If you love the thrill of a great thrift store find, you already know: the frame section is where the magic happens. Stacks of wood, brass, acrylic, ornate gold, and sometimes truly questionable 90's oak -- all waiting for a second life.
Today I’m sharing 5+ ways to use thrift store frames in your home decor (beyond just popping in a photo and calling it done).
1. Create a Collected Gallery Wall
Thrifted frames are perfect for building that layered, collected-over-time look that feels straight out of an old brownstone or a cozy English cottage.
You can mix:
- Ornate gold frames
- Simple wood frames
- Metal and/or brass frames
- A few unexpected shapes (i.e. oval)
Spray paint is your secret weapon if you want cohesion. A coat of matte black, antique gold, or creamy white instantly ties mismatched frames together.
There's also something to be said for leaving them in their original state -- it just depends on how eclectic you'd like your gallery wall to be.
Instead of filling them all with photos, try:
- Botanical prints
- Vintage book illustrations
- Fabric swatches
- Handwritten recipes
- Children's art
- pretty wrapping paper or scrapbook paper
- sketches
- vintage art prints
The charm is in the variety.
Empty frames can also be used to create your own art and/or vignettes. I used this ornate white oval vintage frame as a base for a spring display, then hung it inside another vintage ornate white frame.
2. Frame Wallpaper or Fabric Samples
This is one of my favorite designer tricks.
Grab wallpaper sample books (sometimes even found at thrift stores!) or order a few small samples of a pattern you love. Frame them in coordinating thrifted frames for instant art.
This works beautifully if you love classic patterns like those from William Morris & Co. or bold florals inspired by House of Hackney. Even one framed swatch on a bedside table can feel thoughtful and elevated.
Bonus: It’s far more affordable than buying large-scale art.
And the wallpaper doesn't have to be expensive. I found this beautiful
panel wallpaper/decal art at Dollar Tree! Coupled with a unique, ornate
thrifted gold frame, it became gorgeous wall art.
How to Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper Panels to Create Art.
3. Turn Frames into Trays
Large, sturdy frames (especially with wide wooden edges) can become chic serving trays.
Here’s how:
- Remove the glass and backing.
- Cut a piece of plywood or MDF to fit the opening and after covering it with fabric, wallpaper, or even peel-and-stick marble, adhere it to the inside of the frame with Gorilla Glue.
- Add small hardware handles to the sides.
Suddenly that $4 frame becomes a coffee table or dresser tray worthy of a boutique hotel.
4. Frame Mirrors for Instant Vintage Charm
If you find a gorgeous frame with no glass (or damaged art), measure it and have a mirror cut to size at a local glass shop.
Or better yet (and much cheaper!) -- thrift a plain mirror and insert it into something beautiful and ornate. An old gold frame around a mirror gives serious European apartment vibes. Think a touch of Paris without the airfare.
5. Use Empty Frames as Architectural Detail
Not every frame needs something inside it.
Layer empty frames:
- On a bookshelf
- Leaning on a mantel
- Hung directly on the wall in a cluster
This works especially well with carved or gilded frames that have beautiful detailing. The negative space becomes part of the design.
It’s sculptural. It’s unexpected. It costs almost nothing.
A Few Thrift Store Frame Tips
- Always check for solid wood (weight is your clue).
- Don’t fear ugly art -- you’re buying the frame.
- Keep a tape measure in your bag.
- Think beyond the frame’s current color -- paint and Rub 'n Buff are your friends.
- If you're going for a shabby chic look, you can achieve it with some new paint and a little distressing.
The next time you pass the frame aisle, slow down. Look past the faded prints and dated matting. There’s almost always a gem hiding in plain sight.
Tell me -- are you team ornate gold or team minimal wood?
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