DIY Large Antique Frames

Today it’s all about large artWe have a few photos of Cope that we absolutely love that we have wanted to add to our living room. I mean, who can get enough of Cope, right? We definitely need multiple photos of him and him in person all in one space… haha.

Another thing we have been wanting to cover up our security system and thermometer. I don’t love looking at these on the wall of our living room so we thought these large picture frames would be a perfect solution to cover up the appliances. Don’t get me wrong I love the look of antique frames and you could definitely use antique frames to create the same look … But have you noticed how expensive some really nice antique or antique-inspired frames are? They can get up there in price, so I found that a quick DIY was the more affordable option to create a similar look.

To create this DIY I bought these picture frames from Michaels, my frames are 38×26 but that size is only offered in stores. You can get the exact frame but in a different size online [HERE]! I would recommend measuring the wall space you want these frames to go on and then decide what size frame would fit best for you.

Supplies:

Two picture frames, rub n’ buff, paintbrush or rubber gloves, wood 2×4, 6 hinges, screws, level, optional magnet

The DIY:

We are going to break this down into a few parts. First, lets age that frame! I wanted our basic black frame to have an antique look, but you can choose to skip this part or paint a different color if you’d like to.

To give our frames the antique look we love Gold Leaf Metallic Finish Rub n’ Buff on a frame. Rub n’ Buff is an affordable option, costing only $5.99, and can be applied with a brush or with your finger. I used latex gloves to apply the finish!

The large photos are actually poster prints from Staples. You can go [HERE] to get your size printed. They are super affordable & our local staples had them printed the same day.

Shop supplies:

Second part is to mount the frames over a security system or thermostat if that is what you are wanting to do. The DIY is the mounted base that will have hinges attached and allow the art frame to swing to access our security alarm, thermostat, and an outlet.

Our large picture frame measure out to 38″ by 26″. The frame size itself is 1 1/4 inches thick. We wanted the mounted base to be within the inner edge of the frame, so the measurements for the mounted base is 35 5/8″ by 23 5/8″. We also wanted to conceal our security system and thermostat. The depth of the mounted base needed to be deeper than those mounted appliances to allow for the frame to fully close. The mounted base depth is 3 inches.

To build the mounted base, cut the long sides to 35 5/8 inches & cut the short sides to 22 1/8 inches. Using a basic butt joint, screw the sides together. Next, cut the mounting bracket to 22 1/8 inches. Pre-drill two holes to allow for the base to be mounted. Using a level onto of the the mounted bracket, level and mount the base to the wall.

Since we were concealing the thermostat, we drilled a few 1/2 inch holes all around the mounted base to ensure room temperature could be read on the thermostat.

Next, install hinges on the back of the frame and the mounted base. Swing the art frame to ensure it moves and does not bind against the base. Add an optional magnet to help keep the art closed.

These DIY antique frames are a great way to bring the look and feel of an antique into your home without paying the price for an antique picture frame. We chose to display photos of Cope in our frames but you could display any photos or prints of your choice in the frames. I love the way this turned out & that we no longer have to stare at the security system and thermometer when we are in our living room!