'Frames are art in themselves' – this is the one thing designers always tell me to thrift to create a more interesting home on a tight budget

As an avid thrifter, whenever I speak with designers on any topic, I always throw in a question about what they look out for at the thrift store, as personally I just like to be in the know for my next shopping trip. And recently I am noticing I am getting the same answer over and over – frames.

You will always find an array of picture frames at the thrift store, usually all leaned up against each other and you need to do some digging. But I have been pleasantly surprised by pieces I have found since hunting for secondhand frames.

A small but mighty accessory, a thrifted picture frame is a simple yet impactful way of decorating with vintage, providing depth, patina, and character (qualities that are not always easy to find with newer styles). While, of course, vintage picture frames can elevate your paintings and prints, they have many other uses.

Whether you're creating the perfect gallery wall with a mix of new and old styles or you're using a vintage frame to house a beloved sentimental item (a letter, receipt, or even postage stamp can look chic in the right style), you can't beat the irresistible glint of a thrifted frame.

1. Source a gilded style for a dose of luxury

If you've ever decorated with vintage art, you'll know that many preloved pictures come in the most decadent frames. If you've struck gold and sourced an antique gem, it's not uncommon to find a gilded, heavily stylized frame holding your landscape, still life, or portrait.

To give your scheme some decadence and character, sifting through the many pictures stocked at a local branch is always a good idea, as it's not hard to find a gilded frame at the thrift store. Brush up on how to frame artwork and remember not to be put off by the contents of the frame you've found, as this can easily be swapped out for a print or poster that you actually like.

Vintage lover Mariana Silveira, tells me, 'When it comes to frames (thrifted or otherwise), I mostly look for quality. Not necessarily shape or style. I find that sometimes it’s harder and more expensive to find a great quality frame than it is to come across good art. So when I see a well-made frame at the thrift store (it is almost always either vintage or antique), I grab it even if I don’t have anything yet to fill it with.'

'I have been lucky enough to have found incredibly beautiful, quality frames that sometimes I have even used to showcase objects like natural clam shells, hand-carved letters, or papier-mâché sculptures in order for the actual frame to be able to be admired in all its glory. I find that certain frames are art in themselves.'

2. Transform thrifted frames into mirrors

Vintage picture frames don't have to house pictures; reimagine the purpose of the humble thrifted frame by filling it with a mirror rather than a painting or print.

Whether you're decorating with mirrors and creating a wall of them using a variety of vintage frames (like the space above designed by Suna Lock, Creative Director at Viewpoint Interior Design) or you've sourced the perfect large-scale frame that would work perfectly as your entryway mirror, preloved styles are sometimes much more interesting and unique than newer pieces.

Interior designer Shani Core shares her thrifting tips, 'I prefer to look for hand-carved wood frames at the thrift store, with or without gilding. This ensures quality, and an easy tip is to turn the frame over. If the back is very smooth, it’s not typically going to be hand-carved. It will also not be hollow and will have a bit of heft!'

She adds, 'And if the frame is stunning but I don’t love the art, I love to take the frame and have a mirror added. There is nothing more beautiful than a mirror with a beautiful frame, and every room needs a mirror!'

3. Make an unexpected treasure a focal point with a vintage frame

Picture frames are undoubtedly affordable thrift store buys that will make your home look more expensive. If you've found a style that resonates with you, but you're not a fan of the picture that's been placed inside it, it's worth considering that everyday items or accessories can work just as well as conventional art can.

Take this bedroom designed by Shani Core. She's framed a vintage Gucci scarf above the bed, which she found at a thrift store, creating a one-of-a-kind centerpiece. She tells me, 'My favorite items to put in thrifted frames are vintage scarves, antique plates, and special heirlooms such as baby dresses and quilts. Currently, I’m having a shell collection framed and am excited to see my vision come to life. Anything may be framed and, in my opinion, the more unusual the better!'

There are other unexpected things to put in a frame, too. Items as mundane as a matchbox or a menu can easily be overlooked, but when framed well in a characterful, thrifted frame, they can be entirely transformed into quaint works of art that spark memories.

4. Create a gallery wall of vintage pictures and trinkets

If you're creating a gallery wall, consider a trip to the thrift store. With an array of picture frames to choose from, it couldn't be easier (or more affordable) to create a statement wall of your favorite art and keepsakes.

If you've ever asked yourself, 'Should gallery wall frames match?' the answer is almost always no. If you're after an eclectic and layered display, sourcing different styles and shapes is the key to achieving the look. Take the highly impactful and characterful display pictured above, the effectiveness of the wall comes from the unique frames in all their different shapes and sizes.

Suna, the designer behind the beautiful vintage gallery wall, explains her method. 'I’ve collected a variety of charming smaller items, such as paintings, a spring display from a hardware store that I had shadow framed, small mirrors, old keys, vintage kitchen scales, and other decorative pieces, all sourced from antique markets. I love incorporating vintage touches throughout my designs.'

5. Mix and match vintage and modern picture frames

Don't be afraid to mix your thrifted frames with new. A transitional design core principle, modern frames contrast beautifully against thrifted styles and can bring out the delicacy and intricacy of them.

'I love curating an ever-changing mix of antique (as far as Victorian), and modern frames to display my art collection, for that eclectic, more impactful look,' Mariana explains. 'And sometimes, I believe that no frame is also the best option when it comes to certain pieces. Nothing beats the modern look of an unframed new work, right?'

She adds, 'Although a coordinated, uniformly framed gallery wall will always be an elegant thing of beauty, to me, the mix of frame styles is where the interest and the magic is. Always.'

Thrifted picture frames are an affordable way to add character to a room instantly. Their beauty lies not only in their unique craftsmanship but also in their versatility; they're the perfect vessels for all sorts of art. And they don't have to house artwork either. I have just bought the most beautiful large wooden frame for $10 that came with no back. I have propped it on my dresser and layered books and a lamp in front to create a beautiful (but simple) vignette.