New and Popular: 30 Imaginative Displays for Blank Walls

Not too long ago, unused mirror and picture frames were relegated to the darkest corners of the garage or attic. But things have changed dramatically over the past few years, and it now costs a pretty penny to purchase a genuine antique frame, even an empty one. Designers who experiment with shabby chic and eclectic aesthetics deserve much of the credit for the current craze in home decor, and their fans have responded enthusiastically. Here are 30 examples of the value and beauty of empty frames that are both beautiful and unexpected in their execution.

Using a picture frame without a picture in it as a decoration is the most basic idea possible, and it can help you save money by reducing your need to buy pricey wall art. Because of its affordability and ease of implementation, the concept is popular among those who don't keep up with the latest in interior design. Get out your old photo frames and join the party!

The Alchemy of Picture Frames and Artwork

One of the best ways to decorate a room is to avoid covering every available wall surface with artwork at once. It's true that this method of decorating may seem odd and unfinished at first, but in the long run, you'll have the opportunity to add a truly special piece of decor that you adore. Frameless artwork strikes a happy medium between the immediate gratification of having something on the walls and the long-term decor payoff that can be realized by hanging a truly spectacular canvas piece. You can make a stunning display by combining these empty frames with other framed artwork.

Unique living room uses unframed sketches and empty picture frames as snazzy decorative pieces [From: Houzz] a href="MY_REDIRECT_PREFIXhttps://www.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/unique-living-room-uses-unframed-sketches-and-empty-picture-frames-as-snazzy-decorating-pieces effect in this compact home office (Suggested by Rikki Snyder): Fill an empty frame with fun objects for a new take on a traditional picture ledge Walls lined with framed artwork and a few empty spaces [Design: Geraldine James / CICO Books] [Design: Hufft Projects].

Huge Influence

Most of our readers' minds go straight to standard-sized photo frames when we mention empty frames. However, you can defy this norm by bringing home a large and remarkable picture frame or a giant mirror frame that serves as a sculpture in and of itself. Large frames can be mixed and matched in a casual, eclectic way, or you can create a more curated look by grouping frames of the same size and finish together. A custom-made frame from a woodshop is a great option if you're having trouble finding a large one that works in your modern living room or if you're put off by the prices of the existing options.

Link: a href="https://www.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/exposed-brick-wall-graffiti-and-giant-empty-picture-frames-come-together-to-fashion-an-exclusive-bedroom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" img src="/image/empty.gif" alt A change of wallpaper inside the frame would make this bedroom even more fun [Design: Lisa Wolfe Design]" data-src="https://cdn.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/a-different-wallpaper-inside-the-frame/" />span>img src="/image/empty.gif" alt="A different wallpaper inside the frame would make this bedroom even more fun [From: Credit: [Encompass Studio for Design & KuDa for Photography]

Constructing the Frame

Do you ever just frame up those pictures? What's the deal with frames being the supporting cast and the focus of attention? In my opinion, that is the guiding principle here. Despite my jesting, this novel style is rapidly gaining popularity in people's private quarters all over the world. To pull this off, you'll need frames that all have a similar finish, and they'll need to range in size from extra-large to miniature. The greater the range in frame size and style, the better.

Gorgeous collage of empty frames in the eclectic bedroom [From: Five Brothers One Sister]" data-src="https://cdn.decoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/gorgeous-collage-of-empty-frames-in-the-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" />span>img src="/image/empty.gif" alt="Gorgeous collage of empty frames in the eclectic bedroom [From wears a pink bow [Construction: Flik'd on purpose]

Integration of the Visual System

You could say this method of decorating with frames is more "classic." Collecting a number of empty picture frames and hanging them on the wall together creates an interesting gallery wall and serves as a focal point. It's best to have frames with a similar finish when putting this concept into practice, just like when framing the frames. Here, form and size are less important than the shared color. If it's not color, then perhaps the frames share a similar shape.

Use empty picture frames to adorn the mantel for the holidays [Design: Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design] a href="MY_REDIRECT_PREFIXhttps://www.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/use-empty-picture-frames-to-decorate-the-fireplace-mantle-this-holiday-season/" target="_blank An injection of red for the dining room with empty frames on the wall [Design: Kelly LaPlante]" alt="An infusion of red for the dining room with empty frames on the wall [Design: Jessica Bennett Interiors]" data-src="https://www.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/an-infusion-of-red-for-the-dining-room-with-empty-frames-on-the-wall

Modify Your Look

Since the focus of today's article is on decorating with empty frames, we will not go into detail about the many different types of collections, works of art, and vintage finds that are suitable for framing. Keep in mind that you can create a dynamic gallery wall by filling the empty frame with an assortment of interesting finds and mementos. A small wreath, some shiny Christmas ornaments, or even just some ribbons could do the trick now that the holiday season has arrived.

An easy way to add some Christmas cheer to the empty picture frame [From: Julie Ranee Photography]" alt="An easy way to add some Christmas cheer to the empty picture frame" src="/image/empty.gif" alt="An easy way to add some Christmas cheer to the empty picture frame [From: Julie Ranee Photography]" data-src="https://cdn.decoist.com/empty-frames-decorating-ideas/ Empty picture frames with glass add a new dimension to the bedroom's aesthetic (Design: Justina Blakeney) [Designer: Shannon Ggem ASID].

An Unusual Turn of Phrase

When it comes to decorating with empty frames, there are hardly any guidelines, and in an eclectic space, there are even fewer. Some people like to leave the glass covering on their picture frames so that they add a touch of shine to the room, while others prefer to decorate with just one empty frame so that it draws all the attention. It's versatile enough to mix and match with other collections or complement wall-mounted displays that don't feature picture frames. Countless alternatives exist...

Hint of asymmetry adds to the ambiance of the eclectic interior [Design: Designing Solutions]" alt="/image/empty.gif" src="/image/empty.gif" alt="Hint of asymmetry adds to the ambiance of the eclectic interior [Design: Designing Solutions]" data-src="https://cdn.decoist.com" [Image: Wallpaperdirect.com]