10 Thrift Store Frame Upcycle Projects for Holiday Decor

Transform an old thrift store frame into beautiful home decor pieces with these easy and budget-friendly DIY ideas. From painting to decoupage, there’s something for everyone to try!

‘Tis the season for festive decor! Instead of buying brand-new decor this holiday, why not give old secondhand frames a new lease on life? Thrift stores are treasure troves for unique, inexpensive frames that you can easily transform into one-of-a-kind seasonal accents. 

In this DIY project, I’ll show you how to take plain, unloved thrift store frames and turn them into cheerful holiday art. With just a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can breathe new life into tired old frames and create custom holiday artwork to hang around your home. The best part? This project lets you upcycle and repurpose, keeping materials out of the landfills.

Whether you choose to display family photos, seasonal illustrations, or inspirational holiday quotes, this revamped thrift store frame will inspire you to add a personal, handmade touch to your holiday decor. Plus, customizing pre-owned frames is a budget-friendly way to decorate for the holidays. Let’s get started on this fun and festive craft!

The following post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and then buy something, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting my blog. full disclosure here.

shopping for old picture frames

Upcycling old frames is a great way to add budget-friendly decor to your home, especially during the holiday season. Old frames come in so many different sizes, shapes, and designs which can go with so many decor styles.

There are several places where you can find vintage frames. Frequent thrift stores in your area to find gorgeous frames for just a few dollars.

You can also find these vintage treasures at yard sales, flea markets, and a resale shop! These thrift store picture frames were often used for family photos.

Finding an old wooden picture frame at the thrift store is common—although the decorative picture might still be in the frame! 

But don’t let that stop you! Look for the style of frame that you are drawn to. Also look for the size that will work for your home and the piece of decoupage paper you have chosen to use.

The thrifted frame can be painted so if the color isn’t what you like, change it!

preparing the frame for transformation

If your frame has any artwork in it, simply remove it. Depending on the material the artwork is made of, you could use it for the new decoupage paper design. The original art can be painted over and put back into the frame.

You might need a new interior piece for the decoupage paper. I like to use craft board or stiff cardboard for frame projects like this one. Often, I take the heavy backing from a pad of watercolor paper and cut it to fit the recessed area on the back of the frame.

upcycled frame project tutorial

painting the frame

My frame had been previously painted for a gallery wall of empty frames in my craft room. If you decide to paint your frame, follow these easy steps! A little paint can make a big change to update your old frame!

• Clean the frame with soap and water and wipe it clean. Use sandpaper to scuff off any shine. Wipe away the dust.
• Apply the paint of your choice: spray paint or chalk paint are great options. Choose different colors than I have depending on your preferred tastes!
• Allow the paint to dry and apply the finish of your choice like antiquing wax or a clear top coat.

decoupage with holiday-themed paper

Now let’s add a pretty design to this old thrift store picture frame! There are so many options as far as decoupage paper is concerned. I’ve chosen this cute red truck loaded with Christmas trees for a country design style.

First I painted the heavy board a dark brown color that compliments the design. It will look like a mat around the decoupage paper design.

The decoupage paper I chose has a thin white border. I used my paper trimmer to remove the white border. The trimmer makes this so easy! You can also use scissors if you have a steady hand.

Once the chalk paint was dry, I applied a thin coat of clear top coat and then immediately laid down the decoupage paper in the center. I eyeballed it but you could be more precise and measure!

Before the clear coat dried, I used a crumbled piece of plastic wrap to smooth out the wrinkles.

Then I allowed it to dry and applied a thin coat of clear top coat over the whole design.

You will see in the video later in this post that the cardboard curled slightly. I fixed that very easily with a thin piece of wood. If this happens to your project, this solution worked perfectly! Watch the video below to see how I did this

hanging the frame for Christmas decor

Hanging this framed art couldn’t be easier. I used a piece of brown wire to create a hanger on the center back of the frame. Then I hung this cute Christmas frame on an old door I have on our front porch.

It’s the perfect place to add a little holiday cheer! I’ll add more Christmas decor to the front porch but this is a good start, don’t you think?

You could use this frame upcycle project as a front door wreath too! It would be an unexpected surprise for you guests, the mailman or the delivery person.

Hang this cute DIY Christmas decor piece near your back door to greet you and your family as you come home.

decoupage paper options

Here are some additional decoupage papers, stencils and transfer designs to choose from. Consider mixing and matching these designs when creating your upcycled vintage frame! The possibilities are endless!

Tap the links below to shop!

1. Snowed In decoupage paper
2. Frosty Friends decoupage paper
3. Santa on the Rooftop decoupage paper
4. Holiday Joy stencil
5. Believe stencil
6. Joyful Jingles transfer
7. Winter Wonderland decoupage paper
8. Holiday Holly decoupage paper
9. Nutcracker Christmas transfer
10. Classic Christmas transfer

more repurposed picture frame ideas

Here are a few more ideas to inspire you! Some of these ideas are not specifically for holiday decorating but you can create a seasonal look simply by the decoupage paper you choose!

Hope you have fun creating and Happy Holidays to you!

• Thrift Shop Repurposed Frame Christmas Tree
• Repurposed Thrift Store Frame Wreath
• Thrift Store Frames Repurposed
• Upcycled Picture Frame for the Holidays
• Picture Frames That Look Like Presents
• Ideas for Upcycling Old Picture Frames
• Vintage Jewelry Projects
• Repurposed Picture Frame with Flatware
• Moody Christmas Art in an Old Frame (coming soon!)

YouTube video

Tap below to watch the full video of this project! I’m sharing six additional projects in the video for you!