Create a Stunning DIY Poster Frame with Simple Wood Trim
While a professionally matted and framed piece of artwork is undoubtedly appealing, it can often be an expensive and sometimes stylistically unsuitable choice. Traditional framing, particularly for larger pieces, can quickly become a significant investment. Moreover, it doesn’t always complement the unique character of the art itself. Framing a poster or screen print can sometimes give a space a more corporate or commercial feel, rather than the warm and inviting ambiance of a home filled with cherished art.
When I come across large, vintage art pieces, I’m immediately drawn to their bold graphic design, aged colors, and unique textures. For pieces like these, a classic frame would not only be too costly but also clash with the art’s overall aesthetic. Instead, I was inspired by the classic pull-down maps we used in elementary school classrooms and developed a simple and characterful way to display artwork on the wall.
This project demonstrates how you can achieve a stylish and impressive final result using readily available materials and just a few basic tools. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to traditional framing that allows the artwork to take center stage.
My local hardware store is conveniently located in my neighborhood! I can easily walk, bike, or stop by on my way home. Here’s what I appreciate about it:
- The staff is incredibly helpful. I know I can always count on them to assist me in finding the right materials and provide valuable advice for my DIY projects.
- As a neighborhood shop, they specialize in materials and supplies that are perfect for the older homes in the area. The finishes match seamlessly, the sizes are appropriate, and hardware is easily replaced for period fixtures. Our neighborhood is filled with charming bungalows and Tudor-style homes, not cookie-cutter developments, and this store stocks the ideal items for maintaining these beautiful Arts-and-Crafts-era houses.
Tools & Materials for Your DIY Poster Frame
Here’s a comprehensive list of the tools and materials you’ll need to create your own stylish wood trim poster frame:
- Four lengths of wood molding, trim, or other thin strips of wood (at least as long as your artwork). A half-round profile works well.
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Saw
- Stapler or staple gun
- White glue
- Wood stain and brush (optional, for enhancing the wood’s appearance)
- Clamps or masking tape
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Small screw eyes
- String, twine, or leather cord (for hanging your masterpiece)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your DIY Poster Frame
Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful and unique poster frame using wood trim:
- Measure and Mark: Lay your artwork flat and place a piece of molding on top. Determine how much overhang you desire on each side and add that measurement twice to the total length of your artwork. Mark the overall length on the molding with a pencil. For example, we chose a 2 1/2″ overhang on each side.
- Cut the Wood: Use a saw to carefully cut the molding to the marked length. If you don’t own a handsaw, consider investing in one – they are affordable and incredibly useful for various DIY projects. Alternatively, you can ask your local hardware store or lumberyard for assistance with cutting the wood.
- Prepare the Strips: Repeat the cutting process to create a total of four lengths of molding. These will form the front and back pieces for both the top and bottom bars of your poster frame.
- Stain the Wood (Optional): If desired, stain the wood molding to enhance its appearance and provide contrast with the artwork. In our case, the hemlock molding was similar in color to the paper of the artwork, so we decided to stain it to create a more visually appealing result. If you choose to stain the wood, allow it to dry completely overnight before proceeding to the next step.
- Attach the Artwork: Carefully attach your artwork to one of the lengths of molding using staples. Ensure that the artwork is positioned straight and squarely along the width of the molding to ensure it hangs properly. Alternatively, if you prefer not to make holes in your art, you can countersink and epoxy in some rare earth magnets and wedge the paper in between.
- Apply Glue: Spread a thin, even layer of white glue along both halves of the molding, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Allow the glue to become slightly tacky for two to three minutes before proceeding. This will help create a stronger bond.
- Clamp the Molding: Sandwich the two pieces of molding together on top of each other, aligning them carefully. Clamp the assembly securely while the glue dries completely. If you don’t have small clamps, you can use blue painter’s tape to hold the wood together. Ensure that the tape is applied tightly to achieve a strong glue joint. Repeat this process for the bottom bar of the frame.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Use a small drill bit to create pilot holes in the top bar of the frame. This will prevent the thin wood from splitting when you insert the screw eyes and ensure that the hardware goes into the wood straight.
- Attach Screw Eyes: Twist the screw eyes into the pre-drilled pilot holes.
- String It Up: Finally, attach a length of string, twine, or leather cord to the screw eyes to create a hanger for your artwork.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a stylish and affordable DIY poster frame. Now, proudly display your artwork on the wall and enjoy your unique creation.
This project was part of a recent guest room makeover.