This Whimsical IKEA Hack Transforms A Frame Into Unique Vase Decor

Hanging photos and artwork around your home is a great way to make your space feel cozy and inviting, but sometimes you just want something a little bit more interesting than a flat frame mounted on the wall. One way to achieve this is by creating three-dimensional wall decor, and there are plenty of designs to try out. You should not be afraid of going 3D with your gallery wall, and this adorable DIY project with a frame and a vase is a lovely addition to any room. This project involves removing the glass from a thick picture frame, adding a backdrop, hanging a tiny vase, and then displaying blooms. There are endless ways to adjust it for your style, and it can even be a highly functional piece for anyone with a green thumb.

If you are ready to create some wall decor that features a frame, wood accent, and a small vase for a floral display, you will first need to gather some materials. Luckily, the materials are all affordable, and most can even be purchased from a dollar store. A plain square frame with a thick border is best, and the SANNAHED frame at IKEA is an affordable option that fits these parameters. You will also need a waterproof contact paper or shelf liner, such as the pine self-adhesive shelf liners available at Dollar Tree, a small glass dropper bottle or plastic travel bottle for toiletries, some natural jute cord, scissors, tape, and a drill. These particular materials will have a result mostly suitable for a beachy, rustic, or farmhouse aesthetic, but you can easily adjust the materials to fit any style. 

Once you have everything, the assembly process is simple. First, separate the back and mat from the frame and remove the glass. Place the mat face down and tape your contact paper square to it. Realign the border and the back piece of the frame, and mark two holes about the width of the neck of the bottle. The marks should be centered and high enough that the bottom of the glass bottle will sit at the inner edge of the bottom border. Drill on the marks through the contact paper and back frame piece. Tie the jute cord around the neck of the bottle with a single knot and thread the two ends through the holes to secure the bottle to the front of the frame. Tie the cord in the back and cut off any extra cord from the ends. Finally, fill the glass bottle with water and your featured plant cuttings for propagation or flowers.

Change out any of the materials to get a vastly different look. The SANNAHED frame also comes in black and a variety of wood tones, but you could paint it any color. Swapping the contact paper will also drastically change the style. Rather than a wood design, find a faux stone for a more industrial or elegant look, or opt for a solid color that matches the surrounding decor. Replace the jute cord with a ribbon and bow in the front for a cute appearance, swap it for wire to be more industrial, or use a thin black ribbon for a refined style.

As sweet as some flowers or even a plant cutting may look in the tiny vase, using real plants will require frequent maintenance, and you may want to consider using fake plants for a less time-intensive project that will still be great. If you do use real plants or flowers, change the water in the vase whenever it becomes cloudy, or about every two to three days, and on about a weekly basis for a plant cutting. Therefore, be sure to keep extra jute cord in the back so you can tie the vase back in place after cleaning it and refilling the water as needed. Despite the added difficulty, this frame project is an exciting way to display a growing plant while still being functional. If you are interested in making your decor useful, find one of the delicious herbs you can easily propagate from cuttings to start off in your small glass bottle and transfer it once it outgrows the space.

With such a simple base, you can truly tailor this IKEA picture frame to any style. Best of all, you do not have to commit to any one style, as it is easy to trade out the design elements with the seasons or as your aesthetic shifts. If you love your new three-dimensional wall decor piece and want to make sure you optimize its effect, then you may benefit from Nate Berkus' top tips for incorporating 3D wall art into your home.