Antique frames can be displayed with or without glass in various ways.
Antique frames can be purchased at flea markets, estate sales and antique and thrift stores. Commonly constructed of wood, or, according to "Traditional Home" magazine, composition (plaster applied to wood), antique frames make for eclectic decorating accents. Leave frames "in the rough" or paint them to invigorate the frame's appearance. Frames can be hung on walls, propped against objects with or without glass or used to frame photos, art and mirrors. Display frames alone with or without glass. Antique frames are often works of art in themselves.
Instructions
1. Remove any glass in the frame. Clean the frame with wood cleaner applied to a cleaning cloth. Wood cleaner is available at grocery, furniture and home improvement stores. Use caution around decorative embellishments. These are made from plaster or paste affixed to the wood and can come loose or chip. Reattach any chips and fragments with wood glue. Dry the frame.
2. Determine if the frame will be displayed as-is or if you wish to paint it. To paint the frame, proceed to Step 3. If you're leaving the frame as-is, skip to Step 4. According to "Traditional Home" magazine, not all antique frames are decorative. Some early American designs look like door trim and window molding.
3. Spread newspapers on the ground in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, and place the frame on top. Hold the spray nozzle of the paint approximately 10 inches from the frame and paint in even back-and-forth rows. Allow the paint to dry. Oil-based paints are available in metallic, gloss or matte finishes at hardware, craft, hobby, discount and home improvement stores.
4. Place artwork, photographs or mirrors in the frames, with or without glass. Craft stores often will cut glass to your specifications for a fee. Glass is not typically used when displaying canvas artwork. When you purchase antique frames, according to "Reader's Digest" in the article 17 Ways to Decorate on a Dime, you might need to disregard the art the frame contains. Replacing unwanted art with your own art preferences or mirrors is the best option.
5. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs to your hang frames on the wall. Hanging frames, especially heavy antique frames, from drywall will damage the wall and probably the frame if it falls to the floor. Stud finders are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
6. Place antique frames without glass on tables, cabinets, shelves or floors, propping the back of the frame vertically against flat surfaces. Group several varying sizes of frames from large to small together by style or finish. Place a frame against a wall on a table behind a vase or sculpture.
7. Place frames without glass flat on tables as a type of border around the edge of the table. Accessorize the table by placing objects within the interior opening of the frame.
8. Use frames with glass to showcase mementos, cards, laces or any other flat object. Place them on tables to function as decorative trays.
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