Follow along to build a custom Frame TV frame that gives your TV the look of real artwork. This step-by-step DIY brings a high-end, designer feel without the designer price.
Our primary bedroom has a big wall across from the bed, and I've been finishing the space bit by bit, with plenty still to go. We love having this Frame TV in here because it looks like art, and we can still watch TV from bed. Even with the TV mounted, though, the wall still didn't feel finished.
I knew I wanted a frame around the TV, since I'd already built a much simpler DIY version for our living room. For this room, though, I wanted something that looked like a high-end Frame TV frame: a little more elevated and decorative. I was aiming for a custom frame that felt upscale, cozy, collected, and a bit glam mixed with traditional to match the rest of the bedroom.
If you've spent any time browsing Frame TVs online, you've probably seen the stunning ornate frames that make the TV look like it belongs in a gallery. And honestly? I love the look of oversized gold-framed art (just check out Mr. Peacock above our bed ), but I didn't love the $500+ price tags on those designer frames.
I just couldn't justify spending that much on a TV frame.
So instead, I figured out how to build a custom DIY Frame TV frame myself for a lot less, closer to $120! If you already have a few basic tools, this project is a no-brainer and makes a huge difference in the room.
Here's exactly how I built this high-end Frame TV frame on a budget!
What to Expect
This custom Frame TV frame is a beginner-to-intermediate DIY that you can realistically finish over a weekend with a few basic tools and some patience. Depending on what you already have on hand, the total cost will likely land around $100–150, a whole lot less than a $500+ pre-made decorative frame!
Don't let the ornate look fool you. Even though the frame looks high-end and custom, the process is fairly simple once you break it into steps. I'll walk you through the whole project so it feels approachable and doable, even if you're new to DIY.
If you want a simpler, more beginner-friendly version, check out my original DIY Frame TV tutorial here.
Still, this one small upgrade completely changed the feel of our bedroom. The TV now looks like a deliberate part of the room instead of a big black box on the wall. It really reads as a framed piece of art, and that cozy, collected feeling is exactly what I was after.
Supplies Needed for a Custom Frame TV Frame:
Here's everything I used to build this custom Frame TV frame. The list is fairly simple, and most of the look comes from layering decorative trim over a basic wood frame.
Lumber and Trim:
- 4 – 1 x 2 x 8 boards
- These form the outer frame and the internal structure that wraps around the TV.
- 2 – 1-1/16-in x 3-1/2-in x 8-ft casing boards
- This is the decorative front trim that gives the frame its high-end, ornate look.
Building Supplies:
- Wood glue
- Wood putty
- 1½-inch brad nails
- 2-inch brad nails
Finishing Supplies:
- Matte spray paint in a dark color
- I used a deep matte finish as the base coat to add depth and richness under the metallic layer. This is the one I chose.
- Rub n Buff Metallic Paint in your preferred color
- I went with Grecian Gold, which gives a warm, vintage gold look without being too shiny or glitzy.
Tools Needed:
You'll need a few basic power tools for this custom Frame TV frame. The cuts are simple, but the right tools make the whole job go much more smoothly.
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Brad nailer
- Clamps
- Corner clamps (recommended, but not required)
This version is more involved than my original simple Frame TV frame, but no worries! I'll take you through each step so you know exactly what to do.
I recommend reading the full tutorial before you buy supplies or start the project. That way you'll understand how the frame comes together and can confirm this method suits your TV, wall setup, and skill level.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for a Decorative Frame TV Frame
Step 1. Measure Your TV
Every Samsung Frame TV model is a little different, so measure your exact TV carefully before you cut anything. Measure twice, cut once! A snug fit looks the most custom and high-end, but if it's too tight, the frame will be hard to slide on and off.
For my frame, I added about 1/8-inch to my measurements so it would fit comfortably without scraping the TV. These measurements set the inside dimensions of your base frame.
I like the frame to sit close to the TV so it looks built-in and intentional, but you still need a little wiggle room for easy placement.
Also, watch the sensor at the bottom of the Frame TV. Depending on your model, it may stick out slightly past the edge of the TV. Mine did, so I carved a small space in the wood to fit around it. I'll show you exactly how I handled that later on.
If it's hard to picture how the decorative trim will overlap the base frame right now, don't worry. It'll all make sense as we go!
Step 2. Build the Inside Base Frame
Using the measurements from Step 1, cut your 1 x 2 boards to length with 45-degree mitered corners on the short ends. This forms the first of the two base frames that make up the structure of the project.
When positioned correctly, the long edge of the board (about 1.75 inches) faces the TV, while the short edge (about .75 inches) faces outward. That keeps the profile slim and finished around the screen.
I used a miter saw for these cuts because it gives the cleanest, most accurate angles, but a circular saw works too if that's what you have on hand.
Once the pieces are cut, put wood glue on each corner and clamp everything into a large rectangle. I strongly suggest corner clamps. They make frame building much easier and keep everything square while the glue dries.
When the glue has fully dried, reinforce each corner with a finishing nail or brad nail to make the frame extra sturdy.
Before moving on, test-fit the frame on your TV. This is the perfect time to make small adjustments before you add the second frame layer or the decorative trim.
Step 3. Add Decorative Trim Molding
Now for the fun part! The decorative trim is what really transforms the project and gives your Frame TV that high-end, art-gallery look, so take your time choosing a molding you truly love.
I shopped for my trim at Lowe's and looked for something chunky, traditional, and substantial enough to make the TV feel like a real framed painting.
I went with this casing style because it's flat on both edges and has a classic profile that suits our home well. The trim I used was about 3.5 inches wide, and that width works beautifully for a custom Frame TV frame. It's big enough to make an impression without overwhelming the TV.
Measure the Inside TV Frame for Your Decorative Trim
For the decorative front frame, your measurements need to be slightly smaller than the 1 x 2 base frame from Step 2. That lets the trim overlap the front edge of the TV frame for a smooth, finished look.
My Frame TV has about a ½-inch trim edge around the screen, so I used the inside measurements of that visible trim to size my decorative molding frame.
Once you have your numbers, cut each trim piece with 45-degree mitered corners so they form a rectangle.
Helpful Tip: Before you assemble, line up the matching trim pieces side by side and check that they're exactly the same length. This small step keeps the frame square and stops it from looking crooked or "wonky" later.
When the cuts are done, glue the corners together and secure them with brad nails to form the rectangular frame.
I assembled mine right on the bedroom floor since I knew it was perfectly level. The only hiccup: one nail bent downward and shot into the hardwood instead of the frame. Luckily it landed right between two floorboards, so you can't even tell. Total DIY grace!
If I did it again, I'd let the glue set fully while the frame rests on a flat surface. Then I'd carry it out to the garage or workshop to add the corner nails afterward.
Step 4: Attach the Base Frame to the Decorative Frame
I like to build projects in stages, since it lets me test as I go before fully committing. It may not be the quickest route, but I'd much rather catch a problem early than discover something is off after the whole frame is finished.
At this point, you'll attach the 1 x 2 base frame to the decorative front trim frame you just built.
I spread wood glue between the two pieces and clamped them firmly together. While lining everything up, I left about a ½-inch lip along the back inside edge of the decorative trim. That overlap lets the frame sit neatly around the TV and gives it that custom, built-in look.
Once the glue had fully set, I flipped the frame over and drove a few 1½-inch brad nails through the front of the decorative trim into the base frame underneath. That locks everything together and makes the frame feel solid.
Don't worry about the nail holes yet. We'll fill, sand, and smooth everything in Step 7 so the finished frame looks seamless and polished.
Step 5: Build the Outside Frame Base
Next, you'll build the second 1 x 2 frame, which forms the outer support for the decorative frame. It sits behind the outer edge of the trim and adds stability and depth to the whole piece.
To get your measurements, measure the outside dimensions of your decorative trim frame.
Using the remaining 1 x 2 boards, cut each piece with 45-degree mitered corners, just as you did in Step 2. Make sure the short edge faces outward the same way as the first base frame so everything lines up.
After the cuts are done, glue the corners, clamp the frame until dry, and then reinforce the corners with brad nails like before.
At this stage, I also drove a few 2-inch brad nails through the back of the outer base frame into the decorative trim to make the whole structure feel extra solid.
Before moving on, test-fit the frame on your TV again to confirm it still fits properly and sits mostly flat against the wall. This is a good moment to check that nothing shifted during assembly and that the frame still slides on and off easily.
Below, you can see the back of the finished frame structure so you can better picture how all the layers fit together.
Step 6. Cut a Notch for the Sensor
Samsung Frame TVs have a built-in sensor that reads the light in the room and controls the Art Mode display. On my TV, the sensor sits on the bottom right side of the frame, so I had to cut a small notch in the wood so the sensor could still work properly.
To find the exact spot, I placed the finished frame on the TV and marked where the sensor met the wood.
Once it was marked, I made several small cuts close together across that section with my circular saw, then popped out the little wood pieces with a chisel.
After that, I sanded the area until the notch was smooth and clean.
It doesn't need to be perfect, since it sits underneath the frame and isn't very noticeable, but you do need enough open space for the sensor to "see" the room so your Frame TV Art Mode keeps working as it should.
Step 7. Fill, Sand, and Prep
Now the frame finally starts to look polished and professional!
Use wood putty to fill any nail holes, seams, or small gaps in the frame. This step makes a big difference in the final look, especially once paint goes on.
Staying honest here: I accidentally cut one of my decorative trim pieces too short and had to patch in a small extra piece. So I spent a bit more time filling and smoothing those seams so everything blended together.
Once everything was sanded and painted, you could barely tell it ever happened!
For the flat areas and outer edges, I used an electric hand sander to smooth things out quickly. For the decorative grooves and detailed trim, I used a piece of sandpaper by hand so I could reach all the little crevices.
After sanding, wipe the whole frame down with a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove all the dust before painting. This helps the paint stick better and gives you a much smoother finish.
Step 8: Paint or Stain
There are lots of ways to finish a custom Frame TV frame, depending on the look you want for your space.
If you start with all raw wood, you could absolutely stain the frame for a rustic or more natural look. Since I used primed casing trim for my decorative molding, painting made the most sense for this project. But if a simple paint color suits your style, you can stop right there!
I wanted an antique, high-end metallic finish, so I started by spray painting the entire frame a deep, dark brown. That base layer sits underneath the metallic finish and adds depth and dimension.
If you plan to use Rub 'n Buff like I did, I strongly recommend starting with a darker base coat.
Because I was spray painting, I took the frame outside and worked on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated spot. Always follow the directions on the spray paint can, but in my experience, spray paint turns out best outdoors where there's plenty of airflow and room to work.
Once the paint was completely dry, I brought the frame back inside and started applying the Rub 'n Buff finish.
I tested a few metallic shades from my craft stash and chose Grecian Gold because it matched the other warm gold tones in our bedroom beautifully.
I used a small brush with just a tiny bit of product and worked in light, short strokes until I reached the soft antique look I wanted. A little goes a long way with Rub 'n Buff, so start light and build up the color gradually.
Step 9: Attach Frame to TV
Since I built my custom Frame TV frame to fit fairly snugly around the TV, I simply set the frame on the television and let it rest in place. That's the same method I used for the DIY frame on our living room Frame TV above the mantel, and it's worked well for us.
Because the frame is lightweight yet sturdy, it stays put once it's sitting correctly around the TV.
If the frame ever needed extra support, I'd probably add a few Command Strips behind it to hold it gently against the wall. There are other attachment methods out there, but if your frame is measured and built well, it should sit securely on the TV without much else.
And that's it! One simple DIY project totally transformed our bedroom and made the TV feel more intentional, cozy, and collected instead of just a big black screen on the wall.
How to Style Your Frame TV
The whole point of building a custom Frame TV frame is to make your TV feel like a piece of art rather than just another screen in the room. And honestly, styling the art might be my favorite part!
I love switching out the artwork on our Frame TV throughout the year to match the seasons and keep the room feeling fresh and cozy.
Seasonal Frame TV Art Ideas:
- Spring Frame TV Art
- Summer Frame TV Art
- Fall Frame TV Art
- Winter Frame TV Art
Switching up the artwork by season changes the feel of a room with almost no effort. It's an easy way to keep your home feeling warm, collected, and intentional all year long.
Dressing the TV up as artwork also transformed what used to be a dull, sad wall. I love that mounting the TV freed up the dresser below for books, framed photos, flowers, lamps, and candles, rather than a bulky television sitting there.
I even pulled my childhood jewelry box out of the attic and placed it in the center of the dresser. It feels especially sentimental and meaningful in the space now.
Before:
After:
The oversized mirror and the large framed TV suit the scale of this wall much better now. It's a good reminder of how much scale matters when you decorate a room.
This wall is over 16 feet long with 9-foot ceilings, so the bigger pieces finally make the space feel balanced and deliberate instead of empty and awkward.
And of course... I'm still not completely finished with this room. I have a few more ideas planned for this bedroom makeover, so stay tuned for the next phase!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add a frame to any Frame TV?
Yes! You can definitely add a DIY frame to a Samsung Frame TV. That's actually one reason these TVs are so popular with home decor fans, since they're designed to look like artwork on the wall.
You can build your own custom frame like I did, or buy one of the many pre-made decorative frames sold online.
Does this frame block the sensor?
This frame partly covers the sensor, but I showed how to cut a small notch so light can still reach it properly.
Your Frame TV remote should still work even if the sensor is somewhat blocked, but covering it too much can affect the TV's motion and light-sensing features. If needed, you can always adjust those settings right on the TV.
Can you remove the frame easily?
That depends on how you attach it.
Since my frame simply rests snugly around the TV, it's very easy to take off whenever I want to swap something out, make adjustments, or move the TV.
If you use adhesive strips or another securing method, removing it may take a bit more effort.
What type of molding works best?
I've found that decorative molding about 3½ inches wide works best for this style of custom Frame TV frame.
That width gives the TV a substantial, high-end look without overpowering the screen. I'd also suggest choosing a molding profile that fits your home's style, whether that's traditional, modern, farmhouse, or something more ornate and vintage-inspired.
Shop the Look
If you love the cozy, collected feel of this bedroom makeover, here are a few of the pieces that helped pull the whole space together:
- Frame TV
- Decorative Trim Molding
- Wall paint color
- Faux Flowers
- Vase
- Floor mirror
- Ralph Lauren Book
What I love most about this room is how layered and intentional it feels without being overly fussy. The framed TV really anchored the whole wall and made the surrounding decor look more balanced and high-end.
Which Frame TV DIY Is Right for You?
Now that I've built two different DIY Frame TV frames in our home, you might be wondering which one makes the most sense for your space and skill level.
Honestly, they're both great. It just comes down to the look you want!
Choose the Simple Frame If:
- You want something quick and budget-friendly
- You're newer to DIY projects
- You prefer a cleaner, more minimal look
- You want an easy weekend project with fewer tools and steps
Choose the Custom Decorative Frame If:
- You love a more designer, layered look
- You don't mind a few extra building steps
- You want your TV to really look like framed artwork
- You enjoy traditional details and a bit of extra character
The decorative version takes a little more time, but the result feels so custom and high-end. It completely changed the feel of our bedroom and helped the TV blend into the room much more naturally.
And the best part? Both versions are still far more budget-friendly than buying a pre-made luxury Frame TV frame.
Final Thoughts
Building this DIY Frame TV frame wasn't just about saving money or skipping the steep price of a store-bought version, although that certainly didn't hurt! It was really about creating something personal, intentional, and beautifully connected to the rest of our home.
I love taking a few basic tools, some affordable materials, and a creative idea and turning them into something that completely changes how a space feels. Projects like this remind me that you don't have to spend a fortune to create a home that feels warm, collected, and uniquely yours.
And honestly, there's something really satisfying about looking around your house and seeing pieces you built with your own hands. They tell a story, add character, and make a space feel even more meaningful.
This frame completely transformed our bedroom wall, and I'm so glad I took the DIY route instead of buying an expensive custom frame. It feels cozy, high-end, and perfectly suited to our home, which is exactly the look I was hoping for.
