Forget traditional wall decor, the chicest people I know are framing these 6 unexpected and budget-friendly items to create art that tells a story

Recently, it dawned on me that I've got a lot more free will than I'd first thought when it comes to decorating my home. And that extends to the rather unexpected things I've decided to frame as art.

It was a napkin that changed everything for me. I loved it, and it felt far too good to let it anywhere near my husband while eating. So instead, I framed it.

That's when the snowball effect kicked in. Here, I've rounded up all the slightly surprising items I've framed in my home to create art that truly speaks to me. Not only do they tell personal stories and look super chic, but it is way more affordable than traditional forms of decorating with art.

6 unexpected items to put in a frame

I used to think framing was reserved solely for fine art and sentimental photographs, but I have totally changed the way I look at wall decor ideas, and have spent quite some time looking for things to hang on my walls that aren't prints.

Now, I find myself constantly on the lookout for unexpected things to frame: a striking wallpaper offcut, a graphic postcard picked up on holiday, a handwritten note from a beloved family member, wedding vows – speaking of which, check out Kourtney Kardashian's wedding veil living room artwork – you name it, I've framed it.

If, like me, you’re craving a more playful and personal approach to wall decor, there’s never been a better time to reframe the way you think about art. Ahead, I’m sharing a few of my favorite unconventional ideas to frame.

1. Napkins and scarves

Framing unique items allows you to bring storytelling into your home in a tactile, visual way that celebrates details that might otherwise be overlooked – or stuffed into a closet.

Whether it’s a beautiful Liberty print silk scarf, a striking napkin, or a block-printed tea towel from a boutique, textiles add softness and color to a wall, especially when float-mounted. I took this idea from interior designer Alice Gaskell of Alice Grace Interiors, and was instantly inspired.

There are so many beautiful prints and patterns out there that feel too good to sit in a drawer or save for best, so why not consider putting them up on the wall instead? You could always use a brass hanging rail with this Cafe Drapery Rings Set from Rejuvenation that allows you to take it down to use or wear it as you please.

2. Matchbooks

Popular on TikTok right now, these miniature mementos from travels or special nights out can be grouped in one frame for a quirky, memory-filled display.

If you're a bit of a collector and love to hoard matchbooks from chic, viral restaurants, rather than keeping them in a trinket dish, might I suggest framing them instead? Often, each little book is like its own work of art and features super cool logos, colors, or sketch designs that deserve to be shown off.

This is such an easy DIY; all you need is your prized collection, a frame (something like this 8x8 Shadow Box Picture Frame from Amazon will work wonders), and either some glue or double-sided tape.

3. Postcards and travel mementos

Postcards are some of my favorite things to frame at home. Sure, it might not be the most unexpected on the list, but I like to elevate a postcard with an oversized frame with a fun mount. It creates a really chic, tiny art moment that comes with memories attached as a bonus.

Adding postcards to a gallery wall is also a great way to balance out bigger pieces of art to make a more dynamic composition with your more 'serious' wall art.

Vintage postcards often have charming illustrations, retro fonts, or handwritten messages that bring both color and nostalgia to a space, too. You can also add in some maps, travel ticket stubs (I've saved the ferry ticket from my crossing to Capri, Italy), or fridge magnets, too.

4. Swatches and off-cuts

If, like me, you're mid-renovation and are constantly surrounded by paint swatches and fabric samples that you love but have edited out of your scheme, find a way to make the most of them.

Paint swatch cards, wallpaper samples, and fabric offcuts might seem like throwaway items, but when placed behind glass and paired with the right frame, they bring so much texture and color to a room. Wallpaper scraps (particularly those luxe designer ones you couldn’t justify covering a whole wall with) are ideal for framing – a bold repeat pattern framed in isolation suddenly feels intentional and artful.

Framing a baby bonnet or piece of clothing, or a piece of vintage quilt or knitting made by a loved one are also lovely keepsake ideas for those items that you're holding onto and don't want to keep them out of sight and out of mind.

5. Handwritten notes, letters, and poems

A framed letter from a loved one, a handwritten recipe, or even a calligraphy sample can become a deeply personal art piece.

One of my favorite pieces I own is a framed embroidered note taken from my Grandad's handwriting from an old birthday card, it lives on a shelf in my living room, and makes me smile every time I pass it.

There’s a timeless beauty in ink on paper, especially when it's something that carries meaning or memory, but this kind of wall decor doesn’t need to be overly sentimental, either. You could also display pages from your favorite book, antique calligraphy samples, song lyrics, or pieces of poetry.

6. Menus and coasters

Menus and little cardboard coasters might not seem like the most obvious candidates for framing, but they’re some of the most charming and memory-rich pieces I’ve added to my walls.

I started collecting handwritten menus or ones with pretty typography after a few particularly special dinners, and they're prettier than most prints I’ve paid for. Framed simply, these pieces feel like little souvenirs, each one capturing the mood of the evening. Equally, I have started picking up a few coasters from bars and chic hotels from trips to create a similar vibe to the framed matchbook collections.

And it’s not just about what goes in the frame, either. I’ve also started to experiment with colorful mounting boards, layered textures, and float frames to give my walls more dimension and depth. The result feels like a curated gallery wall.

There’s something so satisfying about turning everyday objects into something worthy of display, especially when it reflects your travels, your taste, or just a moment you wanted to hold onto. Whether it’s a scrap of wallpaper you couldn’t part with or a postcard that makes you smile, it deserves a frame just as much as any piece of fine art.