Want a DIY floating glass frame without paying for a store-bought version? This simple frame hack turns an ordinary frame into a sleek floating display using a few inexpensive supplies you probably already have. It’s perfect for printed art, free printables, or inexpensive pieces you want to showcase with a modern, airy look.
I started with a coloring page I had printed on card stock and colored with colored pencils. Instead of adding a heavy mat or backing, I decided to let the art “float” behind the glass—similar to the floating displays you see in many nursery and home-decor frames.
Rather than buying a dedicated floating glass frame, I dismantled an old frame and examined how it was built. The plan was simple: remove the backing, attach a hanger, secure the glass to the frame, and fasten the art to the glass. With just a few basic materials, the conversion was quick and effective.
Material #1: A sawtooth hanger. I nailed a sawtooth hanging attachment into the top inside edge of the wooden frame so the frame hangs level. These hangers are inexpensive and commonly sold in packs at craft stores.
Material #2: Super glue. I applied a thin bead of glue around the front lip of the frame and set the glass back in place so it bonded to the lip. The glue dries out of sight behind the frame’s lip and doesn’t affect the front view. Note: you can still clean both sides of the glass by taking the frame down from the wall and wiping the exposed back surface.
Material #3: None. That’s it—you’re done.
After the glue dried, I had a clean floating glass frame. To attach the print, I used two small pieces of clear Scotch tape applied to the back of the artwork—one at the top edge and one at the bottom. I overlapped the tape slightly so the very narrow edge of each piece folded over and met the glass. Because the tape covered only a sliver of the art, it wasn’t visible from the front even up close, and the print stayed flat and centered.
If tape had been obvious or awkward, my backup option was light spray adhesive applied to the back of the print, pressed carefully onto the glass and centered. I would only use spray adhesive on inexpensive prints or pieces I don’t mind altering; it’s not a method I’d choose for original artwork or anything valuable.
A couple of caveats about this DIY floating frame technique:
- There’s no full backing protecting the artwork from the rear. Instead of being sandwiched between backing and glass, the piece sits exposed to the open back of the frame. In most homes this isn’t a problem because the frame rests flush against the wall, but it does differ from a fully enclosed frame.
- Using tape or adhesive on the back of the artwork is not archival. For valuable, one-of-a-kind, or heirloom pieces, choose conservation framing methods to avoid damage.
For casual prints, photos, or free downloadable art, this floating glass frame is an elegant and affordable option. It updates ordinary frames with a modern, minimalist look and keeps the art feeling light and spacious on the wall. I now have a couple of floating frames alongside my traditional ones, and they add a nice variety to the display.
Have you experimented with altering frames or reusing old decor to give it a fresh twist? Try this DIY floating frame as an easy weekend project—the materials are inexpensive, the work is minimal, and the result looks far pricier than it costs.