame ideas. Affix the image or photo directly to the wooden surface using an adhesive or attach photo corners to hold it in place.

17. Corks

Hot glue some old wine corks to any thick frame all the way around to add some interest and texture. Use corks in different sizes and from various wineries for a more eclectic look. You can leave them natural for a rustic vibe or add some paint for a personalized touch.

18. Book Frame

Turn a pretty clothbound book into a unique DIY picture frame idea by adding photo corners to the middle of the front cover. Simply slide your image or photo inside, then lean the book on your shelf with other books for a bookish way to display your favorite art or memories.

19. Zigzag Frame

Use a large wooden frame without glass to create a casual DIY picture frame idea for displaying your photos. Simply string wire, fishing line, or twine in a zigzag pattern across the frame, securing it with tiny nails. Tuck the photos between the lines or use clips to hold them in place for an easy, interchangeable display.

20. Vintage Jewelry Frame

If you have a large collection of costume jewelry you don't wear, consider using it to decorate an old boring wooden frame. Simply hot glue pieces like clip-on earrings, brooches and other jeweled or enameled pieces along the border of the frame.

21. Board Game Upcycled Frame

This DIY picture frame idea is a great way to repurpose old board games you have at home or can find at thrift stores. Use an X-acto knife to cut the gameboard into segments. One solid piece can serve as the backing, while a frame with a rectangular cutout in the center makes a fun outer frame for your photo.

DIY Picture Frame Ideas for Kids

22. Popsicle Stick Frame

Use white glue to assemble four simple sides from wooden popsicles or craft sticks. You can also make a starburst frame by cutting the sticks into different lengths and arranging them around a recessed center where your image goes.

23. Suncatcher Frame

This spin on a fun classroom project makes a suncatcher from two sheets of wax paper and an iron. This version adds a photo inside between the layers that remains visible once you have stuck the sides together. You can also add other fun elements like glitter or dried flowers along the edges of your frame.

24. Small Toys

Make any plain wooden frame more exciting by adding fun miniature toys around the perimeter. Great options include small dolls and figurines, Matchbox cars, game pieces and miniature toy food.

25. Scrabble Frame

Spell out fun messages or words using Scrabble tiles around the border of any plain frame. You can also use hot glue to affix the tiles together, forming a wood frame directly from the pieces themselves. For a different look, try using wooden Jenga pieces, dice, or dominoes.

26. Butterfly or Insect Frame

If you love the natural world, add some floral butterflies or plastic insects around the perimeter of a plain wooden frame. You can add just a few or cover the entire surface with insects for a fun, nature-inspired look.

27. Seashell Frame

For another cool DIY picture frame idea that takes advantage of natural materials, stick beach shells to any frame for the perfect way to showcase your beach vacation photos. Use tiny shells to create a mosaic or layer larger ones in a row around the sides for a coastal touch.

DIY Picture Frame Ideas for Wall Decor

28. Shadow Box

Use a shallow box or tray to create a shadow box frame, allowing you to display two-dimensional images alongside three-dimensional elements. These can be affixed to the box or rest on the ledge inside, making it an ideal DIY picture frame idea for preserving memories, keepsakes, or creating a mixed media piece of original art for your walls.

29. Picture Molding

Large frames for artwork and photos can be expensive. A great hack to get a larger look for your walls is to hang your piece in a small or midsize, inexpensive frame in the center of some picture rail molding to create a stunning focal point.

30. Canvas with Molding

Another way to get the luxe look of custom framing is to add a frame to your canvas using inexpensive molding or cuts of wood. Just attach the wood with wood glue or nails to the canvas stretcher bars.

31. Macrame Frame

For a vintage-inspired piece that has a lot of texture, use an embroidery loop as a base for a knitted macrame frame that forms a circle with a hollow center. Add the photo in the center of the hoop with adhesive or some photo corners.

32. Ribbons and Miniature Frames

A great way to give tiny frames a little more presence is to place them along a length of ribbon before hanging them. Just add some hot glue on the back of the frames and place them in intervals down a thick ribbon for a Victorian feel.

33. Moss Frames

Spray a plain frame with spray adhesive and add some faux moss for a nature-inspired frame that adds a lot of texture to your walls. You can also add fun details like miniature mushrooms or tiny stones for additional interest and a cottage-style feel.

Cheap and Budget-Friendly DIY Picture Frame Ideas

34. Fabric Frames

If you’re looking for a cheap way to frame photos, cut out some simple frames from cardboard and add some fabric with a spray adhesive. This is a great way to make a lot of inexpensive frames all at once. You can also use wallpaper, peel-and-stick shelf liner or wrapping paper.

35. Floating Frame

If you are looking for a modern and contemporary way to frame images, discard the outer segments of your frames and just use the glass planes. Sandwich two panes together with adhesive, placing the image between them for a clean, unfussy look.

36. Wooden Appliques Frames

Another way to upcycle boring frames is to add some decorative detailing along the outside of the frame. Wooden decals can be an excellent way to get a hand-carved look without the craftsmanship. Wooden decals come in a number of designs, including scrolls and botanicals. Just stick them on with some hot glue.

37. Pom Pom Frame

Use leftover yarn to make adorable pom poms for fun and whimsical DIY picture frame ideas. Cover the entire perimeter of the frame with colorful pom poms, or buy pre-made ones from craft stores and apply them with hot glue for a quick and easy update.

38. Luxurious Mattes

A great way to add character and interest to a plain frame is to make your matting material interesting. Back photos and artwork with rich materials like cork, fabric, leather, burlap or woven materials. It’s all part of the process to create DIY home decor that adds character to your space.

39. Disco Ball Frame

Paint any wooden frame black and add small disco or mirrored tiles around the edges. This sparkly frame is perfect for celebration photos. You can also add a bit of extra bling in the form of colored crystals and stones.

DIY Picture Frame Ideas FAQs

What Can I Use Instead of a Picture Frame?

If you don’t have a picture frame, you can make a simple frame for photos or art with some regular cardboard. Just cut out a backing piece and a frame with an open middle. To add some additional interest, cover it in decorative fabric or paper.

How To Make a Simple Picture Frame at Home?

If you're wondering how to make a picture frame at home, there are plenty of ways to do it using materials you already have. Whether you're working with craft sticks, scrap wood, or even cardboard, creating your own frame allows you to add a personal touch to your photos.

How To Make a Distressed Picture Frame?

To add a distressed look to a wooden frame, start by painting the frame a darker color underneath, covered by a lighter shade of paint. Use some sandpaper to rub off the top layer in places that give the surface a distressed look. You can also use a crackle finish paint.

Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Picture Frames?

Making your own picture frames at home can save you money compared to expensive retailer frames or custom framing. You can also purchase thrifted or discount store frames and transform them into custom, bespoke pieces using some of the DIY picture frame ideas mentioned above.

These DIY picture frame ideas are great if you’re looking for unusual and distinctive ways to frame photos or artwork in your home or to give as DIY gift ideas.

For even more fun DIY décor ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!