DIY Floating Glass Frame: An Easy, Affordable Hack
If you like the crisp, modern look of a floating glass frame but don’t want to pay for a store-bought version, this simple frame hack will get you there with items you probably already have—or can buy for just a few dollars. I transformed an ordinary wood frame into a floating glass display that showcases a printable I colored, and the whole process was fast, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.
I started with a free printable I’d printed on cardstock and colored with regular colored pencils. The idea was to let the artwork float behind the glass instead of adding a bulky mat or backing. That floating look is common in commercial frames, but you can achieve it at home by taking apart a standard frame and reassembling it so the glass is attached to the frame and the backing is removed.
Rather than run out to buy a specialty floating frame, I removed the backing from the frame I already had, added a hanging hook to the top, glued the glass to the frame’s front lip, and attached the artwork to the glass. The materials list is minimal and the steps are straightforward.
Materials and tips
Material #1: A sawtooth hanger. I nailed a sawtooth hanging attachment into the top center of the wooden frame so it would hang straight. These are inexpensive—often sold in multi-packs at craft stores like Michael’s.
Material #2: Super glue. I lifted the glass, applied a thin bead of glue around the outside lip of the frame, then set the glass back in place so it would be permanently secured. The glue dries out of sight along the inner lip, so it’s not visible from the front. Note: this doesn’t prevent you from cleaning the glass—you can lift the whole frame off the wall and wipe the back of the glass if needed.
Material #3: None. That’s it—no mat, no backing board. Once the glass is glued in place and the sawtooth hanger is attached, you’re ready to secure the artwork.
To attach the print, I used small, clear pieces of Scotch tape on the back of the art. I overlapped the tape so only a very thin edge of the paper met the glass along the top and bottom. From the front, the tape is virtually invisible, and only two small strips were enough to hold the piece flat and centered. If clear tape looks awkward, a light spray adhesive applied to the back of the print can work—but only for non-valuable or replaceable prints, since spray adhesive is permanent.
A few cautions: this floating-frame method is ideal for inexpensive prints, free downloadable artwork, or pieces you can easily replace. There are two main differences from traditional framing you should consider before using it for valuable items:
- There’s no back panel protecting the art from the rear. The artwork sits exposed behind the glass instead of being sandwiched between a backing board and the glass.
- The art is secured with tape (or a light adhesive), which is not the archival or conservation-friendly method recommended for valuable or one-of-a-kind pieces.
For inexpensive or sentimental pieces that you can replace, though, this hack is perfect. It gives a clean, modern floating effect and breathes new life into frames you already own. If you enjoy DIY home decor, try converting a couple of frames—two floating glass displays make a nice complement to standard framed pieces. Have you modified frames or wall decor in creative ways? Share your favorite hacks and tips.