This Unexpected Store Is My Go-To for Living Room Decor (It’s So Budget-Friendly!)

published Aug 20, 2024
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A living room with a pink and blue color scheme.

Michaels is one of my go-to spots for craft supplies and holiday decor, but it’s not usually a place I consider when it comes to giving my apartment a style refresh. As it turns out, though, it’s actually one of the best stores to buy budget-friendly photo frames — and there are so many different styles, from your basic poster frame to options that seriously could be sold at more high-end retailers. Michaels also offers custom framing at super-affordable prices, too. 

Frames are something I refuse to spend a ton of money on, so I typically go to stores like HomeGoods, Marshalls, and Target when I want to display a new photo or piece of art. I also love hunting for bargains at local thrift stores. But, I recently stopped into Michaels to ask about custom framing a cross-stitch project and was completely shocked by their selection — so much so that I ended up buying a premade frame for my project, plus a few others to refresh my space. 

Whether you’re like me and can’t justify an expensive photo frame or are redoing your gallery wall, Michaels is the best place to buy frames. Check out a few of my favorites below, starting at just $11.24.

1 / 4
Michaels
$14.99
was $29.99

I bought this frame for my entryway, where I’ve hung a wedding portrait that my friend painted. It’s a super-sentimental and special piece, and I love the way the frame creates the illusion of a custom finish. It appears to have a slender walnut wood border with a separate white mat board, but that’s actually all part of the frame — the glass only covers the photo insert area. It’s so chic and currently on sale for 50 percent off!

2 / 4
Michaels
$18.74
was $24.99

I didn’t end up buying this 5” by 5” frame, but I took a photo of it to remind myself of it later. I love the mid-century-inspired brass finish and the unique circular, oversized mat board. I cross-stitch and needlepoint, so this would be a great way to show off some of my finished pieces. It could also work well for meaningful memorabilia, like pressed flowers from a wedding day, a handwritten note on a napkin, or a piece of fabric from a deceased loved one’s wardrobe.

3 / 4
Michaels
$12.74
was $16.99

This is another cool round photo frame from Michaels. The design blends a round circle shape with a rectangle mat board in the center, and the larger surface space makes it feel a little more luxe, too. I particularly love the idea of blending this into a gallery cluster that’s mostly made up of square or rectangular frames.

4 / 4
Michaels
$11.24
was $14.99

Here’s a frame with tons of gorgeous detailing that’ll add a touch of elevated texture to your space. You can style this propped up on a bookshelf or side table, or frame your favorite small piece of art and mount it on the wall.