How To Repurpose Inexpensive IKEA Photo Frames Into Viral Accent Wall Art

If you have a large and empty wall you want to fill; there's no safer bet than a sleek piece of art. The problem? Modern-looking paintings and wall hangings can get pretty expensive. However, if you're looking for something that will flesh out an area and bring in some texture without breaking the bank, there's a simple solution going viral social media. All it takes is a few simple frames from IKEA, hot glue, and a bit of creativity, and you'll be left with a brand new décor piece that looks like you purchased it straight from a high-end home store.

TikTok creator @stylebymll shared this new approach to wall décor in a recent TikTok. Instead of using frames to display art, she removed the backing and glass until she was left with just the frame itself. After layering several of these pieces, the end result was a large piece of geometric DIY décor worthy of a spot on her living room wall. 

In her video, @stylebymll first picks up several FISKBO frames from IKEA. She's shopping in Norway, so her frame size is 30 by 40 centimeters, but the closest option available in American stores is their 12 by 16-inch FISKBO frame in black. These frames retail for $4.99 a piece, and she uses nine, bringing the grand total up to about $45 if you have hot glue and nails to hang your piece on hand.

From there, she removes the backing and glass and lays out five of her frames in a cross pattern on the floor. She then adds the last four frames on top of the existing cross pattern to connect everything. To secure it, she goes in with a hot glue gun at the points where everything meets. After allowing the hot glue to harden, she's able to lift the piece and hang it on the wall to display.

Thanks to the relatively simple nature of this hack, there are plenty of ways to customize your piece. If you want a slightly different piece, go for frames in a different shape or size. IKEA sells frames in their FISKBO series that range from 4 by 6 inches all the way up to 19 ¾ by 27 ½ inches, so there's room to experiment with similar materials. It could also be a fun challenge to find secondhand frames for a more eclectic layered look, though it's important to ensure that the material isn't too heavy or textured so it feels secure with hot glue alone.

Additionally, these frames could easily be spray painted if you're looking for a color that's not available for sale. For the best coverage, pick up some of the white FISKBO frames and then spray paint before you assemble with your color of choice. With a hack that's as simple as this, creativity is your best friend, so don't be afraid to try out different ideas that come to your mind.