Can This IKEA Picture Frame Hack Save You Money On DIY Wainscotting?

Beautiful wall moldings and wainscotting are having a recent resurgence in popularity, adding the glamor of old European homes to even the newest builds. If you are looking to add this element to your home, there are a number of options and types of wall molding, including buying and assembling strips, a process which can often involve lots of measuring and the need for saw access. Another popular approach is buying pre-cut pieces that are already shaped in a square or rectangle to save time and energy,  but these can be pricey to purchase and install, even on your own.However, a recent hack from DIYers has the internet abuzz with its budget friendly price tag and ingenuity (via Livingetc). With some inexpensive poster frames from IKEA, you can easily create the look of exquisite paneling for a budget-friendly price. 

The DIY approach is only about half the cost of similar wooden framed panels from home stores like Lowes, where you can find a set of 3 pre-cut Luxe Architectural Framing that will run you just over $200. With each of these IKEA EDSBRUK Frames costing just under $30, the lower price makes them great for outfitting larger rooms that require many frames or for installing paneling throughout every room of your home. Adding paneling not only adds texture and charm to your walls, but can also help a room feel larger by adding depth. It can even make a generic new space with large and empty walls look distinctive and elevated.

To transform EDSBRUK frames into wall molding, begin by removing all material from the outer frame, including the plexiglass and cardboard backing. Prime each frame before attaching it to the wall. You can use brad nails or liquid nails to attach it, or for renters, sticky command strips will also work. If you plan for the wainscotting to be permanent, you can also use caulk or wood filler around where the frame meets the wall for a more seamless look. After the pieces are in place, paint the frames the same shade as the rest of the wall. 

Above where the wainscotting begins, add an additional piece of trim all the way across. A 1-by-4 board attached to the wall works great for this, or you can create more of a shelf to place décor by using some crown molding, which creates a wider surface for setting things on, at the top.

This classic look can work for a number of aesthetics. While the framing offers a subtle look when painted the same shade as the wall, you can also paint it another shade or all-white for a contrasting look. If you want an even more ornate look, add some millwork decorative details (like these 8-Piece Wood Appliques from Amazon) in the middle of the molding frames. You could also opt for a sleeker, simpler version by using the KNOPPÄNG Frames with a more slender surround. 

While this molding looks great as wainscotting on walls, you could also use it to add interest to larger furniture pieces and kitchen cabinets in a similar way, saving you the time and energy that you would spend cutting and installing individual pieces of trim.