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But I Need It: Cool And Unique Wood Picture Frames

Today’s post is a niche one, but since we are all design lovers here, I figured it was a safe space:) If y’all like this, maybe it could even be a little series – things that each of us is currently obsessed with, and what our Pinterest boards are filled with. Today, I’ll go first and talk about unique wood picture frames. I’ve been pinning these for over a year, at least, and finally decided I need to talk about them, find ones that are purchasable, and maybe finally start carving my own. I actually got carving knives as a gift about 10 years ago and still haven’t really ever used them. Maybe that should be my hobby cause lord knows I need one, ha.

To me, these are special, standalone pieces. Of course, style them however you like, but given their uniqueness, I think they give a cool oppurtunity to make a small design statement. Think of an off to the side and above a headboard, under a window, over a window (or door), on a small wall, you get it. Let me show you a good amount of the beauties I pinned because they stole my heart, and then a bunch of great purchasable ones.

Oh, my first love! This is a full art piece rather than just a stunning frame, but my god, what I would give to have this in my home. This piece is from artist Alicia Adamerovich, and is called Please don’t block the void. I adore the curves, the pointed top, the slight asymmetrical design, all in the rich carved wood.

This piece was created by Emma Kohlmann. You might know her work from this tabletop collaboration with Hay. I’ve been itching to get my hands on some of those pieces, too! But back to this frame (and art piece). I just adore the texture, and how the art piece inside the frame both complements and contrasts with each other. It’s just special and one of a kind (even if it technically isn’t, I’m not sure:)) And if you’re looking for a gorgeous coffee table book, her’s is just that.

You all know how much I love a circle detail:) Sadly, I don’t know that artist. There is a part of me that maybe with my carving tools, I could maybe recreate something like this? It’s just so simple and cool! Think how much life it would bring to a wall.

There are nearly no words when it comes to this one. Artist, Noorain Inam, calls this piece A Whole Lot of Nothingness. Go to this post to read more about its meaning, but just at first look, it takes your breath away a bit. The wood of the frame has so much character and beauty in and of itself, but then the added hands and ear carving take it to another dimension.

Again, I don’t know this particular artist, but I have seen more and more of these types of pieces and thought of making one myself. Just a beautiful piece of wood, with a perfectly carved out nook for a piece of tile or any kind of art, really. Ugh, it’s just beautiful. I did find an artist by the name of Em Kettner, whose wood frame work is unreal. Look at this piece.

Well, hello, vintage tramp art! We all know that Emily (and team) has a deep love for vintage popsicle lamps, but this might be the first time I’ve seen a vintage popsicle frame. If I had this, I would truly just stare at it all of the time.

If you want to get inspired by modern frames and how they interact with art, then let me introduce you to Eli Craven. I love this piece, but if you go to his site, you’ll find a treasure trove of unreal works.

Another unknown artist (to me), and also dare I say the simplest of the group… but, it’s so chic, isn’t it?? I almost made something similar for my living room reveal. Modern warmth, if you will:)

Now, let’s get to browsing unique wood picture frames that you can actually buy. Some are new, some are vintage, some are really affordable, and some less. But regardless, I hope this helps to train your eye to keep a lookout for really cool frames/pieces of art, whether you are shopping online or in person. Let’s go!

home of allison pierce | styling by velinda hellen & erik staalberg | photos by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the no-reno house that looks completely renovated

Wooden Square Photo Frame | Rectangular Wooden Photo Frame | Wooden Round Photo Frame

All three of these sweet frames are from the same Etsy shop. And get this. For the mini sizes, they start under $20! I love all of the shapes and the two-toned look. How cute would a mini one be in an unexpected spot??

Handcrafted Sapele Wood Photo Frame | Hand Carved Walnut Picture Frame

These two are less affordable, but wow, are they beautiful. I love that they are similar shapes but in different styles. The first is more geometric, while the second is more rounded and softer.

design by jamie haller and craig ekedahl | styled by a 1000 x better | photo by lauren moore | from: how to do “craftsman” right – the 7 key elements that make this vintage style work

Large Wiggle Walnut Wood Picture Frame | Edinburgh Walnut Wood Wall Picture Frame

For something more ornate but still feels modern traditional are these two beauts. The Large Wiggle is extremely special and whimsical! The other frame is actually from Crate & Barrel and is just under $100.

Antique Art Nouveau Mahogany Frame | Curved Antique Art Nouveau Mahogany Frame | Antique Oval Mahogany Frame

I’ve decided I MUST get my hands on one of these Art Nouveau vintage frames. I’m not typically one for laquered decor, but these are so special. I love that they are a little bulbous and rounded and generally awesome.

Antique Art Deco Solid Wood Frame | Arden Oval Frame

What I love about these two is that there’s nothing decorative about them. The art deco frame has that arched top and oval opening, but otherwise it’s completely flat and really cool. The oval frame has that great texture, but then flat and with a contrasting rounded rectangle opening. The wood is just as much the star as the art or photo that will go inside.

Square Wooden Picture Frame

Another dream frame of mine. I really love mini art, and this is a perfect form for that. It still takes up wall space both physically and visually, but draws you in with the “window” being so small. It’s so chic, perfectly modern but also organic and warm. 1000/10.

wood picture frames
styling by emily edith bowser & erik staalberg | photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd

Hand Carved Wooden Frame | Unique Round Corner INSTAX Mini Polaroid Frame

Stop it! How sick are these?! For the first one, it’s more on the organic side; you also get that really pretty piece of art! The other one is a bit more “refined” and “modern” and is so cool. Plus, if you are a Polaroid user, this one perfectly fits the INSTAX Mini film.

Artisan Carved Wavy Solid Wood Frame | Modern Nordic Solid Wood Frame

Want some more whimsy? Me too. I wouldn’t have thought a carved wavy frame would have been something I would be so drawn to, but I love that first one so much. Again, I think this is more of a stand-alone, “let it shine by itself” piece, but that’s just me:) The other is also so adorable. It’s just got personality, you know.

design by sally breer | photo by david tsay

Wood Cross Frame | Amish Primitive Cross Stitch Wall Art Set | Wood Square Photo Frame

And finally, for my geometric shape lovers, these are all big winners. That first wood cross is technically a mirror, but I loved it so much I didn’t care, ha. Oh, y’all, that Amish Primitive cross stitch set is only $35! There’s only one, so someone jump on it! However, if a lot of you love the wood square frame, that one comes in multiple sizes, it’s not vintage, and it starts at only $14 for the smallest size. Adding a little geometric shape to a room can really help to offset all the rounded pieces that so many of us design with. All winners.

Are you in love, too? Are you also adding to cart as we speak? Is there another niche decor piece you’ve been obsessed with? Let’s chat!

Opening Image Credits: Styling by Emily Edith Bowser & Erik Staalberg | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for EHD

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another Emily
21 days ago

love this post! love to see your personality come through, Jess, after “knowing” you for so many years! and also love the idea of a series of these; always fun to see others’ pins and obsessions.

Sasha
21 days ago

Beautiful post and love all the frames here. That said, I think this post needs a continuation post on how to decorate with small picture frames and arts because when I tried to do that, it tends to look cluttered.

Galena
21 days ago

Thanks for treasure-hunting for us! I AM adding the ‘wooden square photo frame’ from your first set to my cart–for my first cross stitch that has been waiting for a frame for ten years, an Anna Maria Horner kit that I highly recommend. I also love the ‘artisan carved wavy solid wood frame’ (and others from that shop) for my Legends of Zelda/Lord of the Rings loving teen.

Susan
21 days ago

I had no idea this stuff existed. You sold me. Wow. Wow. Wow. I make mini art. Mini paintings mini embroidery mini weavings. Now I need these frames. Thank you so much!!

Lulu
21 days ago

Great post, thank you.

Anni
21 days ago

Check out Em Collier. Designs and constructs custom wood frames, and also has some gorgeous wood-frames mirrors in her shop with geometric forms. One woman business owner, artisan and woodworker with meticulous eye for detail.

Ellie
21 days ago

I love these SO MUCH! Thank you for the great introduction, Jess.

M
21 days ago

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 First the lamp update and now this!? Excellent! Thank you for your niche interests, Jess, I’m obsessed.

lmdr
21 days ago

this made my heart go pitter-patter. LOVE EVERYTHING. Thank you.

Stephanie
20 days ago

These are all SO COOL! I love how they interact with the art! Thin, modern frames can be pretty, but these have so much more character and are works of art in themselves. I’m obsessed. Would love to see more in a series like this, Jess!

Pamela T
20 days ago

This was so much fun and definitely delighted the eye. I loved the examples and the way you described each of them. A vote for more niche design posts, I just don’t know enough to offer ideas but know I’ll love them when I see them!

Suzanne
19 days ago

I love this! It’s funny, because for a long time, after taking a museum management class, I was really into simple black gallery frames. In the last few years, I’ve gotten into more eclectic frames. I bought some from Matilda Goad that were pricey, but I’ve also found them at rummage sales or on my local buy nothing group. The latter more likely to be vintage frames. I think you can totally make them. Hand carving is good, but is time consuming. Some of the frames you featured could be done with power carving using a dremel. I took a class in San Diego a couple years ago with Cecilia Bencomo. She still offers classes through the San Diego Art Collective, which is such an amazing resource for learning all types of crafting. I was there for a crafting retreat, so I’m not local, but I’d totally check it out. It’s be a great weekend trip from LA.

Suzanne
19 days ago
Reply to  Suzanne

It’s actually the San Diego Craft Collective.

Melanie
19 days ago

Gah! This was soooooo good!! I am in love too!! TY for sharing these treasures

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