Have you ever ordered art, only to realize it’s too small for your space? It’s a frustrating problem, but there’s an easy solution! Instead of spending extra on a larger piece, you can create a custom DIY floating frame to make your art look bigger and more proportional to the wall.
I recently used this technique to enhance a hand-lettered canvas sign I made (check out my step-by-step guide for that project). Pairing the sign with a floating frame made it stand out beautifully on my wall and gave it a more polished, finished look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure and Cut Your Wood
Start by deciding how big you want your floating frame to be. Measure and cut the wood into four pieces: two for the vertical sides and two for the horizontal sides. Most home improvement stores can cut the wood for you if needed.
2. Assemble the Frame
Attach the pieces together using wood glue for a simple bond or a brad nailer for extra durability. Make sure the corners are square and aligned. Let the glue dry completely if using glue.
3. Finish the Frame
Paint or stain the frame to complement your art or room decor. For a rustic look, go with a dark wood stain. For a modern vibe, try a matte black or white paint. Allow the finish to dry fully.
4. Attach the Hanging Hardware
Flip the frame over and attach a sawtooth picture hanger to the back. This will allow you to hang the frame securely on the wall.
5. Hang the Frame and Art
First, hang the floating frame on the wall at the desired height. Then center and hang your smaller art piece inside the frame for a professional, layered look.
Where to Use a Floating Frame
- Make Small Art Look Bigger
If you have a smaller print or canvas, a floating frame can create the illusion of a larger piece, making it more proportionate to your wall. - Frame a Canvas for a Polished Finish
Use this technique to frame canvases, giving them a gallery-like appearance without the need for expensive custom framing. - Highlight Special DIY Projects
Floating frames are perfect for showcasing your handmade art, like a hand-lettered canvas sign or a favorite quote print. - Create a Statement Wall
Group several smaller framed pieces inside larger floating frames for an impactful gallery wall.
FAQs
Soft craft wood, such as pine or poplar, works well because it’s easy to cut and assemble.
Yes! Many hardware stores will cut the wood to your specified dimensions, so you only need glue and a hammer to assemble the frame.
Measure your art piece and add at least 1-2 inches to each side when determining the dimensions of the floating frame.
No, but finishing the wood helps protect it and allows you to customize the frame’s appearance to match your decor.
Absolutely! Floating frames are a great way to highlight canvases and give them a professional, gallery-like appearance.
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- DIY Moss Topiary Balls | How to Make a Topiary
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- How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath on the Cheap!
- How to Make a Hand Lettered Canvas Sign the Easy Way (No Skills Needed!)
- How to Make a DIY Floating Frame to Enhance Your Art
DIY Floating Wood Frame Tutorial
Create a DIY floating frame to make art look bigger or frame a canvas beautifully. This easy, budget-friendly project adds style to any space.
Materials
- 1 inch by 3 inch wood (length depends on frame size)
- Wood glue or brad nails
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
- Sawtooth picture hanger
Tools
- Saw (hand saw or power saw)
- Brad nailer or hammer
- Foam brushes or lint-free rags
- Measuring tape
Instructions
- Measure and Cut the Wood
- Determine the desired size of your floating frame, ensuring it’s at least 1-2 inches larger than your artwork on all sides.
- Cut four pieces of wood to size (two for the vertical sides and two for the horizontal sides). - Assemble the Frame
- Arrange the wood pieces into a rectangular frame.
- Use wood glue to attach the corners or secure them with a brad nailer for extra strength.
- Allow the glue to dry completely if used. - Finish the Frame
- Sand the frame lightly to remove rough edges.
- Paint or stain the frame to match your decor. Allow it to dry fully before proceeding. - Attach the Sawtooth Hanger
- Flip the frame over and attach a sawtooth picture hanger to the back. This will ensure secure hanging. - Hang and Center the Art
- Hang the floating frame at the desired height on the wall.
- Position and hang your smaller artwork in the center of the frame for a polished, layered look.
A DIY floating frame is a simple yet effective way to enhance your art and elevate your decor. Whether you’re making a small piece look bigger or giving a canvas a polished finish, this easy project is budget-friendly and customizable.
Have you tried making a floating frame? Share your creations in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see how you use this idea in your home!
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