If you’re feeling cost-of-living pressure, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose between a beautiful home and a sensible budget. Smart, well-planned custom framing can deliver a big visual refresh without the big price tag of a renovation.
At Frame Today, we believe great design should be accessible. This practical guide walks you through how to refresh your space, step-by-step, with flexible, budget-friendly framing choices, expert tips, and ideas that stretch your dollar further.
Why Framing Is the Smart “Refresh Without Renovating” Option
A fresh coat of paint or new furniture can be expensive. Custom framing gives you maximum impact with minimal spend by:
- Enhancing what you already own - photos, prints, certificates, kids’ art, travel mementos - the list goes on.
- Protecting valuable pieces so they last.
- Creating focal points that transform rooms - living areas, hallways, studies -without redesigning the whole space.
- Personalising your home so it reflects what matters to you right now.
Step 1: Declutter and Identify What Matters
Start with a short, focused session:
Gather potential pieces: family photos, posters, maps, travel prints, concert tickets, jerseys, certificates, kids’ masterpieces, heirloom textiles.
Sort into three piles:
o Display now: pieces you still love (or that tell your current story).
o Archive: important but not for everyday display (store flat or digitise).
o Let go: items that no longer spark joy (consider gifting or recycling).
Choose a theme for cohesion:
o Family & milestones - weddings, graduations, achievements, sports.
o Places & travel - maps, photos, tickets, prints.
o Colour story - black & white photos with simple black frames; or warm woods for earthy interiors.
Measure your wall spaces: note width, height, and any nearby furniture (so frames clear switches, doorways, and mantels).
Budget tip: Prioritise 3–5 “hero” pieces. Fewer, well-framed items often look more curated, and cost less than a larger, mismatched display.
Step 2: Choose Your Framing Style (with Price-Smart Options)
Good / Better / Best: Find Your Fit
- Good (Value essentials)
- Standard sizes (A4, A3, 50×70 cm, 60×90 cm) are more cost-effective than fully custom dimensions.
- Ready-made frames + professional matting to elevate the look without the price of a custom frame build.
- Clear glass (budget-friendly, great for non-sunlit walls).
- Better (Smart custom)
- Custom-sized frames for awkward sizes or statement pieces.
- Matboard in neutral tones (white, off-white, charcoal) to add breathing space around the artwork.
- UV-protective glazing to reduce fading over time - worth it for photos and prints near windows or in direct sunlight.
- Best (Conservation & showcase)
- Conservation-grade materials (acid-free mats, archival mounting) to protect valuable or sentimental items.
- Museum-grade glazing for high UV protection and reduced reflection.
- Premium timbers or specialist finishes for heirlooms, jerseys, or fine art.
Matting Matters (and saves $)
- Single vs. double mat: A single mat gives a clean, modern look. A double mat adds depth and a hint of colour. Single is more budget-friendly.
- Border width: Aim for 50–70 mm around artwork to make small pieces feel more substantial (and avoid needing wider, more expensive frames).
- Multi-opening mats: Combine several photos or memorabilia in one frame - great impact, lower overall cost than multiple frames.
Glazing Choices
- Premium clear glass: Best value; ideal for non-direct sunlight areas.
- Non-reflective/UV options: Mid-range; protects and improves visibility.
- Acrylic (Perspex): Lightweight and safer for kids’ rooms or large pieces; may cost more than basic glass but saves on weight and hanging hardware.
Budget tip: Ask about Italian Classic frames in flat profiles (black, white, oak). They’re timeless, versatile, and more affordable than trend finishes.
Step 3: Create a Gallery Wall (Impact Without Overspend)
Pick a Layout
- Grid: Uniform frames & spacing = polished and calm. Perfect for certificates or black-and-white photos.
- Rail (linear): A long line above a sofa or hallway; use consistent frames for a sleek look.
- Eclectic mix: Different sizes with a consistent colour palette (e.g. all black frames or all natural wood) for cohesion.
Planning Tips
- Paper templates: Cut paper to frame sizes and tape to the wall to test spacing before you drill.
- Centre line: Keep the visual middle of the arrangement at eye level (around 145–155 cm above floor).
- Start with the anchor: Hang the largest piece first, then build around it.
Budget tip: Use standard-size ready-made frames for the majority of your gallery wall and reserve custom framing for the anchor piece - this balances cost and impact.
Step 4: Add Seasonal Touches You Can Rotate
- New Year theme: Frame a motivational quote or a small “vision board” print to set intentions.
- Kids’ art rotation: Use a frame with flexible framers points for easy back access so you can swap new art and drawings in and out.
- Travel highlights: Rotate one or two prints from recent trips to keep your space feeling fresh.
- Fabric & texture: Frame a tea towel, scarf, or textile panel for warmth - surprisingly chic and affordable.
Budget tip: Choose frames with removable backs and keep a small folder of seasonal prints ready to swap. One frame, many looks.
Smart Ways to Save (Without Compromising Quality)
- Shop your home first: Reframe or re-mat pieces you already own before buying new art.
- Bundle framing: Framing multiple items together can reduce per-piece costs (ask about multi-item efficiencies).
- Use standard sizes: Where possible, trim prints to fit standard frames, then enhance with custom matting – learn more about our Tailored Everyday Frames.
- Go bigger with mat, not frame: A modestly sized frame with a generous mat can create a “gallery feel” more cost-effectively than an oversized wide frame.
- Prioritise UV glazing strategically: Use it on sun-exposed walls and photo-heavy displays; stick with Premium clear glass in low-light areas.
- Secure hanging: Use the right wall plugs/hooks to avoid re-hanging (and repair costs).
- Ask about budget frames: Classic profiles often come in value lines without sacrificing quality and durability.
- Plan in stages: Frame your top three pieces now; add to your gallery wall over time.
Room-by-Room Ideas
Living Room
- A statement print framed with a wide mat.
- A 3-piece rail of family photos in matching frames.
Hallway/Entry
- Grid of travel photos or postcards (multi-opening mat keeps costs down).
- Framed map of your city or favourite coastline.
Home Office/Study
- Certificates and awards in a clean grid for a professional feel.
- Inspiration board framed behind glass for dry-wipe notes.
Kids’ Room
- Acrylic glazing for safety and lightweight frames.
- Rotating display for artwork and achievements.
Kitchen/Dining
- Framed recipe cards, tea towels, or vintage ads for personality.
Hanging & Care Basics (to Protect Your Investment)
- Choose the right hanging hardware for your wall type (gyprock, brick, timber).
- Two-point hanging on larger frames keeps them straight and stable.
- Avoid direct sun to prevent fading, even with UV glazing.
- Dust gently with a soft cloth; avoid glass cleaners on acrylic (use appropriate plastic-friendly cleaners).
Your Budget-Friendly Framing Checklist
- Select 3–5 priority pieces to frame now.
- Measure your wall spaces and note a centre line height.
- Choose a cohesive frame finish (black/white/oak).
- Pick matting (neutral, single mat for value).
- Decide glazing based on room lighting (UV only where needed).
- Plan your layout (grid, rail, or mix).
- Use paper templates to test layout and spacing before drilling.
- Schedule installation or gather hardware for DIY.
Why Frame Today?
- Expert guidance: We help you balance look, longevity, and budget, without upselling you into options you don’t need.
- Conservation where it counts: We recommend archival materials for pieces with high sentimental or financial value.
- Consistent quality: Precision framing, neat finishes, and reliable hardware.
- Flexible planning: Start small and add over time - your gallery can grow with you.
Ready to refresh? Bring your photos, prints, or memorabilia into your nearest Frame Today store for a free design consultation. We’ll help you create a plan that fits your style and budget.
