Eco-Friendly Custom Frame Ideas

Reclaimed Wood

Repurposed or reclaimed wood is an excellent eco-friendly choice for picture frames. This environmentally-safe, sustainable material adds a rustic touch to your space. 

Reclaimed wood is typically sourced from old buildings, fences, or furniture that would otherwise be thrown away. Using reclaimed wood for frames reduces waste and gives new life to a material that has already served its original purpose. 

You can create your own picture frames from reclaimed wood or purchase frames from a retailer specializing in repurposed items. Creative frame ideas include using old barn wood to create a distressed look or combining different types of reclaimed wood to make a multi-textured frame.

Matboards

Matboards are a popular choice for framing because they add a professional touch and enhance the look of a piece. Several eco-friendly options, including artboard, mounting board, and rag matboards, are environmentally safe. These matboards are made from renewable or recycled materials, such as cotton or recycled paper, and are free of harmful chemicals that can damage artwork. 

When purchasing matboard, look for labels that indicate it's made from 100 percent unbleached paper to ensure sustainability. Using eco-friendly matboards adds a crisp look to your framing project and supports your commitment to sustainable resources. 

Aluminum

Aluminum is a commonly used material for picture frames because it is lightweight, durable, and sleek. Although aluminum is a non-renewable resource, you can use recycled aluminum in your frame to reduce waste and energy consumption. 

Recycled aluminum frames are made from post-consumer materials, such as cans or scrap metal, that are melted down and reformed into new frames. Recycled aluminum frames have the same strength and durability as frames made from new materials, making them a practical and sustainable choice for framing contemporary art with bold colors and clean lines.

Steel

Steel is a popular material for picture frames due to its strength, durability, and sleek appearance. Sustainable options for steel include using frames made from recycled or repurposed steel. You can also choose frames with a simple design that avoids intricate details which require additional resources and energy to manufacture. 

Recycled steel frames are ideal for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Repurposed steel frames are made from scrap metal from construction sites or car parts, which are melted down and repurposed. 

Recycled steel frames can be painted or powder-coated in various colors and finishes to match any home decor style. They also offer a modern and industrial aesthetic popular in contemporary design and work well for framing items like black and white photos or vintage posters.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a lightweight, eco-friendly material for picture frames that offers a warm, natural-looking alternative to traditional wood frames. Bamboo is an infinitely renewable resource with a short growth cycle and minimal maintenance. Using bamboo for frames reduces the need to cut down trees, which helps conserve natural resources and preserve habitats. 

Bamboo frames are durable and resistant to warping, making them a practical and sustainable choice. They can be left natural or stained in various colors to match your home decor. These frames look best with photographs or paintings of natural scenery, such as mountains and beaches, but also look great with bohemian or eclectic aesthetic pieces.