The Remarkably Powerful (Yet Small!) Decor Tweak Anyone Can Make

updated May 3, 2019
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(Image credit: Marisa Vitale)

Want to refresh the look of a room with a minimal amount of money or effort? Focus your attention on the one element of your decor that can have a surprisingly refreshing effect on your home: the way your art is framed. These GIFS show off the simple but effective ways you can alter, add, change and renew your frames.

Paint your frames with bold color

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to change up the way your artwork looks is so give your existing frames a new coat of color. And because a frame is much smaller than a wall, you can switch up the color quickly and often to make your room feel fresh.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Original room image above from → Kristen’s B&W Chicago Loft


Use black to add graphic drama

Natural wood is a lovely way to frame a favorite photograph or painting, but layering on a coat of black can make your art pop and add drama to the entire room.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Original room image above from → Katy & Todd’s Musical Mash-Up


Add color to some frames in a wall collage

If you have a collage of art pieces and they all have the same frame color, try adding some bold color to just a few of the frames. It’ll be a visually vibrant surprise.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Original room image above from → Eric & Patrick’s Design Playground


Make an art collage cohesive with one color

Part of the fun of incorporating a wall art collage in your home is the breezy, casual energy it brings to a room. But if the frames in your collage are all a different color — and you’re craving a little more consistency — use one color to create collage cohesion.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Original room image above from → Heloise’s “Ever Changing” D.C. Apartment


Forget the frame, choose a colorful mat

It’s not just the frame that can have a big impact on an art piece, changing the mat color can renew a room.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Want more frame and art altering inspiration? → Check out these GIF-illustrated ideas