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Easy DIY Picture Frame for Art or Posters

This DIY picture frame is an easy and cheap solution for framing large art prints or posters. It’s simple, rustic look is perfect for the farmhouse or cottage style.

Not long ago I scored 2 lovely art prints from a thrift store. I’d been looking for art for a specific spot, and they were just perfect!

Except, they weren’t framed.

Custom picture frames can be very pricey, so we tried out a quick and easy diy picture frame using inexpensive 1 x 2 boards. It’s was the perfect solution!

DIY picture frame that is easy to make at home

How to make a DIY Picture Frame for Art or Posters

DIY poster frame hanging on the wall
The main ingredient of this DIY picture frame is 1 x 2 boards.

Supplies you’ll need for this homemade picture frame:

  • 1x 2 boards – the length of the circumference of your art print.
  • Miter saw (Or if you measure carefully, you can have it cut at your local hardware store.
  • Air Brad Nail Gun
  • Wood Stain (I used the color provincial)
  • Foam brush
  • Rag
  • Staple Gun
  • Sawtooth hanger

1. Measure the length of the top and bottom of your art print.

A piece of art work with a wooden rail cut the length of the top and bottom in preparation for making a DIY poster or picture frame.
Measure and cut the first 2 rails the length of the top and bottom of the poster for this homemade picture frame.

Using the miter saw, cut 2 pieces out the length of the measurement you calculated.

2. Measure for the side pieces by placing the top and bottom rails on top of the art print.

Using a measuring tape to measure the length to cut the sides of a DIY poster or picture frame
Measuring for the side pieces is easier when the top and bottom are already cut.

The length of the side pieces will be the distance between the top and bottom rails. Cut 2 pieces that length.

3. Attach the 4 rail pieces together at the corners with a brad nailer.

Using a brad nailer to attach the 4 corners of a homemade picture frame together.
A brad nailer makes quick work of attaching this DIY Photo Frame together. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a hammer and small nails.

The brads will be located on the top and bottom corners of the frame, so they’ll be hidden when it is hung up.

4. Finish the frame with stain or paint.

Minwax Provincial stain and a foam brush to apply stain to the homemade picture frame.
Staining the homemade picture frame will make it look more rustic. However, if you want a more modern look, you could paint it.

You can finish the frame in whatever finish you’d prefer – or even just leave it as raw wood. 

I stained ours in Minwax Providence Stain.

Tips for staining wood projects:

  1. Stir the wood stain well with a stir stick.
  2. Apply stain to the wood with a foam brush or rag.
  3. After applying, rub off the excess stain with a lint free rag.
  4. If you would like a lighter application of stain, apply with a rag and built it up with additional coats if desired.
  5. If you would like a darker application of stain, let the stain sit on the surface for a few minutes before wiping off.

5. Secure the art print or poster to the back of the frame with a staple gun.

Use a staple gun to attach the art or poster to the finished diy picture frame.
Staple the art piece to the back of the finished frame.

6. Position a sawtooth hanger in the center of the top rail on the back of the frame and nail it on.

Hammer a sawtooth hanger to the back of the picture frame to hang it on a wall.
Marking the center of the top of the frame will help you get the sawtooth hanger on the DIY frame centered.

Since these frames are relatively light, I just attached one sawtooth hanger on the back of these. However, if your frame is even larger, you may want to put one on both the left and right top corners of the frame.

2 Farmhouse art prints hung in DIY poster frames
These simple DIY picture frames are a great – and cheap!- option for hanging large art or posters.

More DIY picture or poster frame ideas:

For more home decor ideas for your walls, check out my Wall Decor Pinterest Board here.

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6 Comments

  1. I love the frames you made. And it doesn’t seem like a hard project to start, especially since I am just getting into DIY projects.

  2. Gorgeous and easy diy frames! These are so pretty, and can be made for so many different art pieces, including printables! I’m thinking painting some white or black would be so pretty, too! Pinned!

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