Picture frames are a staple in any home. With their ability to change the look of a room, they’re no doubt an essential part of interior design. But what if you want to upgrade your picture frame game? Black frames offer that sleek and sophisticated touch that can be hard to find elsewhere. To help with this challenge, we have compiled 10 DIY home decor ideas with black frames for you!
I want to share with you some of my favorite ideas when it comes to decorating and framing pictures, artwork or anything that can be hung on a wall. When I say black frames, I am referring to the color as well as the material (which is typically wood). This is not a complete list, but these are my top ten favorite ideas.
Cool Ways To Display Your Photos
How can you use black frames to decorate your home?
The answer is simple: just add them! So, what are some of the best ways to use these versatile pieces in a variety of spaces around your house? Let’s take a look.
1. In A Gallery Wall
Frame photos together with black matting to make one photo stand out against another. This is also helpful if you’re looking to create a series of images with a common theme.
2. Inner Corner Frames
Create depth and visual interest by corralling two large or small frames on the corner of any room.
3. On Walls
Hang frames in a grid or line to create an interesting and modern focal point on your wall, above the mantelpiece for example.
4. A Hallway Gallery
A hallway gallery is a great way to use wall space that would otherwise be wasted. A hallway gallery doesn’t have to be just photos, it could include anything artwork, such as paintings, botanical prints, and sketches.
5. A Desk Photo Display
A Desk Photo Display is a neat way to display photos that are just for you. Choose your favorite black frame and some pictures of loved ones, or go all out with an annual photo collage. It’s the perfect place to keep those memories close!
6. In The Kitchen
Add some color and visual interest to your countertops by using black frames as dividers or even holders for cookbooks, dish towels, aprons and other kitchen essentials!
7. In Bookshelves
Frame books together on the shelf in order to create an inviting focal point on your bookshelf.
8. In The Bathroom
Create a more sophisticated look by hanging one or two black frames in the bathroom to show off your favorite photo of flowers, nature and other beautiful things!
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
How can you use black frames to create a Hallway Gallery?
It can be difficult to find the perfect art piece for your hallway. A solution is to use black frames and buy inexpensive prints from an online source like Ali Express or Amazon. The pieces will complement each other well, as they are all black with white lettering on them.
Another option for a hallway gallery is to use a series of pictures from an event like your wedding, graduation or holiday party. You can either take the photos yourself and then print them on paper, or you could purchase inexpensive prints online with black frames.
The key to a good hallway gallery is measuring the space you have available before purchasing frames or mounting hardware for your artwork. In order for it to look cohesive and not like someone just threw things on their walls willy-nilly, an even distribution of art pieces in both size and style is important.
This is just one idea for how to create a gallery in your hallway using simple methods that anyone can do!
How can you use black frames to create a Desk Photo Display?
A desk photo display can be as simple as one picture in a small decorative frame, or as elaborate and colorful as a collage of your favorite photos.
The key to making this type of display is the way in which you place the frame on top of what it will be sitting on. It can either sit up high for people to look down at, or just barely above eye level so that they have to lean in or look up to see it.
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, there is a way for the frame to be seen differently depending on how it’s positioned. For example, if your desk has a lot of clutter and distractions but no pictures of people in them yet, leaning the frames against the wall will allow any passerby to see the pictures.
A desk photo display also is the perfect way to showcase pictures related to your work. Take several photos around your office and arrange them on a wall so that when passersby look at them, they will see a photographic story of the stylish life you lead at work. Remember, show off those framed certificates and other noteworthy items while you’re out there. It’s like an art gallery for your desktop and will give any work space some personality.
How to add black frames to Inner Corner Frames
Inner Corner Frames are a great way to dress up your home, but they can also be created with just black frames. This is an easy project that will make any area look amazing. It’s perfect for apartments and condos!
Black frames create the opportunity for more creativity than white ones do because you don’t have to worry about the frame’s color clashing with the colors in your home.
A corner gallery wall – black, white & gold, and frames so close they’re touching. Art by Jennifer Ament. | Sunset Idea House – 2013 (Seabrook, Washington) Image source
How to do it:
- Buy black frames, which you can find at any craft store or online. I recommend going for about 16×20″ size because they’re cheap and versatile. Make sure that what ever size you get has a picture side so that when they’re hung, you can use the blank side to create a gallery wall.
- Decide where you want your frames and mark on the floor with painter’s tape so that you know where they go. To see what it would look like from different angles (including up close), set them out on the ground in front of your desired location before you hang them.
- Hang the frames on your walls and fill with photos or artwork of your choosing, but make sure that they’re hung evenly spaced for a clean look.
- If you want to add some finishing touches like an antique frame mirror or black and white family photo collage, feel free!
How to create a gallery wall with black frames
-Choose a neutral color scheme for your gallery wall – black frames are perfect with any shade of white, silver or gray
-Find an empty wall to hang the pieces on and decide how many you want. The frame should make up at least 40% of the total hanging space so go simple if necessary
-Start by using a tape measure to make sure all of your frames are the same size and then use a pencil to mark out where you want them on the wall
Gallery wall of black and white family photos in black frames with thick white mats
-Take off one frame, put it up against the wall, and place a piece of tape at either edge to make sure they’re straight. Then measure from each side of that first frame so that you know how far you need to space the next one.
-Draw a line on the wall to mark where you want each frame and then either use a level or piece of string (pulled tight) as your guide for hanging them – just make sure that you get them straight!
-Once all of your frames are up, fill in any empty spaces with smaller frames that can serve as a decorative filler.
-You can also use the frames to display artwork you like or even photos of your friends and family!
How to use a black frame to create an accent wall in your living room or bedroom
There are many ways to use a black frame as an accent wall. First, you’ll want to measure the height and width of your desired area for the accent wall. Once you have that measurement, head down to your local hardware store (or Home Depot) and find some trendy-looking frames in any size or shape! You will want to then take the frame to your desired area in order for you to mark where you want it hung on the wall. Once marked, use a leveler or straight edge tool (like this one) and hang it up!
Once hanging, be sure that the top of each of your frames is aligned with an eye-catching focal point such as a beautiful picture on the wall. This will help your frames stand out and create an interesting focal point in any room!
Lastly, you can get creative with how to display your favorite photos inside of these black framed accent walls by drawing a line down the center of each frame and arranging them accordingly for a unique look.
Kitchen Counter decoration ideas with black frames
If you have a black frame and need to find something to put inside it, here are some kitchen counter decoration ideas that will look great with your new photo.
Great idea for the top of the fridge:
- Place a picture (of family members or favorite vacation spot) in a matte board as if they were framed on the wall.
- Hang it on the top of the fridge with some small nails or screws and a level to keep it straight.
- If you want a more professional look, use picture wire that attaches to back of frame instead of just hanging from nails.
-For your work area:
- Place framed photos in strategic spots around your kitchen.
- Try grouping pictures by theme and adding a little color with flowers or plants on the countertop in front of them.
- If you want to dress up an empty corner, put two frames together at right angles for a unique look reminiscent of traditional artwork.
How to frame books together on the bookshelves in order to create an inviting focal point on your bookshelf.
What is better than framing books together on the book shelves in order to create an inviting focal point? You can frame any item you have, and add decorative items or photographs if desired. There are many ways to style frames and they can be mixed with different shapes such as square or rectangular frames. I love this idea because it makes a really intriguing statement about reading: “Books are my life!”, “Books have always been my refuge!”, or “I am an avid reader”.
What to decide when decorating bookshelves with frames?
– If you have a bookshelf with photos then maybe consider black frames to add some more color.
– Frames are great for showing off your favorite art pieces or children’s drawings, and if they’re high enough on the wall, kids can’t reach them to wreck them!
– You may want to use white , gold, or some other color that matches the room’s decor.
– If you have a bookshelf with all black frames on it, then adding one pop of color may make your space feel more balanced and calming.
How to Hang a Black Frame on Your Wall:
-Hang your favorite photo in the frame, then hang it up with Command Strips or hooks. If you’re using command strips, make sure they are hanging straight on the wall, not tilted.
-If you’re using hooks, use the ones that come with a sticky back or put double sided tape on them to make sure they stick to your wall.
-You can also use picture ledges if you don’t want any nails in your walls and no damage from command strips or hooks. You could also try to find a frame that has the ledges already included.
-Adhesive peel and stick shelf liner is also a good solution to put on the wall before you hang up your black framed photo, so it will be more secure for display purposes.
*Note: if using hooks or command strips with sticky back, make sure not to use surfaces like mirrors or glass.
-If you’re using a shelf, make sure the size is appropriate for your wall and that it’s stable so as not to fall down on someone. You might also want to consider how high up from the ground it will be since this may affect where people can reach.
