I wanted to add frames to my home to hold family pictures, but when I started looking, I was shocked at how expensive new frames have become! Since I love a good DIY project, I decided to check my local thrift store, and I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to update thrift store frames, this list has plenty of creative ideas to try!

Why Shop for Frames at the Thrift Store?

There are so many reasons why thrift store frames are worth the hunt:

• They’re budget-friendly – Buying frames new can add up quickly, but secondhand frames are usually just one dollar each.
• You can customize them – Since you’re saving money, you can afford to get creative with paint, fabric, or decorative details.
• They have character – Many older frames have unique shapes or details that are hard to find in modern styles.
• It’s a sustainable choice – Giving a frame a second life keeps it out of the landfill and reduces the demand for new materials.

 

How to Prep an Old Frame for a Makeover

Before diving into a DIY, I always take a few steps to clean and prepare my thrifted frames:

1. Take it apart
   • Carefully remove the glass and backing. If the backing is damaged, you can replace it with a piece of cardboard or mat board.
2. Clean the glass
   • Years of dust and grime can build up, so I soak the glass in warm soapy water, rinse it, and dry it completely before putting it back.
3. Wipe down the frame
   • Use a damp cloth or mild cleaner to remove dust. If the frame is wood, lightly sand any rough spots before painting or decorating. It’s important for it to be clean before painting.

12 ways to update thrift store frames

1. Cover in Fabric 

Wrapping a frame in fabric instantly adds texture and pattern. Use a fun floral print for a cottagecore look or velvet for a more luxe feel. Simply cut the fabric 2-3″ bigger than the frame, cover the frame with Elmer’s glue and wrap the fabric around the frame. Secure the fabric with hot glue on the back. Cut a rectangle for the middle and fold the fabric over, securing it with more hot glue.

Want detailed instructions including how to wrap a mat in fabric? Here’s the full tutorial for a DIY Upholstered Frame.

2. Create a Needlepoint Canvas 

For a unique and textured look, I used needlepoint canvas in a whole new way! First, I painted a design onto the canvas to serve as a guide. Then, over the next few weeks, I stitched over the painted design, adding depth and texture. Once finished, I wrapped the stitched canvas around the picture frame, securing it in place just like a fabric-wrapped frame. 

3. Cover in Seashells 

Give a frame a coastal feel by covering it in seashells! Use tacky gun and apply it with a paint brush to attach small shells on the front of the frame, placing them as close to each other for an organic look. I found these shells on the beach while on vacation so the frame is now sentimental. Plus the shells were free!

4. Add Bobbin Trim 

Bobbin trim gives a frame a playful, antique-inspired look. You can buy split wood balls that are perfect for this. Glue them onto the frame and then spray paint the whole frame one color. One mistake I made was using hot glue for the balls. It was messy and left strings. When I spray painted them they showed. I’d use tacky glue or wood glue in the future.

Note, I tried this again and used tacky glue that I brushed on with a paint brush. Then I applied the split wood balls– the tacky wood made it so they were easy to adjust the placement. When I spray painted them, they looked gorgeous! No bumps or strings from the hot glue. So this is definitely the way to go! This is such an easy method and effective way to upgrade a frame- it’s probably my favorite.

5. Paint Stripes

A simple way to make a frame pop is by painting bold stripes. My frame was beat up so I spray painted it white. Use Washi tape to create clean, even lines. Then spray paint again to seal the tape from bleeds. Paint on stripes in whatever color you want. I went with red to match the photo. Remove the tape when the paint is dry. It adds a bold geometric look! I love it!

6. Folk Art Painting 

Hand-painted folk art patterns can make a thrifted frame feel truly one-of-a-kind. Try painting delicate florals, simple geometric patterns, or even a scalloped border for a vintage-inspired look. The secret to this method is layering color and pattern. So the yellow flowers have a darker yellow dab of paint. The same with the leaves. Then I did a scallop on both borders- it makes for a lovely frame.

7. Add Decorative Transfers 

Rub-on transfers are a quick and easy way to elevate a plain frame. Floral transfers, vintage script, or even gold leaf designs can make a thrifted frame feel custom and high-end with minimal effort. Just cut out the design, remove the backing, then rub it on the frame with the end of a paint brush where wanted. Peel up the top piece of plastic to reveal the finished design.

The transfers didn’t show up well on the brown, so I tried it again on a white frame and it looks so good!

8. Cover with Wallpaper 

Wallpaper isn’t just for walls—it’s a great way to transform a thrifted frame, too! I started by cutting a piece of wallpaper a few inches larger than the frame. Then, I brushed Elmer’s glue onto both the frame and the wallpaper to ensure a strong bond. I carefully wrapped the wallpaper around the frame, smoothing out any bubbles and folding the edges neatly over the sides.

This method, similar to the fabric-wrapped frame, creates a seamless, high-end look with minimal effort!

9. Marble 

Marbling a frame is a more intricate process, but the results are stunning! To start, I created my own marbled paper. First, I treated the paper with mordant and let it dry for 24 hours. Next, I prepared the marbling bath by mixing acrylic paint with water and Ox gall, which helps the paint float on the surface. I splattered the paint onto the bath and used a tool to swirl it into a beautiful pattern.

Once the design was ready, I carefully dipped the paper into the bath, transferring the marble effect. After the paper dried, I wrapped it around the frame using the same technique as the fabric and wallpaper-wrapped frames. The end result is a high-end, one-of-a-kind marbled frame!

For the frame, I used the bobbin method and spray painted the frame with gold spray paint (which looks amazing!)

Want detailed instructions on this DIY? Here’s the full tutorial for how to marble paper.

10. Add Scallops 

Scallops are a fun, playful detail that can make a thrifted frame feel custom and unique. You can paint scalloped edges onto the frame, use scalloped-edge wallpaper, or even glue on thin wooden scallop trim for a dimensional effect. I had a sample of scalloped peel and stick wallpaper. After spray painting the frame, I cut out the wallpaper and put it on the frame. Fast and easy!

I also did this same method with green scallop wallpaper (again, I had a sample on hand). This time, the wallpaper was a traditional application so I brushed glue onto the frame and the back wallpaper to properly adhere them together. This frame wasn’t too ugly, but the scallop is more my style and I love the green color!

11. Bows from Clay 

For a whimsical and feminine touch, use air-dry clay to create molded bow embellishments. Simply press clay into a silicone bow mold, let it dry, paint them, then glue the bows onto the frame before painting. This is a great way to add texture and personality to a simple frame. Since I didn’t like the color of my frame, I spray painted it white. Then added ribbon to cover the words. It turned out so cute!

12. Add Ribbon and Trim

Ribbon and floral trim details can transform a plain frame into a soft, romantic piece. Wrap the trim around the edges for a vintage-inspired look, hot gluing it onto the back to hold it in place. I layered ribbon to cover the words from the original frame. The result is a delicate, elegant border around the frame.

Final Thoughts

I ended up making each frame a different color of the rainbow, and I love how they tuck into my bookcase. It was such a fun and creative way to update thrift store frames and display my family photos in a way that feels personal and joyful.

Surrounding myself with pictures of some of my happiest memories is really important to me, and now I have them beautifully displayed—without spending a fortune! Plus, knowing these frames were given new life in a sustainable way makes me love them even more.

Would you try any of these frame makeover ideas? Let me know in the comments!

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