19 Ways To Up-Cycle Vintage Picture Frames

Did you know you can find vintage picture frames for cheap at thrift stores? Today I’m sharing 19 creative ways to reuse old picture frames you will love.

I have been collecting old vintage frames for several years.

One of my best tips is not to overlook ugly art.

Some of the best frames will have an ugly print, making them cheap.

I have found frames I’ve used to frame a new piece of art, plus some fantastic up-cycling ideas.

Today I’m sharing 19 ideas that will have you running to the thrift stores in search of old vintage frames.

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Thrifting with the Gals

Today’s post is part of our monthly series Thrifting with the Gals.

If you are new to our series, we are friends who share a love for vintage and thrifted decorating.

We all live in different parts of the country, but we come together once a month to share thrift store shopping ideas and how to decorate with your treasures.

Here are the Gals:

• Ann from Dabbling and Decorating finds her treasures as she travels between Vermont and Maine. She decorates both homes with so many vintage treasures.
• Kristin from White Arrows Home loves thrifting in Minnesota and adds some of her finds to her vintage store.
• Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest loves to travel and bring her vintage treasure to her lovely Florida Home.
• I am from North Carolina, and I love to fill my farmhouse and beach cottage with thrift store finds. I focus on budget-friendly decorating and DIY projects.

We are excited about our friend Cindy at DIY Beautify joining us this month. Cindy is a talented decorator and a DIY queen.

What To Do With Old Picture Frames?

I have a good collection of old and not-so-old frames that I’ve been able to recycle and put to good use.

Here is one of my first ideas for using not-so-old frames.

Add A Gallery Wall

When I inherited some old family photos, I struggled to find a use for them.

This was during the covid lockdown, so I had to look for resources around the house.

The idea of a gallery wall was just what I needed to occupy my time.

Fortunately, I had a good supply of old picture frames to use. Many needed to be painted black to make the gallery wall cohesive. See more tips for creating an inexpensive gallery wall.

I still love this wall in our powder room.

What To Do With Vintage Picture Frames

I have a few really old vintage picture frames that I love to use to bring attention to other pieces of home decor.

Here are a few of the ways I reuse a vintage frame.

Add Unexpected Decor to A Vintage Frame

Adding a vintage picture frame to surround a Christmas wreath helps to create more impact and draw attention to the wreath.

My friend Kelly framed three Christmas wreaths in her oversized vintage frame.

Another idea is to add more impact to a smaller piece of art by hanging the vintage frame around the piece instead of framing the canvas.

I had never framed the Country Church painting and needed a larger piece of art for this space. Adding a larger vintage frame solved the problem.

My friend, Michele at Vintage Home Designs, used this same technique for her cute bunny canvas.

As you can see, this vintage picture frame gets around.

Here the frame rests on top of the step-back hutch and frames the dried floral basket in front of it.

Add Collectibles To Reused Old Frames

Another fun way to display your collectible is to add them to old picture frames.

A vintage whisk broom becomes art when placed in a vintage frame.

My friend Ann at Dabbling and Decorating created this great gallery wall by framing her collection of vintage bottles.

You can see more about Decorating with Flea Market Frames on her blog.

Another idea is to frame your vintage dishes for display.

When my talented friend Robyn shared her Fall Gallery Wall Styling, she used old picture frames to draw attention to her mounted antlers.

Such a great combination of old frames and mirrors over a faux mantel.

Gather a Collection of Vintage Frames Together

When styling a shelf, bookcase, or mantel, you can easily create a fun vignette using a collection of vintage picture frames.

Layer the frames over each other to achieve the desired vignette.

Other Great Resources for Hanging Art

• 5 Simple Tips To Hang Art Perfectly every Time
• How To Hang A Gallery Wall Without Mistakes
• The #1 Best Way To Use Family Inherited Photos

Frame A Centerpiece

You can create a fun centerpiece by laying a frame in the center of the table and filling it with seasonal decor.

The coffee table centerpiece consists of a hurricane lantern with DIY Decoupage Eggs and a small eucalyptus wreath surrounded by an old empty frame.

Painting Technique for Thrift Store Frames

My friend, Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill, shares How to Make Newer Picture Frames Look Vintage with this technique.

Rotate Seasonal Prints

A vintage picture frame is a great way to add a sign, seasonal clip art, or prints.

Just switch out the images seasonally using a fun frame.

Other Creative Uses & DIY Projects

What about hanging paint brushes inside an old frame like this creative idea from Blue I Style Blog?

Reuse Old Picture Frames to Organize

Did you know you can reuse old picture frames to help you organize your jewelry?

With these tips from Fenno Fashion Blog, cheap Thrift Store frames only need a slight adjustment to become a unique Jewelry Display.

And this ingenious DIY Earring holder with cloverleaf aluminum sheets attached to old picture frames is a clever idea from Lindsay at Anchored in Elegance.

Repurpose Old Picture Frames with Succulents

Who would consider framing pool noodles? That’s precisely what Kelly at The Tattered Pew did to decorate her daughter’s bedroom. How cute is this?

Add sheet metal to an antique frame for instant one-of-kind art like my friend Lora did with these succulents.

I hope you enjoyed today’s ideas to reuse old picture frames creatively.

More Thrifting with the Gals

Up next is Cindy at DIY Beautify

Cindy – Tarnished Silver Tray Upcycle Plus... / Ann – Antique Family Heirloom To Buffet Table Sideboard

Robyn’s – How to decorate with vintage architectural salvage / Kristin – My Summer Thrifting Wish List

More Thrifting With The Gals Ideas

• 19 Ways to Up-cycle Vintage Picture Frames
• 10 Best Tips for Thrift Store Shopping
• 7 Outdoor Kitchen Vintage Decor Ideas
• How To Display Thrift Store Collections
• 9 Unique Vintage Bedroom Decor Ideas
• Best Thrifting Tips for Recycled Decor

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