6 creative ways to use picture frames in your decor

Picture frames don’t have to be used to frame art. Sure, this traditional use is the most common, but there are lots of things you can use frames for.

These projects can be done with brand new frames or vintage finds.

In many cases, a vintage find will give you a charming, unique look that you just can’t get with a brand new frame. If you decide to give an old frame new life, be sure you refinish it the right way. Start by using a sander to

remove all paint or stains and to smooth the wood. Then, use paint or stain to update it. If you are painting several frames, consider using a paint spray

system to make its easy to cover a lot of frames with a smooth, even coat.

1. Kid’s art gallery

If you’re a parent, your kids are probably always bringing you master-pieces they did at school or created at the kitchen table. All these mas-terpieces are probably covering your fridge or even just taped to your

walls.

Use a few picture frames hung in a group to create a kids’ art gallery. Hang a string, or a few strings, across the back of the empty frames and then use paperclips or clothespins to hang the artwork from the strings.

This system makes it easy to rotate pictures in and out of the frames just as quickly as your little ones create them.

2. Framed Shelves

Take traditional floating shelves to the next level with frames. Install a shelf, the same width as your frame, to a wall. Then, attach a frame to the

shelf to give it some interest and a unique look. Use one large frame to house some books or hang a few in a group for knick-knacks and accessories.

3. Mug Display Case

Take the framed shelf idea to the next level by creating a grid of shelves, or cubbies, behind a frame and mounting the entire piece on a kitchen wall. This

is perfect for displaying your mug collection and storing mugs in a place where you can easily grab one first thing in the morning.

This can work for any collection and you can make the cubbies any size you want to house any kind of knick-knack or group of related items to show them

off and use them to make a statement in any room.

4. Unique Towel Racks

Who says towel racks have to be boring? Combine beauty and functionality by using frames in the bathroom. You can hang a few frames and use the bottom

edge to hang towels from or you can frame a few towel hooks with small frames. Be sure to treat the frames so they can withstand moisture.

5. Updated Vanity Mirror

Add a decorative edge to a vanity mirror in your bathroom or bedroom with a picture frame. This simple step can make the mirror look bigger, more de-

tailed and even built it. Use an existing frame or purchase some moulding to fit an odd-sized mirror. With this project, you can use removable adhesives

so you can change the look later.

6. Stylish Menu and Grocery List

Create a stylish menu or grocery list by adding a frame around a corkboard, chalkboard or even a piece of glass with decorative paper underneath it.

Then, you can pin lists and coupons to it or write directly on the board with chalk or a dry erase marker. Add a few hooks or clothespins to the frame to

hang keys or notes.

Picture frames are great thrift and vintage store finds, so next time you find a stylish frame, pick it up and transform it into a new piece of custom decor for your

home.

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