3.30.2016

How to Find and Frame Affordable Artwork for Your Home

This post has been updated 02/12/2018 with fresh art picks and framing tips!

When furnishing or redecorating your living space, dressing the walls is a final touch that is easy to overlook, but when completed makes a room look completely polished. I've noticed the gallery wall look is slowly becoming replaced by large format posters and prints, but the scale in size also usually comes with a scale in price. Instead of paying $100+ for large prints try finding a smaller high-quality prints or canvases and matting it yourself in an oversized frame.  This will get you a luxe look without making 20+ holes in your wall trying to make a visual impact! 

Wallpapered entryway with artwork by Lindsey Crafter

Artwork | Wallpaper | Similar Hook | Thrifted Frame 

My favorite technique for saving money when framing art is to collect vintage frames from thrift stores and auctions and replacing the content with a fresh mat and artwork! It's easy to remove the paper backing, pull out staples and thoroughly clean the glass before measuring for your new mat. In most cases you can get professional results for under $50 (most custom framing jobs run upwards of $100).

Original watercolor artwork by Lindsey Crafter

Original watercolor by Lindsey Crafter available here

Wallpapered entryway with artwork by Lindsey Crafter

Mats can be purchased in a variety of colors and textures at most craft stores that have a framing department. If you can use a coupon you can get most large standard mats for under $20. 

After you get back to a clean workspace make sure you've removed all lint and dust from the inside of the frame's glass before inserting the mat and artwork. Bend back staples or tabs to hold the backing and mat in place with scissors or pliers.

The finishing touch is replacing the paper you removed from the back by spreading glue around the back edge of the frame and smoothing down a scrap piece of wrapping paper or kraft paper to conceal the backing. Use an x-acto knife to cut off the excess paper once the glue is dry--it's how the pro's do it! 

I've picked a few pieces from my favorite affordable art sources to get you started (may include affiliate links)
Affordable Art for Your Home

Affordable Art for Your Home


Affordable Art for Your Home


Affordable Art for Your Home


Affordable Art for Your Home


Affordable Art for Your Home


Affordable Art for Your Home

Affordable Art for Your Home



Affordable Art for Your Home

Jean Andre You Make Me Be A Better Me Art Print | $19.00


Don't be afraid to mix styles of frames--a contrast between subject matter and the style of the frame can add more interest to the mix! What are your framing tips? Share in the comments below! 

-Lindsey Crafter



Post a Comment

Latest Instagrams

© LINDSEY CRAFTER . Design by Fearne.