Decorating with empty frames is one of my favorite ways to enhance spaces in our home. Today I’m sharing 8 ways to use empty picture frames in decor and how I determine when one should be incorporated in my design.
I have several empty frames in many shapes and sizes that are chalk painted in neutral tones, white, off white and gray. All are wooden picture frames in different styles. I typically buy my frames at flea markets, vintage stores and on the Facebook Market place. I’m always on the lookout for frames with pretty details and love to find ones that are unique in shape because having many styles on hand ensures that I have the right one available when needed. Often they are already painted, if not I will grab my trusty Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to give them a little makeover before using them in my decor. Below is 8 ways to use empty picture frames in decor.
1. Frames to Fill a Space
My favorite way to use frames is to help fill in a space. This little wreath pictured above was too small for this wall space next to our mantel. By “framing” it you can see how it is in scale with the space. This is a great solution when faced with the issue of a wall hanging looking too small for a space. You can even frame a framed picture that may look like a postage stamp on a large wall space. For information on determining if a wall hanging is too small, Apartment Therapy has you covered in this post.
Here is another example of using a frame to ensure this floral piece fits into this space. In this design I used this muted gold vintage frame around this wood flower nosegay that I made awhile back. Without the frame you can see how this bouquet would be too small over our mantel and rather lackluster. By adding the frame the design is easily up-leveled. I simply removed the glass and frame mat and this gold frame became the inspiration for adding these gold candleholders.
2. Frames as a Faux Tray
Another use for empty frames is to use them as a faux trays. You can see here I placed a frame on our coffee table before placing these milk glass vases with pink allium. I love how the frame…well “frames” this collection.
In this space I used a frame to elevate this beautiful bouquet from Gracefully Restored. I wanted something to help showcase the bouquet and this frame did the trick.
3. Frames on the Ceiling ?!?
I looooove the idea of using a picture frame on the ceiling to decorate a chandelier or light fixture. Such a simple and creative way to elevate a light fixture. This has me thinking about our DIY orb light fixture! I found this idea here on Pinterest!
4. Frames on a Gallery Wall
Empty frames as part of a gallery wall offers many ways to change out decor pieces through the seasons. You can see here that I hung a simple peony ball from the frame in the lower left hand side. This peony ball would be easy to switch out for a small boxwood wreath at Christmas. As you know, I love to create spaces that allow for changes and empty frames offer endless options.
5. Frames to Balance a Space
Here I am using two gray frames to make this mantel decor look more balanced. Mixed with this collection of mirrors the gray brings a nice contrasting color to this Valentines table for two space. I am often leaning frames on my mantel – not all frames have to be hung to impact a space!
6. Frames to Enhance Florals
For this faux floral wall hanging I added a collection of frames to add interest to this bouquet. With the added frames you can see this otherwise simple wall hanging fits perfectly in this space between our Pottery Barn inspired ticking stripe curtains in our living room. I share this details on this wall arrangement here.
7. Frames as a Part of your Tablescape
Frames are great to use on a tablescape. I used a beautiful gold frame under this place setting last fall and loved how it turned out.
8. Frames as a Base for a Wreath
Last week I made a frame wreath using…you guessed it – a frame as the base. I take you through the process of designing this wreath in a two part IGtv series which you can find here. Here are 2 other frame wreaths I’ve made.
You can watch me make this fall frame wreath here.
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I think you can see why having empty frames on hand is a good idea. They are inexpensive and so versatile. It is a rarity for me not to have one or two showcasing or filling in a space in our home. They are by far one of my favorite decorating “props” and I loved sharing these ideas with you today! Thanks for checking out my 8 ways to use empty picture frames in decor! For more ideas visit my Pinterest board on Frames in decor.
