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I Stopped Buying Expensive Wall Art and Started Thrifting Frames Instead
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items Bare walls were staring at me for months after we moved. I refused to spend $80 on generic prints from a home decor store, so I started hitting thrift shops, spray painting old frames, and filling them with family photos and free printable art. This ...
Sections
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Spray Paint That Actually Covers Old Frame Finishes
Affordable Frames Worth Painting or Using As-Is
Photo Printing Without Leaving Your Couch
Hanging Hardware That Won't Destroy Your Walls
Free and Cheap Printable Art to Fill Extra Frames
Cleaning Supplies for Grimy Thrift Store Finds
Spray Paint That Actually Covers Old Frame Finishes
The first frame I thrifted was this ugly brassy gold from 1987. I needed paint that would cover it in one coat without dripping. Took me three cans of different brands before I found the ones that work on wood, metal, and plastic frames without sandi...
Grab this for any dark or metallic frame you want to go white. I sprayed a chunky brass frame from Goodwill and it looked like Pottery Barn in two light coats. No primer needed.
Rust-Oleum, Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint
Use this when you want that soft, chalky farmhouse look. My neighbor thought I paid $40 for a frame that cost me $2 and one coat of this stuff. Dries in like 20 minutes too.
Linen White, Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Spray Paint
Switch to black when you want a modern gallery wall vibe. I did three mismatched thrift frames in satin black and suddenly they looked like a set. Nobody can tell they're from three different decades.
Krylon COLORmaxx Paint + Primer, Gloss, Black, 12 oz
Try this on a plain wooden frame when you want something richer than basic white. I used it on a $1 yard sale frame and my sister asked if it was from West Elm. It wasn't.
Oil Rubbed Bronze, Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Paint
Keep this around for frames that might end up in a bathroom or kitchen. The enamel finish handles humidity way better than flat paint. Learned that the hard way when my bathroom frame started peeling.
Rust-Oleum, Spray Paint, 12 oz, White
Perfect if you're painting plastic or laminate frames that regular paint slides right off of. Bonds without sanding, which saved me an hour on a Dollar Tree frame project last month.
Krylon Fusion All-In-One, Satin, White, 12 oz
Snag this for a slightly shinier finish that wipes clean easily. Great for kids' rooms where sticky fingers are inevitable. One can covered four 8x10 frames for me.
White, Rust-Oleum American Accents 2X Ultra Cover
Affordable Frames Worth Painting or Using As-Is
Not every frame needs to come from a thrift store. Sometimes you just need a cheap blank canvas to customize. These are all under $10 and look way more expensive once you add a coat of paint or just pop in the right photo.
Grab a few of these for a uniform gallery wall. They already come in black, so if that's your vibe, skip the painting entirely. I bought six and had a full wall done in an afternoon.
Mainstays – 5x7 Picture Frame
Use this for a slightly bigger statement piece. The mat makes any regular photo look like you got it professionally framed. I put our wedding photo in one and my mom thought I spent $50.
Mainstays 11 x 14 White Gallery Picture Frame, Matted to 8
Try this size for an anchor piece in your gallery wall. One large frame surrounded by smaller ones keeps things from looking cluttered. Spray painted mine gold and it pulls the whole wall together.
Better Homes & Gardens – 11x14 Picture Frame
Keep a handful of these for quick gifts. Paint them, stick in a printed photo, wrap it up. My friend cried when I gave her a framed pic of her dog. Total cost was maybe $3.
Mainstays 8-Opening 4 x 6 Collage Picture Frame, Black
Skip the paint on this one because the wood grain already looks expensive. I put a black and white family photo in it and set it on our bookshelf. Instant cozy without trying.
Mainstays 5 x 7 Picture Frame, Rustic Gray
Pair this with a candid family photo for your nightstand. The gold is subtle, not gaudy. My husband actually noticed it and said it looked nice, which basically never happens with decor.
Mainstays Linear Gallery Gold Picture Frame, 8 x 10, Plastic
Toss a square-cropped Instagram photo in here for something different. The floating effect makes even a casual snapshot look artsy. Printed mine at the photo center for 50 cents.
Mainstays 11 x 14 Black Wide Float Picture Frame
Photo Printing Without Leaving Your Couch
I used to procrastinate printing photos for months because it felt like a whole errand. Then I figured out you can order prints online and just pick them up. No more 4,000 photos trapped on my phone doing nothing.
Use this with your home printer when you need photos right now, not tomorrow. The glossy finish looks legit. I printed 20 family photos on a Sunday night and framed them all before bed.
Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper Inkjet Printer 4X6
Grab this for the little instant printer if you have one. The sticky backs are perfect for sticking inside locker-sized frames or on your fridge. My kids love picking which photos to print.
HP Sprocket 2x3" Acid-Free Glossy Photo Paper
Switch to this if your current printer makes every photo look orange. Color accuracy is solid and the ink doesn't cost your whole paycheck. Paid for itself after about 30 home-printed photos.
Canon PIXMA TS3722 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer
Keep a backup set in your drawer because running out of ink mid-project is the worst. I was printing holiday photos and the cyan died halfway through. Never again.
Remanufactured ONN HP 63 Black & Tri-Color Inkjet
Try the refillable ink tank route if you print a lot. The bottles last forever compared to cartridges. My cost per photo dropped to basically nothing and the quality is sharp.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Perfect for printing larger photos at home that actually look professional. I did an 8x10 of our vacation sunset and framed it. Guests always think it's a real print from a photo lab.
KODAK Glossy Photo Paper, 4"x6", 100ct, Instant Dry
Snag the 100-pack because once you start printing, you won't stop. I went through 60 sheets in one weekend making frames for every room. The finish resists fingerprints too.
HP Advanced Glossy Photo Paper |100 Sheets
Hanging Hardware That Won't Destroy Your Walls
Our landlord made it very clear about holes in the walls. So I had to figure out how to hang 15 frames without turning the drywall into Swiss cheese. These actually hold and come off clean.
Use these on anything under 3 pounds and your walls stay perfect. I've moved frames around four times and there's not a single mark. Renters, this is your best friend.
Command Picture Hanging Strips Medium - Easy Installation
Grab the large ones for 11x14 frames and bigger. They hold up to 16 pounds per pack, which is way more than any painted thrift frame weighs. Been holding strong for eight months now.
Command Large Picture Hanging Strips, White 27 Pairs/Pack
Keep this kit in a drawer for when you actually own the walls. Has hooks for every weight range. I hung our heaviest mirror with the 50-pound hook and it hasn't budged since March.
Customer reviews for Ook Professional Picture Hanging Kit
Toss a couple of these on the back of any wooden frame that doesn't already have hardware. They nail in with two tiny taps and hold surprisingly well. Did all my thrift frames in ten minutes.
Hillman Anchor Wire Sawtooth Hangers - Pack of 4
Try this when you want to micro-adjust the height without re-sticking anything. I'm slightly obsessive about getting frames perfectly level and this saved me from re-doing the strips five times.
Picture Hanging Wire | Walmart.ca
Use this for frames on textured walls where strips don't stick great. Cut it to size, press firmly, done. My stucco-textured accent wall finally has frames on it thanks to this stuff.
Gorilla, Mounting Tape, Heavy Duty, 60" Black Weatherproof
Bring this out before you commit to hanging anything. One crooked frame will haunt you every time you walk past it. Trust me, I lived with a tilted frame for three weeks before I caved and fixed it.
Stanley FatMax 43-609M 11-3/4" Magnetic Torpedo Level
Free and Cheap Printable Art to Fill Extra Frames
Once I had more frames than family photos, I started printing free art from the internet. Botanical drawings, vintage maps, quotes. Our hallway went from sad and empty to looking like a curated gallery for the price of printer ink.
Pair this with a free botanical print downloaded online and nobody will know it's not from a real art shop. I printed a fern illustration and it looks like something from an Anthropologie catalog.
Mainstays 11 x 14 White Gallery Picture Frame, Matted to 8
Get these and let your kids make the art for some of the frames. My 6-year-old drew our family as stick figures and it's honestly my favorite piece in the whole house. Visitors always smile at it.
Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 50 Ct, School Supplies
Use heavier paper when you're printing art at home so it doesn't curl or look flimsy behind the glass. Regular printer paper buckles. This stuff lies flat and feels substantial.
Canson, Mixed Media Pad, 9x12 inches, Side Wire
Grab this for making colorful mats when your frame doesn't come with one. Cut a rectangle out of the middle, layer it over your print. Instant custom matting for about 5 cents.
240 Sheets 8.5" x 11" 240P Colored Cardstock 80 Assorted Colors
Try this instead of scissors when cutting prints to size. Clean straight edges make everything look professional. I butchered three prints with scissors before I bought this and wished I'd started here.
Customer reviews for Fiskars Rotary Trimmer: 12 inches
Use this to stick your print to the mat so it doesn't shift around inside the frame. Nothing worse than opening a frame three months later and finding the art has slid to one corner.
Scotch, Double Sided Tape Runner, .27 in x 26 ft, Red
Keep a stack of plain white paper for test prints before you use the good photo paper. I wasted four sheets of glossy paper on a blurry image before I started doing test runs first.
HP Copy & Print20, 20lb, 8.5 x 11, 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
Cleaning Supplies for Grimy Thrift Store Finds
Some thrift store frames smell like a basement from 1974. Others have sticky price tag residue that won't quit. Before you paint anything, you need to clean it properly or the paint peels right off within a week.
Grab this immediately because every thrift frame has at least two stubborn price stickers on it. A few drops, wait 30 seconds, wipe clean. Saved me from scratching up the surface with my fingernail.
Goo Gone Sticky Adhesive Remover, Spray Gel
Use these for a quick wipe-down before painting. You don't know where that frame has been and honestly you don't want to. Gets rid of dust, mystery grime, and any lingering thrift store smell.
Clorox Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes, Bleach Free
Toss a drop of this in warm water for frames that need more than a wipe. Greasy wooden frames come clean without stripping the finish. I use an old toothbrush to get into carved details.
Dawn Ultra, Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent, 18 Fl oz
Perfect for scrubbing glass from old frames without leaving scratches. The soft side handles dust and the scrubby side tackles whatever mystery residue was living on the glass.
Scotch-Brite, Cleaning Sponges, Blue
Keep this nearby for the final glass polish before you put your photo in. Fingerprints behind the glass will drive you crazy forever. Ask me how I know.
Windex Glass Cleaner, Original Blue, 23 Fl Oz
Use a light sanding on glossy or lacquered frames so the spray paint actually grips. Skip this step and you'll see paint flaking off within a month. Takes two minutes and makes a huge difference.
3M Pro-Pak Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper Sheet - 220 Grit
Snag a pack to keep near your workspace. Paper towels leave lint on wet paint and freshly cleaned glass. These don't. I go through about three per project.
Customer reviews for Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Gallery Wall Layout Tools So You Don't Eyeball It
My first attempt at a gallery wall was a disaster. Everything was crooked and unevenly spaced. Looked like I hung frames during an earthquake. These tools fixed that without needing to be an interior designer.
Use this to map out your layout on the wall before hammering anything. Tape outlines of each frame shape, step back, adjust. Way easier than filling 12 unnecessary nail holes.
ScotchBlue, Painter's Tape, 0.94 in. x 60 yd., Multi-Surface
Grab a real tape measure instead of guessing distances with your hand span. Equal spacing between frames is the difference between gallery wall and garage sale display. Three inches apart is the sweet spot.
Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure, 25-Ft. x 1-In. 1 Pack
Try these paper templates if you want a pre-designed layout without the math. Tape them up, see how it looks, swap pieces around. Took the stress out of planning completely.
Mainstays Black Matted Gallery Wall Picture Frame Set, 7pc
Bring this out for rows of frames that need to be perfectly aligned. Your eye will lie to you. Mine told me a frame was straight when it was a full inch off. The level doesn't lie.
STANLEY FatMax 43-549 48-Inch Magnetic Box Beam Level
Use these to mark nail placement on painter's tape so you can see exactly where to drill or hammer. Pencil marks disappear on blue tape. Sharpie stays visible.
Sharpie Permanent Marker, Ultra Fine Point, Black, 2-Pack
Perfect if you want matching frames without hunting through thrift stores. Paint them all one color or leave them black for a clean modern look. Layout guide included, which saves a ton of time.
Mainstays Black Matted Gallery Wall Picture Frame Set 8"
Stick these on the wall to label where each frame goes during layout. Write the frame size on each note so you don't mix up placements. Sounds extra but it saved me from rehanging three frames.
Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3x3 in, Summer Joy Collection
Touch-Up Paint and Detail Brushes for Small Fixes
Spray paint gets 90% of the job done but there are always little spots it misses. Corners, carved details, that one edge where the tape was. A small brush and some craft paint handles the rest.
Keep a bottle of this around for touching up any spots the spray paint missed. Costs less than $2 and one bottle has lasted me through about 15 frame projects so far.
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint, Matte Finish, White, 8 fl oz
Grab the black too for dark frames that need corner touch-ups. Matches most matte and satin black spray paints almost exactly. A tiny dab on a brush and the chip disappears.
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint, Matte Finish, Black, 8 fl oz
Use the smallest brush in this set for getting into ornate frame carvings. Spray paint pools in the grooves and these let you smooth it out or add paint where it didn't reach.
Royal & Langnickel Assorted Shaped White Taklon Art
Try this for touching up gold frames without respraying the whole thing. The metallic finish matches well and a little goes far. I fixed a chipped corner in about 30 seconds.
FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint
Use a thin coat of this over painted frames for extra durability. It seals everything and prevents chipping from bumps. Especially helpful for frames in high-traffic areas like hallways.
Mod Podge Matte Sealer, Glue & Finish
Tape off the glass before spray painting so you don't spend 20 minutes scraping paint off with a razor blade afterward. Learned this lesson on my very first frame. Very annoying mistake.
ScotchBlue, Painter's Tape, 1.41 in. x 60 yd., Multi-Surface
Toss this down in your garage or patio before spraying. Overspray gets everywhere and your landlord will not appreciate a white paint outline on the concrete. Speaking from experience.
Plastic Drop Cloth
Tabletop Display Options When You Run Out of Wall Space
After I filled every wall, I still had frames I wanted to display. Shelves, mantels, nightstands. Leaning frames on surfaces gives a more casual, layered look anyway. Sometimes it looks even better than hanging.
Set this on a bookshelf or desk and lean another frame behind it for a layered look. The easel back is sturdy enough that it won't topple every time someone walks past.
Mainstays 5 x 7 White Step Picture Frame
Use these as a ledge to lean frames on instead of hanging them. You can swap photos anytime without new nail holes. My hallway ledge gets rearranged basically every month.
Mainstays White 16.5" Wood Floating Shelves, Set of 2
Perfect for a nightstand or bathroom shelf. The rustic finish doesn't need any painting. I put a candid photo of my kids in it and it's the first thing I see every morning.
Better Homes & Gardens – 4x6 Picture Frame
Try using a plate stand to display a frame on a shelf at an angle. It looks intentional and artsy. I found this trick on Pinterest and it actually works. Holds up to 8x10 frames easily.
10 Inch Wooden Plate Stand - Easel & Book Display Stand
Grab this for grouping multiple photos without needing four separate frames. Fits on a mantel or wide shelf. I filled mine with seasonal family photos and rotate them every few months.
4x6 Collage Picture Frame
Lean this against a stack of books on a shelf for that casual styled look. The white frame disappears into the background and lets the photo do all the talking.
Mainstays Step Picture Frame, 8 x 10, White
Use a single wider shelf for a mini gallery ledge. Layer three or four frames of different sizes, tuck a small plant next to them. My living room shelf took ten minutes to set up and looks like I hired someone.
Mainstays Walnut 16.5" Wood Floating Shelves, Set of 2
Accent Pieces That Make Your Frame Display Look Finished
A wall full of frames looks good. A wall full of frames with a few small extras looks like it belongs in a magazine. Little things like a small plant, a candle, or a woven basket nearby tie everything together.
Toss a tiny succulent in this and set it on the same shelf as your frames. It breaks up the visual monotony and adds life. Literally and figuratively. Cost me $3 total with a clearance plant.
(3 pack) Mainstays 5" White Ceramic Bubble Planter
Set this on a mantel or shelf near your frames for warmth. The amber glass jar looks expensive and the scent is unreal. Visitors always comment on how our living room smells.
Better Homes & Gardens Cinnamon Buttercream Scented Candle
Use a woven basket below your gallery wall to anchor the space. Throw blankets or magazines in it. It gives the eye somewhere to land and makes the whole wall feel more designed.
Mainstays Oval Natural Seagrass Storage Basket
Grab this for a shelf or console table near your frames. Even empty it looks intentional. I stuck three dried eucalyptus stems in mine and it photographs so well for video calls.
Better Homes & Gardens White Handled Ceramic Vase
Perfect if you kill every plant you touch. This looks real enough that I've had people try to water it. Zero maintenance and it fills that empty spot on the shelf nicely.
Mainstays 3-Piece Succulent Set in Gray Cement Planters
Drape this over a shelf or around a frame grouping for texture. It softens everything and adds that boho-cozy vibe without spending real money. Found it near the candles at the store.
Wood Bead Garland Holiday Time
Lean your family initial next to a cluster of frames on a shelf. It personalizes the display without being cheesy. I spray painted ours white to match the frames and it ties everything together.
Mainstays 5 x 7 Etched Leaves Wood Picture Frame
Storage for Your Growing Frame Collection
Once you start thrifting frames, you can't stop. I have a problem. There are frames in my closet, under my bed, in the garage. These keep the extras organized so my spouse doesn't stage an intervention.
Use this for storing painted frames that are waiting for photos. The clear sides let you see what's inside without opening every bin. I have two full bins and I'm not ashamed. Mostly.
Sterilite 56 Qt Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Latching Lid
Wrap finished frames in this before stacking them in storage. Glass cracks way easier than you think when frames slide against each other. A minute of wrapping saves a trip back to the thrift store.
Scotch Cushion Wrap 12-inch x 10-ft (Pack of 4)
Grab a few of these for transporting frames from the thrift store. I broke two frames on the drive home before I started boxing them up in the car. Costs like $2 and saves the whole haul.
Small Moving Box
Stick these on your storage bins so you know which sizes are where. Sounds excessive until you're digging through three bins looking for an 8x10 at 9pm on a Sunday. Labels save sanity.
Avery, Removable Labels, 1" x 3", White, Pack of 72
Use smaller clip boxes for storing extra hanging hardware, sawtooth hangers, and Command strip refills. Everything in one spot means you're not tearing through junk drawers mid-project.
Sterilite Large Clip Box, Clear Plastic Storage Bin
Toss sheets of this between stacked frames as a cheaper alternative to bubble wrap. It cushions without taking up much space. I reuse the same sheets multiple times before recycling.
UBMOVE Packing Paper Newsprint for Moving
Use the ultra fine tip to write frame dimensions on the packing paper or label. When you've got 20 frames in storage, you'll forget what size is what. Future you will be grateful.
Sharpie Twin Tip Black Permanent Marker, Fine and Ultra