Easy Oversized Hanging Frame

Make this easy oversized hanging frame to add a dramatic finish for any poster, an unframed painting, or mirror. Aside from your time at the store, this project should take about 30 minutes to prep. Once it is done, you can hang it anywhere! Don’t you just love projects that give a lot of bang for a little buck?

I learned this trick from my Aunt Grace, an artist. Rather than bother with a custom frame, she would often just hang a larger frame around a painting, or a smaller frame over a large mirror. So when I needed to finish the look for my unframed painting, I decided to try out her idea.

But I didn’t have a frame, so I made my own. The wood is the most expensive part, and that cost me less than $5. You can totally do this, too. The Home Depot does half the work for you.

Here is what you need for this easy oversized hanging frame:

Gather the following items:

  • tarp or large garbage bag (to protect your work surface from the glue)
  • 8 markers (or pens or pencils)
  • painter’s tape
  • drill or hammer

Instructions:

  • Measure the canvas or poster that you want to dress up. You’ll want your frame to be a bit wider; I added 1.5 inches to each side. In my case the painting was 16″ wide and 20″ long.
  • Go to The Home Depot, select the wood and have them cut it to size. For my project, one 8 foot board was sufficient. The 2 pieces for the top and bottom were 20.5″ and the 2 side pieces measured 24.5″.
  • Spread out the garbage bag over your work surface. Arrange the wood so that each panel connects to the side of one other panel. (You can see this in the picture).
Panels arranged and ready to glue
  • Apply a good amount of wood glue to the places where the wood touches. Wipe off any excess glue that appears on the front or sides with a paper towel.
  • Place 2 pens parallel to the glued joint; one on each piece of wood that is being connected. Tape the pieces of wood together using the pens to prevent the tape from touching the glued joints. Allow it to set undisturbed overnight.
Taped and ready to set overnight
  • After it has dried, nail or use a screwdriver/drill to the attach d-rings to the back of the frame for hanging. Place one on either side, near the top. I looped a wire into the D ring and twisted it so that it will not slide out.
Used a power drill to attach two d-rings on the back

You’re done!

Hang your frame and stand back to appreciate your work. Want to try some more of our diy and craft projects? You’ll find them here.

Pro Tips:

  • When selecting your wood, make sure you get trim that is flat – no tapering, buckling or elaborate carvings. Unless you have a miter saw (for cutting perfect 45 degree angles at the corners), the frame will appear unfinished and clumsy with a very ornate piece of trim.
  • If your wood has splintered during the cutting process, you can give it a light sand. If that doesn’t conceal the jagged edges, painting the frame should help.