Decorating Frames

Learn to make these simple wooden frames, and create your own gallery at home.

Want custom frames without the custom price tag? Try this entry-level woodworking project, adjusting the dimensions to suit your own treasures. We've provided step-by-step instructions and a list of tools and materials on the following pages.

Before you hang the frames, think about the arrangement on the wall, which can be just as impactful as what's inside the frames. Begin by cutting contractor's paper to the outer dimensions of your frames, and tape the pieces to the wall using painter's tape. Move the pieces around until you like the overall arrangement. Then, it's time to get specific. Measure the exact amount of space you'd like between each frame, and adjust the placements accordingly. Using a pencil, lightly mark the top and bottom lines of the pieces; this will serve as a guide when you hang the frames. Before you hammer the nails, measure the placement of the picture hangers on your frames, and position the nails accordingly. Remove the paper as you go, and your gallery is complete.

Good To Know

This homeowner filled a wall with 18 frames, but a grouping of a few can be impactful too. Items of the same size and subject lend themselves to a uniform grid, as shown here. Artwork of varying sizes but similar subject matter will be better suited to a less structured look.

"I could never afford to buy all these custom frames. My antique prints look great!"

Step-by-Step

Get the look by building your own.

This plan accommodates a photograph or print that measures 14 x 17 inches. Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List as a guide and adjusting for fit.

Build the outer frame assembly.
- Miter cut the outer frame sides, outer frame top, and outer frame bottom at 45-degree angles per the Cut List.
- Attach the outer frame sides to the outer frame top and bottom with glue and #17 x 1-inch brads. Predrill for the brads to help keep the wood from splitting. To ensure that the frames are square, use a corner clamp at each mitered corner, and leave the frame in the clamps until the glue dries.
Attach the inner frame assembly.
- On the back of the outer frame assembly, scribe a line along its perimeter 1/4 inch in from the inside edges.
- Attach the inner frame sides, inner frame top, and inner frame bottom to the back of the outer frame assembly with glue and #18 x 3/4-inch brads, aligning the inside edges with the scribed line.
Finish as desired; add photo, glass, and backing to the frame.
- Fill all holes, and sand smooth. Prime and paint, allowing each coat to dry.
- Attach a picture hanger to the back of the frame.
- Nail into the back of the inner frame assembly several #18 x 1 1/4-inch wire brads about 1/2-inch deep. Place at least three on each side and two on the top and bottom.
- Insert the glass, photo, and then the backing. Bend the 1 1/4-inch brads in toward the backing until the contents are secured in place.

Cut List

Part	Material	Size (in inches)	Quantity
outer frame sides	base cap moulding	1 1/16 x 1 1/8 x 18 1/2*	2
outer frame top and bottom	base cap moulding	1 1/16 x 1 1/8 x 15 1/2*	2
inner frame sides	screen moulding	1/4 x 3/4 x 18 1/2	2
inner frame top and bottom	screen moulding	1/4 x 3/4 x 14	2
backing	eg-board	1/8 x 14 x 17	1
glass	2.5-mm glass	14 x 17	1
* Measure length from long point to long point.

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Project Illustration (157.06KB, PDF)

Skillset: Beginner

Rough Cost Estimate: $295*

Millwork: $160
Hardware and supplies: $135

Rough Time Estimate: 1 weekend

Tools

circular saw with a straightedge guide (or table saw)
handsaw with miter box (or miter saw)
hammer with nail set (or pneumatic nailer)
drill/driver with bits
corner clamps
tape measure
ruler
pencil

Millwork

(8-foot-long) piece of 1 1/8- x 1 1/16-inch base cap moulding (#3465)
(8-foot-long) piece of 3/4- x 1/4-inch screen moulding (#3542)
(24- x 48-inch) sheet of 1/8-inch peg-board (#15498)

Hardware and Supplies

1 box (#17 x 1-inch) wire brads
1 box (#18 x 3/4-inch) wire brads
1 box (#18 x 1 1/4-inch) wire brads
wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)
stainable wood filler (#168408)
glass (18- x 24-inch, #20771)
spray primer (Kilz, #45553)
metallic spray paint (Rust-Oleum, Bright Coat Gold, #165712)
self-leveling picture hanger (#62958)

*There's an initial cost of $40 to build the first frame, but approximately half of this initial cost is for items that can be reused for additional frames. Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.