DIY picture frame ideas are a creative way to make your photos, artwork, and keepsakes stand out while adding a personal touch to your home.
Instead of spending a lot on custom frames, you can turn simple materials into stylish displays that feel both affordable and one-of-a-kind. By crafting your own, you get to choose colors, textures, and details that match your space perfectly.
Making picture frames yourself also gives you the chance to upcycle items you already have, which makes each project even more meaningful.
With a little imagination, you can transform twigs, old letters, popsicle sticks, or even mirrors into frames that tell their own story. These ideas are not only budget-friendly, but they also let you create something that feels warm, personal, and truly yours.
#1. DIY Floating Frame
A floating frame adds a sleek, modern touch to your walls while letting your artwork take center stage. This design works beautifully when you want your piece to stand out without being overshadowed by heavy borders.
To make one, measure your artwork and cut narrow wood strips to build a simple box frame. Leave just enough space so your canvas appears to “float” inside once mounted.
You can stain the wood for warmth, paint it for contrast, or leave it natural for a minimalist look. The end result feels professional yet approachable, and you’ll love how easily it elevates any art piece in your home.
#2. Christmas Shadow Box
This charming Christmas shadow box is like a winter scene captured in a frame. By layering a snowy backdrop with cut-out trees and a reindeer, you get a festive woodland design that instantly feels magical.
You can add faux snow or glitter at the base to create a frosty effect, and string a few mini LED lights inside for a cozy evening glow.
To make your own, simply use a deep frame, attach your background image, and secure the decorations with hot glue. Place it on a mantel or hang it on the wall, and it will become a favorite holiday piece year after year.
#3. Clothespin Frames
These clothespin frames are such a fun way to show off your photos without the hassle of traditional framing. Instead of tucking your memories behind glass, you simply clip them in place with small wooden pins.
The natural wood backing gives your photos a clean, minimal look that blends beautifully with any home style. To make this project, cut thin wooden boards to size and sand the edges for a smooth finish.
Attach two mini clothespins at the top with strong glue, or nail them in for extra durability. Once ready, just clip in your favorite prints, postcards, or even artwork.
The best part is how easy it is to swap them out whenever you feel like refreshing your wall. This idea is perfect if you love rotating seasonal photos or want to keep your display casual yet stylish.
#4. Wooden Hanging Picture Frame
This wooden hanging frame is a perfect project if you love simple, rustic touches in your home. Instead of a bulky frame, two slim wooden strips hold your photo at the top and bottom, giving it a clean, vintage scroll effect.
You can hang it with twine or wire, making it easy to swap pictures whenever you want. To make one yourself, cut two small pieces of wood, stain or paint them, and attach your photo between them with glue or magnetic strips.
Add a hook or nail to the wall, and your frame is ready to display family memories in a warm and charming way.
#5. DIY Box Frame Mirror
This clever project turns a simple mirror into a bold focal point by framing it with a deep wooden box. The chunky frame not only adds dimension but also creates a tiny shelf along the bottom, perfect for soap dispensers or small décor.
You can make it by cutting and assembling four wooden boards into a rectangle, then attaching them around a mirror. Stain or paint the wood to match your bathroom style, and you’ll have a mirror that feels high-end and custom.
If you want a more personal touch, try hanging a small plant inside the frame to soften the look and bring in a bit of greenery.
#6. Easy DIY Custom Framing By Coloring
Sometimes all a frame needs is a splash of color to feel brand new. These painted frames are simple, cheerful, and completely customizable to fit your space.
All you need is painter’s tape, a few bright acrylic paints, and a steady hand. Tape off the sections you want to color, brush on your favorite shades, and let the paint dry before peeling the tape away.
This little trick transforms a plain frame into a bold accent piece without spending much at all. Try pairing different colors on a gallery wall for a playful, modern vibe.
#7. DIY Acrylic Picture Frames
If you want something modern and sleek, these DIY acrylic frames are a perfect choice. The clear panels let your photos float against the wall, giving a clean gallery feel without distracting borders.
To make them, cut two equal acrylic sheets, drill small holes in each corner, then sandwich your photo in between. Secure the sheets with stylish hardware like brass standoffs for a polished look.
You can easily swap out photos whenever you’d like, making this a versatile option for family pictures or art prints. This project adds a touch of sophistication while keeping the focus on your favorite memories.
#8. Cheap Rustic Twig Frame
This twig photo frame feels like a little piece of the outdoors brought inside. The sticks tied together with rustic twine make a simple yet heartfelt border for your favorite memories.
To make one, gather small branches, trim them to equal lengths, and secure the corners tightly with twine or jute rope. Slip in a favorite photo or collage, and you have a frame that feels both handmade and special.
#9. Old Vintage Letter Frame
The image shows two transparent acrylic photo frames hanging side by side on a wall. Each frame displays a colorful postcard inside, held neatly between the clear panels.
The left frame is suspended by a simple white ribbon, while the right one hangs from a two-tone ribbon in bright orange and teal. Their clean lines and floating look give a light, modern feel, turning ordinary postcards into stylish wall decor.
#10. DIY Timber Picture Frames
This image shows a close-up of a wall decorated with several wooden photo frames. Each frame has a simple, natural wood finish that brings a warm and organic feel to the display.
The photos inside capture wedding moments, highlighting joyful and intimate scenes of a couple. The clean white mats around the pictures add contrast and make the images stand out beautifully.
Arranged together, the frames create a timeless and elegant gallery wall.
Read More: 24 Creative DIY Projects Using Old Picture Frames
#11. Hanging Frame For Art
This print features a delicate botanical illustration of a daffodil with the text “le narcisse” written above it in a soft script. A butterfly rests near the flower, adding a whimsical touch that makes the artwork feel alive.
The piece is displayed on a whitewashed brick wall, held between two simple wooden strips and hung with a twine cord, giving it a vintage and rustic look.
You could recreate this style at home by printing a botanical design, securing it with magnetic wooden hangers, and hanging it with twine.
Pairing it with dried flowers, like the roses resting below, will make the display feel even more charming and nostalgic.
#12. DIY Glass Photo Frame
These floating glass frames bring a delicate and artistic feel to your space. The pressed flowers look as if they are suspended in mid-air, giving the display a light and airy charm.
You can place them on a shelf, desk, or windowsill to let the natural light highlight the fine details of the blooms. To keep them looking fresh, wipe the glass with a soft cloth and avoid direct moisture.
Try mixing different frame sizes together for a layered effect or swap the flowers with leaves or photographs to change the look. This simple touch can instantly add elegance and a calming mood to your home.
#13. Personalized Friends Frame
This shadow box frame captures memories in the sweetest way. Tiny photos are clipped onto a string, creating a playful and personal display that instantly feels warm and inviting.
The word “FRIENDS” at the top adds a heartfelt touch, making it perfect for gifting or keeping as a reminder of special moments.
You can easily swap the pictures when you want to refresh the look. Add small notes, ticket stubs, or tiny keepsakes to make it even more meaningful. Place it on a desk, shelf, or wall to bring a little joy into your everyday space.
#14. Choose The Right Frame For Your Artwork
This gallery wall is a bright way to bring personality into a room. Different frame sizes and colors create an interesting mix that feels balanced but not too perfect. Each piece of art stands out on its own while still working together as a collection.
You can recreate this by laying your frames on the floor first to play with the layout. Use a mix of photos, prints, and quotes to make it feel personal. Hanging them slightly closer together keeps the wall looking connected and inviting.
#15. How About A Cheap And Easy DIY Canvas
This abstract artwork, framed in light wood, instantly adds energy to the wall. The swirls of blue, gold, and soft peach tones create movement that feels calming yet bold at the same time.
It’s the kind of piece that makes a hallway or quiet corner feel more alive without being overwhelming.
To hang a piece like this, place it at eye level for the best impact. Pair it with simple décor nearby so the colors can stand out. If you want a cohesive look, choose a frame that matches other wood tones in your space.
#16. DIY Painted Picture Frame
This project is a fun way to bring personality into your wall decor. The wooden frames are painted with colorful geometric patterns that give off a modern, boho vibe.
You can mix soft peach tones with bold burgundy to create contrast, making them pop beautifully on a white wall. The rope hangers add a handmade touch and make them easy to display anywhere in your home.
These frames are perfect for holding favorite photos, small art prints, or even leaving them empty as decorative accents. It’s a quick and budget-friendly DIY that combines creativity with rustic charm.
#17. DIY Grow Frame
This clever DIY plant frame turns your herbs into a living artwork. A sleek black frame surrounds a potted plant, while a soft light highlights the greenery like a gallery display.
Perfect for small kitchens or apartments, it saves counter space and doubles as a natural decor piece. Just plug it in, and you’ll have fresh herbs right at your fingertips while adding a modern touch to your walls.
#18. DIY Jewelry Holder Frame
This creative project transforms a classic ornate frame into a beautiful jewelry organizer. Instead of holding photos, the frame showcases earrings, necklaces, and rings neatly arranged against a mesh and hook backing.
The crisp white paint makes the jewelry stand out, turning it into both storage and wall art. A small shelf at the bottom adds extra space for rings or bracelets, keeping everything within easy reach.
It’s a smart and stylish way to repurpose an old frame while adding a touch of elegance to your room.
#19. Button Frame
This pastel button frame is such a fun and cheerful DIY project. By simply gluing colorful buttons of different sizes onto a plain wooden frame, you instantly create something playful and unique.
The soft shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green make it perfect for a kid’s room, a craft corner, or even as a sweet handmade gift.
You don’t need any special tools, just some strong glue and a handful of buttons you might already have in your sewing kit. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary frame into a bright piece of décor that adds charm and personality to your photos.
#20. Popsicle Stick Frame
This popsicle stick frame is such a fun and creative project, perfect for kids or anyone who loves simple crafts.
By painting the sticks with bright patterns and gluing them together, you get a cheerful and colorful frame that feels handmade and personal.
The ribbon at the top makes it easy to hang on the wall, giving your favorite photo a playful display. You can experiment with different paint colors or even add glitter for extra sparkle.