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DIY Poster Framing: Affordable and Creative Ways to Showcase Large Posters

Posters have a unique way of bringing personality and style into a room. Whether it’s a vintage movie poster, a music festival print, or a large art piece, finding the right frame can be tricky—especially if the poster is oversized or doesn’t match standard frame dimensions. Store-bought frames can be expensive and limiting, which is why learning how to make your own poster frame is both cost-effective and rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll explore different DIY poster frame ideas, from simple budget-friendly methods to more polished wood designs.

Why Make Your Own Poster Frame?

  1. Cost Savings – A large poster frame from a store can cost anywhere from $50–$200. Building your own frame often costs a fraction of that.

  2. Customization – You can cut to size for oversized posters, experiment with materials, and match your frame to your interior design.

  3. Creativity – Making poster frames yourself allows you to try unique finishes, textures, and display methods that aren’t available in pre-made frames.

Cheap Ways to Frame Posters

If your main goal is to save money, here are some easy DIY poster frame ideas:

  • Binder Clips & Hanging Rods: Use large binder clips or poster hangers with a wooden dowel or magnetic strips. It’s modern, minimal, and requires no tools.

  • Foam Board & Tape: Mount your poster onto foam board with double-sided tape. It gives structure and can be leaned against a wall or hung inexpensively.

  • Washi Tape Borders: If you want something temporary and playful, washi tape can act as a colorful faux-frame directly on the wall.

These are great for students, renters, or anyone looking for a cheap way to frame posters without committing to permanent frames.

DIY Wood Poster Frame

For a more durable option, a DIY wood poster frame creates a professional look without the price tag.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Four pieces of wood (cut to poster size)

  • Wood glue or screws

  • Saw (or have hardware store cut to size)

  • Sandpaper

  • Stain or paint (optional)

Steps:

  1. Measure & Cut – Measure your poster carefully and cut the wood pieces.

  2. Assemble Frame – Glue or screw the corners together to create a rectangle.

  3. Smooth & Finish – Sand the edges and stain or paint the wood if desired.

  4. Mount Poster – Secure your poster with clips, backing board, or acrylic sheets.

This method is ideal for framing oversized posters or when you want a frame that complements furniture or décor.

Creative Ways to Frame a Poster

Sometimes a standard wood frame feels too plain. If you want to highlight your poster in a unique way, consider:

  • Floating Frames: Sandwich the poster between two acrylic sheets for a modern, frameless look.

  • Reclaimed Wood: Use old barn wood or pallets for a rustic vibe.

  • Split Frames: Build two top-and-bottom wooden slats that hold the poster with magnets or screws. Easy to swap artwork in and out.

  • Fabric Mats: Add textile borders (linen, canvas, burlap) for texture around your print.

These ideas allow you to make your own poster frame while turning it into a design feature.

How to Frame Large or Oversized Posters

A common challenge is how to frame a large poster that doesn’t fit standard sizes. Pre-made frames often don’t exist, and custom framing can be expensive.

Options:

  • DIY Cut-to-Size Frames – Buy molding strips or wood trim from a hardware store and cut them to your poster’s dimensions.

  • Poster Display Rails – Use long magnetic or clamp-style rails on top and bottom.

  • Foam Core Backing – Mount the poster on a sturdy backing, then edge it with thin wooden strips.

If your poster is too big for a frame, these solutions give you flexibility without needing to pay for costly custom work.

My Personal DIY Poster Framing Experience

A few years ago, I bought a concert poster that was nearly 40 inches wide. Custom framing was quoted at over $250—way beyond my budget. Instead, I decided to build a poster frame myself. I bought pine trim from the hardware store, cut it with a handsaw, and used wood glue and clamps to assemble it. After sanding and staining it a deep walnut color, I secured the poster with backing board and small nails.

The total cost? About $35, and the result looked like something from a framing shop. That project gave me confidence to try more do it yourself poster frames, and now I regularly frame my prints this way.

Easy Step-by-Step DIY Poster Frame (Quick Version)

  1. Measure your poster

  2. Buy wood trim (or pre-cut molding)

  3. Assemble with glue or screws

  4. Sand and finish

  5. Secure poster with clips, tape, or backing board

This simple approach works for making poster frames of all sizes, from standard prints to oversized artwork.

Final Thoughts

Framing a large poster doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few tools and creativity, you can build your own poster frame, experiment with DIY poster display ideas, and even find cheap ways to frame posters that look high-end.

Whether you go with a DIY wood poster frame for durability or a minimalist clip-and-rail system for flexibility, the satisfaction of making something yourself adds just as much value as the poster you’re displaying.