After several years of blogging, as well as occasionally hosting events related to my blog, I’ve accumulated a wide variety of random items. Some of the various collections you might find at our studio include spray bottles, automotive accessories, apothecary jars, every imaginable shade of construction paper, and more. While we can and do use many of these items while working on new blog posts, a few of these collections just end up collecting dust.
One collection in particular that has been sitting around and collecting dust is a big pile of picture frames in assorted sizes. I’ve had the nagging thought that I should really figure out what to do with all those frames, and I’ve finally decided to do something about it!
Since I hate to throw things away if I can help it, I thought I’d look online for some inspiring ideas for ways I could use these frames. And as usual, I was not disappointed! 🙂
I’ve gathered 13 brilliant picture frame projects from some of the most talented DIYers around the web. If you have any empty frames at home that are collecting dust, this is a sign that it’s time to do something about it! 😉
If you don’t have any frames at home, you can usually find inexpensive ones at thrift stores that would be perfect. So without any further ado, here are 13 clever ways to use old picture frames. Make sure to click on the name of each project for more details!
13 Amazing Ways To Use An Old Picture Frame
1. Charging Station
Inspiration from The DIY Mommy
Turn a picture frame into a charging station for all of your electronics! Not only will you be more likely to charge your phone, but you’ll always know where it is.
2. Filing Cabinet Upgrade
Inspiration from While They Snooze
Has your old filing cabinet seen better days? A few old picture frames could take your filing cabinet from shabby to chic!
3. DIY Mould and Deckle
Inspiration from This NZ Life
If you’ve read my tutorial on how to make paper you’ll know a mould and deckle can be a BIG help! Learn how to make one out of old picture frames in this handy guide from This NZ Life.
4. Magnetic Message Board
Inspiration from The House Of Smiths
Turn a large thrifted frame into a functional magnetic organizational board. It’s an easy and stylish way to keep track of all of those important little papers that are always cluttering up your counters.
5. Upcycled Frame Chalkboard
Inspiration from Dream A Little Bigger
There are always really pretty open back frames to be found at the thrift store and this is a great use for them. Make your own cute framed chalkboard for lists, favorite quotes, and more!
6. Dry Erase Message Board
from One Good Thing By Jillee
Old frames with glass are perfect for this pretty and functional erasable message board that can serve as a menu board, a family calendar, a notice board, and more!
7. Picture Frame Serving Tray
Inspiration from My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia
This beautiful tiled tray could easily run you $30+ at a home decor store, but you can DIY one for a fraction of the cost. And if dealing with tile seems like it might be outside your comfort zone, you could easily use a piece of pretty scrapbook paper instead.
8. Bathroom Storage Shelf
Inspiration from I Heart Naptime
I love this bathroom storage idea from my good friend Jamielyn! She spray painted a great thrift store frame and then added knick knacks from around her house to add stylish storage to her bathroom wall. Her frame already had shelves when she bought it, but it probably wouldn’t be too difficult to replicate using some wood scraps from a home improvement store.
9. Gallery Wall Shelving
Inspiration from Shanty-2-Chic
These framed shelves are such a great way to use old mismatched frames! They’re made from frames attached to scrap plywood and then spray painted white. They look great and they’re practical too!
10. Empty Frame Gallery Wall
Inspiration from Everyday Lovely
You can use frames as a decor item on their own! I love this gallery wall display using picture frames of all shapes and sizes. It’s whimsical with a bit of vintage charm!
11. Shabby Chic Jewelry Display
Inspiration from Kevin & Amanda
My favorite jewelry organizers are the ones that double as decor, like this one! All you need is an old picture frame and some wire to create an earring holder that you’ll be proud to keep on display in your bedroom.
12. Key Hook Rack
Inspiration from Everyday Dishes
Use an old picture frame to make a quick and easy key rack! Having one central place where you hang up your keys makes it so much easier to keep track of them.
13. Tabletop Desk Organizer
Inspiration from The Wishful Tinker
I love the look of this picture frame desk organizer! It’s very stylish and would look great on your desktop. But it doesn’t skimp on functionality either, with it’s tiered pockets for mail, bills, pens, or whatever else you want to keep track of.
