Framing art prints (on a budget)

  • By Aly Jensen
  • 04 Aug, 2020

Framing an art print can really make-or-break the print and can be so hard to pick the best one.

Framing can also be really expensive, but here are a couple cheaper, and easy-to-find, options! The very cheapest route is finding a thrifted or vintage frame at your local second-hand store. This being said, you might have to search a little longer than just popping by the store once and finding exactly what you need.

If you find yourself too impatient for the thrifting process (like myself), I’m a sucker for Target frames. They are often general sizes however, so sometimes they’re a little difficult to find exactly what you need—but they are simple and minimal.

Another great framing source is Michaels—they have a wide range from minimal to elaborate frames. Floating frames are my current favorite way to hang up my art at home.

Downtown Des Moines, James Navarro, 12 x 12
Downtown Des Moines, James Navarro, 12 x 12", Available at the gallery

If you are looking for a little more quirky, creative way of hanging your prints, Michaels also provides more "DIY" options. I picked out a cute little laser cut frame that can be stained or painted however best goes with the decorations around it. I choose this specific frame, even though the print would need to be altered, because it is reminiscent of a mirror, and what confidence is seen in the way we present ourselves before anything else. It's fun to think about how a frame can complement and represent the artwork hanging inside.

Confidence Has No Competition, Jenna Brownlee, 11 x 14
Confidence Has No Competition, Jenna Brownlee, 11 x 14", Available at the gallery

Beyond frames, another idea that really pinches the pennies and is a fun option or kids rooms or play areas—using colorful Washi tape to stick the print directly to the wall. Washi tape is sticky enough to hold the piece up, but it doesn’t peel the paint when taking it back off the wall. We’ve found really fun and unique patterns at Etsy.com! Here’s a display we put together last year for the East Village Holiday Promenade using prints and Washi tape. It's best to mixup the tape placement—corners on one print, maybe one piece on top for the other. Have fun with it!

If you’re feeling inspired, and wanting a quick wall refresh, we’re sharing a limited-time 15% off all our fine art prints with code SUMMER15. Browse the collection here and have fun with the framing! And, as always—let us know if you have any questions along the way.

Aly Jensen, author
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