Cheap & Creative Ways to Frame Art Without Sacrificing Style
Framing your favorite art pieces doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’ve picked up a vintage print at a flea market or ordered a digital download from an online artist, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to frame art that look polished and professional. With a little creativity, you can give your space a curated feel without overspending.
1. Repurpose Old Frames
One of the cheapest ways to frame art is by giving old frames a second life. Check thrift stores, garage sales, or even your own attic for unused frames. A quick coat of spray paint or wood stain can completely transform them. This works especially well if you’re looking for a cheap way to frame pictures in different sizes without buying everything brand new.
2. Use Poster Hangers or Magnetic Strips
Poster hangers, often made from wood or metal, are an inexpensive framing idea that works beautifully for prints and art on paper. They’re simple, modern, and easy to swap out when you want to refresh your display. Magnetic strips offer a similar effect while keeping the focus on the art itself.
3. DIY Matting for a High-End Look
Matting can instantly elevate a print, but professional mat cutting can be expensive. Instead, buy a pre-cut mat from a craft store or cut your own using sturdy cardstock or foam board. This is an easy cheap way to frame art that makes the piece feel custom without the custom price.
4. Clipboards for a Playful Display
Clipboards are surprisingly stylish for casual or rotating art displays. They make it easy to change out prints, and you can hang several together for a gallery wall effect. This is perfect if you’re figuring out how to frame prints cheap without committing to expensive framing.
5. Washi Tape or Painter’s Tape Borders
For small art pieces, washi tape can serve as both decoration and “frame.” It’s colorful, easy to remove, and costs only a few dollars. Painter’s tape in neutral shades can create a minimalist look while protecting your walls.
6. Canvas Transfers
If you love the look of canvas but don’t want to pay for a custom wrap, consider DIY canvas transfers. Craft stores sell blank canvases you can use to mount your print for a gallery-style finish. This technique is one of the more inexpensive ways to frame art while still adding depth and texture.
7. Go Frameless with Floating Mounts
A floating frame effect can be achieved without buying a real floating frame. Simply mount your art on a slightly larger piece of foam board and hang it with adhesive strips, letting the wall color act as the “frame.”
My Personal Experience with Budget Framing
When I first moved into my apartment, I wanted to create a gallery wall but quickly realized that buying frames for each print would cost more than the art itself. I started hunting through local thrift shops and found a mix of mismatched frames for under $2 each. After sanding and painting them all matte black, I had a cohesive, high-end look—without spending more than $20 total. That project taught me that how to frame pictures cheap isn’t about cutting corners, but about making thoughtful choices with the resources you already have.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap way to frame art doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style. From repurposed frames to clever DIY techniques, the possibilities are endless for budget-friendly, beautiful displays. The key is creativity—once you start thinking beyond the traditional frame, you’ll see that almost anything can become a showcase for your favorite pieces.
