Creative Photo Framing Ideas

Try trimming dull frames with interesting details, such as these gilded wheat stalks.

While personal taste is certainly the most important factor to consider when framing photos, you should also take into account other aspects of the framing process. Your frames should help to present your photos in the best possible light, while complementing the decor of the rooms in which you will display them. The right frame will help your photo to shine, without overwhelming it or clashing with it; it should also help protect your photo from damage or deterioration. Does this Spark an idea?

Painted Frames

If you find gilt frames like these gaudy, try freshening them up by painting them white.

Painting your photo frames is an excellent option if you are bored or unhappy with their current look. Try painting all the frames on a grouping of photos one color, as this will help to tie them together visually. If you find one of your current photo frames to be gaudy or tacky, try painting over it in a neutral color, such as beige or black. You can also paint decorative flourishes onto photo frames--try using stencils to add interesting shapes and embellishments to them. If you are in need of inexpensive photo frames, buy an assortment at a thrift store and repaint them--they will look as if they are brand new.

Embossed Frames

For a fun afternoon crafting project, try embossing your photo frames. This can be easily accomplished using embossing stamps and powders. Try stamping photo frames with overlapping fleur-de-lis, fish, flowers, foliage, insects, fruit or other decorative motifs.

Covered Frames

Muted tones like these flatter black-and-white photos.

Photo frames can be easily improved by re-covering them. Black-and-white photos will harmonize with frames covered in natural fibers, such as raw linen or burlap. Vintage prints can also enhance photos, as long as their patterns are not too busy. You can cover frames in other materials as well, such as ribbons or rickrack. With a few free minutes and a hot glue gun, you can add decorative trimming to any frame, using materials such as beads, costume jewelry, beans and other items.

Decorative Matting

This matting features too many competing colors, which will distract from your photo.

Nondescript frames can be rescued by using intriguing, flattering matting. Always use acid-free matting, as other types of matting may damage your photos. While some framers recommend matching matting colors to the photo's most prominent colors, such rules were made to be broken. Choose the matting colors that most appeal to you, taking into account that monochromatic tones tend to be most complementary.

Grouped Displays

Juxtaposing multiple photos with thematic similarities will create pleasing effects.

If you have a large collection of photos that you would like to display, experiment with placing groupings of them within a single large frame. Photos can be separated into thematic groups, such as sets taken on a particular occasion, photos from a particular place, photos which are all of the same person, photos which are all of the same activity, and so on. Arrange each grouping attractively within a single frame, using collage matting or by adhering them yourself.

Acetate Photos

Acetate paper offers a unique opportunity for creating unusual photo displays. Digital photos can be printed onto clear acetate paper, which is far more malleable than typical photo paper. Although acetate paper will deteriorate over time, it can be used to make striking photo displays. Try recovering lampshades with acetate photos, or wrapping them around a vase. Acetate photos can even be used to cover jack-o'-lantern cutouts, or to embellish curios and figurines. If one of your favorite pieces of crockery is cracked, don't toss it--cover it with an acetate photo instead. An old platter can make for a handsome and arresting photo frame, while battered tea cups or chipped pitchers can be given new life when their sides are adorned with small photos.

References

• Martha Stewart: Frame and Mirror Projects
• Southern Living: Show Off Family Photos
• Better Homes & Gardens: Autumn Amber Photo Frame

Resources

• Martha Stewart: Painted Glass Picture Frames
• Good Housekeeping: Halloween Pumpkin Photo Frames
• HGTV: Framing Artwork