DIY Picture Mats: An Easy Way to Update Old Frames

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Gallery walls and photo collages are one of my favorite ways to fill a blank wall, but sometimes a collection of thrifted picture frames can feel a little mismatched. Even if the frames work well together, different-colored picture mats can make the display look less polished.

When I was putting together my own photo wall, I wanted all of my thrifted frames to feel like they belonged together. Instead of buying new custom mats, I covered the existing picture mats with coordinating green and white fabrics. It was an inexpensive project that transformed the frames and gave the entire wall a much more cohesive, custom look. I also mixed family photos in with framed caricatures I already had hanging, and the matching fabric tied everything together beautifully.

If you’re looking for an easy way to update old frames or create custom picture mats without spending a fortune, this simple DIY is a great place to start. I’ll show you exactly how to cover picture mats with fabric so you can customize them to match your home decor.

How to update thrifted frames with fabric. — *(Before)*

How to Cover Picture Mats with Fabric

Supplies

matted picture frames
fabric

hot glue gun
hot glue sticks

scissors
iron & ironing board

Step 1: Iron the Fabric

My fabric came in the mail and had a lot of creases. I wanted it to be smooth on my picture mats. So, I ironed it first.

To me, this is the most irritating step, mostly because I hate getting out my iron and ironing board. But don’t skip it! Your picture mats will look much neater without wrinkles or creases on them.

*(My fabric arrived folded, so it had a lot of creases.)*

Iron the creases out of the fabric before covering the picture mats. — *(My fabric arrived folded, so it had a lot of creases.)*

Step 2: Cut the Fabric to Size

After the fabric is ironed, lay your picture mat on top of it. Cut around the edge of the mat, leaving a 1/2″ to 1″ border around the edge.

You will need this extra fabric to wrap around the picture mat and glue on the back.

How to update old frames by covering the picture mats with fabric. — *(Leave 1/2″ to 1″ all the way around the mat.)*

Step 3: Trace Picture Opening

Once the fabric is cut to the correct size, put it face down (with the back of the fabric facing you) and trace the opening where the picture goes. Then draw an X across the opening.

Using fabric is an easy way to update old picture frames. — *(As you can tell, this picture mat has seen better days.)*

Step 4: Cut X in Opening

Then cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Do not cut past your traced lines or there will be a slit/opening visible on the front of the picture mat.

Giving thrift store picture frames a makeover. — *(You’ll be left with 4 flaps.)*

Step 5: Glue Down Outer Edges

Once your opening is cut and ready to go, wrap the outer edges of the fabric around the mat and glue them to the back of the picture mat.

Make sure you don’t pull or shift the fabric. You want the opening of the mat to stay on your traced lines.

How to cover picture mats with fabric: cut the fabric to the right size. — *(Make sure you don’t shift the fabric away from the traced lines.)*

Step 6: Glue Down Inner Edges

After the outer edges are in place, glue down the inner ones. Fold back the flaps and glue them to the back of the mat.

Then trim the excess fabric. You’ll also have to glue the corners down better and trim the extra fabric from those.

How to cover picture mats with fabric to update old picture frames.

Tip for Oval Picture Mats

Oval picture mats are a little bit trickier to cover with fabric. However, there is one tip to give you smooth edges around the picture opening.

After cutting an X into the picture opening of the fabric, you will need to make more cuts.

If you cut the 4 flaps from the X in half and have 8 big sections to fold back, then you’ll get bumpy/pointy edges around the oval opening.

How to cover oval picture mats with fabric. — *(These big sections left the opening around the oval looking bumpy.)*

By cutting those sections into smaller flaps, the edges are much smoother. So, cut each flap in half again. It’s more pieces that you have to glue down, but the result is a much smoother look.

Tips for covering oval picture mats with fabric to update thrifted frames.

When covering oval picture mats with fabric, cut the opening into small sections to get a smooth edge.

Tip for Working with Striped Fabric

Don’t pull the fabric too tightly when you’re gluing it down. It can make the fabric stretch and pull the stripes out of line, making it look wonky.

Step 7: Put Your Frame Back Together

Put your frame back together with a picture and you’re done! Hang it up and enjoy.

Covering picture mats with fabric is one of those simple DIY projects that makes a surprisingly big impact. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall, refreshing thrifted frames, or trying to tie together different styles of artwork, this inexpensive update gives your frames a custom look without the cost of replacing the mats.

I love how this project helped my thrifted frames feel more cohesive and made my family photos blend seamlessly with the framed caricatures that were already on the wall. The best part is that you can choose any fabric that matches your decorating style, making each frame completely unique.

If you have a stack of old picture frames waiting for a makeover, grab some fabric and give this easy DIY a try!