Thrifted Frame Makeover Hacks

Confession: I’m addicted to buying old picture frames at the thrift store. I have a room in my house with frames stacked along the wall, waiting to be used. And yet, every time I go to the thrift store, I’m back looking at the frames, again. I told Mike that this would be my year to actually hang some of these frames, rather than just buying and hoarding them! (Another confession: I am terrible about hanging things on the wall. It overwhelms me to try and figure out what I actually want to be staring at all the time!)

But guess what? I’ve started doing that! And since I’ve been spending time working on my frame project, I thought I’d share some of my thrifted frame makeover hacks here with you. So that you can be inspired to start thrifting and collecting old frames!

Picture frames and mats can be so expensive. Thrifting them is so much cheaper! Plus, you can’t beat the look and details of these old frames. When I buy frames, I’m looking at both the frame and the mat board – rarely do I buy a frame that I like the artwork in. I use artwork that a family member painted, or free printable artwork. I shared a post last year on How to Create a DIY Faux Oil Painting with Mod Podge. In that post, I shared where to find free printable artwork and I’ll share that again here. It’s a great place to find artwork that looks like it belongs in these old frames!

Find free printable artwork at:

I’m sharing a video of what I do with the frames, it’s the easiest way to walk you through it. My method is pretty basic – professional framers please don’t judge my primitive techniques! But that means it’s easy enough for anyone to do. The main hack is changing out the retaining clips that you typically find in old frames, like framer’s points or staples. You replace those with turn button fasteners and you’re able to easily get your artwork or photos in and out of the frames.

Supplies for Thrifted Frame Makeover Hacks:

turn button fasteners
picture hanging hardware kit
sawtooth hangers
mat board cutter (this one is the brand we have)

Be sure to follow our DIY and Craft Pinterest Board for more inspiration!

-Manda