I Tried the Internet’s Favorite Fancy-Looking Art Hack, and I’m So in Love
I love filling my home with art and decor that feels special — whether that means turning a quirky cat figurine into the cutest little lamp, or giving my own candles a custom look using napkins. I’m always looking for new ideas to bring home!
So when I started seeing creators on TikTok and Instagram cover mats and frames with leftover fabrics and wallpaper, I was naturally obsessed — I had to try it! I tend to lean towards maximalism, but I think this project is actually very versatile and appealing to many different style preferences because it’s a punch of color and pattern that fits in anywhere. It looks beautiful on a gallery wall, or as a statement all on its own. The best part: It’s extremely affordable and really easy to do!
The first and most important thing you need to find is an inexpensive mat and frame to use for the project, and for this I recommend a thrift store. Scuffs or imperfections are no biggie, as you’ll be covering everything — and same goes for colors that you’re not wild about. All you need to look for is a solidly made frame that comes with a mat in a size and shape you like.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for secondhand, check discount stores like T.J. Maxx for inexpensive frames. For your first attempt, I’d suggest something really straightforward: Look for a basic flat frame with smooth trim, no grooves. If it doesn’t come with a mat, you can always buy one at a craft store to fit the frame.
Here’s what else you’ll need for this DIY.
Supplies and Tools for DIY Wallpapered Frames
Frame with mat
Wallpaper or fabric
How to DIY Wallpapered Frames
1. Cover the mat first.
I found the best place to start was with the mat. It helped me get comfortable with the materials and boosted my confidence for when I was ready to do the frame. Basically all you need to do is add ModPodge to the front of the mat and lay it face-down on the backside of the wallpaper.
2. Trim the wallpaper to fit, and glue excess paper in place.
I trimmed the edges (you don’t want to wrap them or the mat won’t fit in the frame) and then sliced a big X from corner to corner inside the mat.
I then used a bone folder to crease and wrap the paper around the inside edge of the mat and glued it to the back.
3. Measure the frame and cut paper to fit.
Next, I measured each side of the frame and cut a strip of paper that could wrap all the way around the sides and top to the back, and cut it at a 45-degree angle to mimic the wood where the top and side of the frame come together for a really clean look.
4. Glue the paper in place.
I found the key to getting a really tight wrap was to glue just one section of the side at a time, starting with the outer edge of the frame and working my way to the inside. Unless you’re working with a stripe, you really don’t have to worry about pattern matching, but extra points if you make the effort!
My Verdict: You’ve Got to Try This
Overall, I absolutely love this project and think it’s a really great way to use up wallpaper scraps (or samples), and save old frames in need of a second life! It was a really easy way to make pretty standard art look extra-special and high-end, and I think the trend could work in any style of space — just look for a patterned paper that matches your vibe.
Will I be doing this DIY again? Definitely! I’m looking forward to experimenting with colors, patterns, and even the art in the frame to create totally fresh pieces every time.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
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We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
