Find out how to craft a budget-friendly frame for the Samsung Frame TV with only a few basic tools and a little time!
If you've never heard of a Frame TV, I've written a full review here. Essentially, it's a clever invention that lets the TV display art whenever it isn't being used for regular viewing.
The only real downside is that it doesn't come with an actual frame. The TV sits flush against the wall, so if you want it to look like genuine framed art, you have to buy a separate frame to fit around it.
Options for Buying a Frame TV Frame
There are a few solid options for buying a frame for the TV, and I'll cover them here, along with why none of them worked for my home.
Frame 1 – Contemporary Bezel Frames
These sleek plastic frames snap on magnetically. Samsung sells them specifically for the Samsung Frame TV. They come in a range of colors that would suit most decor, but they're too modern for my taste.
At the time of writing, they run roughly $100 to $200, and I didn't want to spend that much on something I wouldn't love.
Frame Option 2 – Deco TV Frames
These deluxe frames suit my taste better, starting at $300-plus for a larger wood or metal frame that snaps around the Frame TV. Don't get me wrong, I love some of them and would probably save up for one if it fit my space.
The problem is that they're too big for the space around my TV. The gap between my TV and the moulding around it is under 2 inches, but these frames are 2.5 inches wide. Womp. Womp.
Frame Option 3 – DIY TV Frame
But I'm not too disappointed! I made my own for about $25 and I love it. So if you want a beautiful frame for your Frame TV and the store options are too pricey or just don't fit, let me show you how to make your own!
How to Build a Frame for the Samsung Frame TV
I've framed plenty of artwork over the years, but this time I'm sharing how I framed my Samsung Frame TV. I'd wanted to do it for a couple of years but never found the time. Now that the garage is organized, my tools have a proper home and I have room for DIY projects again!
Even though several frame options exist for the Frame TV, none worked for me, as I mentioned earlier. The slim bezel frames looked too modern for my style, and the large, ornate Deco Frames were too big for my space.
SOURCES: Samsung Frame TV | Apple Tree Art on TV | Large Blue & White Ginger Jars | Boxwood Topiaires | Wood Basket | Clock on Shelf | Faux Fern | Mini Shelf Lamp
I wanted a frame with attractive trim moulding, but one that's slimmer than the ones on the market.
So, like any DIY enthusiast, I drew up plans to make my own! I've seen other DIY Frame TV frames, but I wanted a low-profile, stained wood frame that fit within my requirements.
Supplies You'll Need to Frame the Frame TV
We have the 55-inch 2020 model of the Frame TV, so my measurements match our exact set. If yours is smaller or larger, adjust accordingly.
- 2 – 1″ x 2″ trim boards, 8 feet long
- 2 – 3/4″ x 1-1/4″ unfinished wood moulding, 8 feet long (I used this exact trim piece.)
- Miter Saw (No miter saw? Miter shears or a handsaw with a miter box will work.)
- Wood glue
- Brad Nailer
- 1.5-inch finishing nails
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
- Corner clamps, optional but really helpful
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain in the shade you prefer
- Wood putty, optional
Steps for Building a Frame for the Frame TV
1. Cut the 1 x 2 Boards at a 45-Degree Angle.
Measure your TV and cut the inside angle of the boards to match the length of your TV's sides. Make those 45-degree cuts so they meet at right angles, which lets the corners fit together.
Stand the 1 x 2 boards on their narrow edge and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Cut two longer boards for the top and bottom of the TV and two shorter ones for the sides.
2. Use Corner Clamps to Hold the Boards Together
Clamp the angled ends of the 1 x 2 boards together to form a square corner. Make sure all the pieces fit
I bought these corner clamps just for this project, and they were invaluable for getting perfectly square corners! I know I'll be glad to have them in my toolbox for future projects.
3. Secure the Corners with Wood Glue and Brad Nails
I glued each corner, clamped it down and nailed the pieces together with 1.5-inch finishing nails using my cordless brad nailer.
I nailed each board from both sides to keep everything snug and tight. Repeat for all 4 corners.
Give the glue a few hours to dry.
4. Make Sure the Frame Fits Your TV
Before moving on to the trim, set the frame foundation on the TV to confirm it fits.
Mine was a little too big, so I trimmed a bit off. Better too large than too small, right?
5. Cut the Trim Pieces at 45-Degree Angles
Now cut the trim pieces to the same lengths as the 1 x 2s, using 45-degree angles that meet at right angles.
I used the frame foundation as a guide for the trim lengths so they would cover it precisely.
6. Attach the Trim Pieces to the Top of the Frame Foundation
Align the tall side of the trim flush with the outer edge of the frame foundation. If you bought the same trim I did, it will overhang the inside edge by 1/2″. That overhang covers the black trim around the TV, so line it up just right!
Use wood glue and the brad nailer to attach the trim to the frame foundation. I used just three or four brad nails per piece, driving them in from the top.
I didn't fill any of the nail holes because I was staining the frame and didn't mind them showing. If I were painting it, though, I'd fill them with wood putty.
7. Stain or Paint the Frame
I chose to stain my frame because the room needed some warm wood tones amid all the white painted trim. But I think paint would look just as beautiful!
I tested three stains I already had on hand: Dark Walnut, Provincial and Early American. I started with Provincial (the one in the middle).
It turned out not dark enough, so I restained it with Dark Walnut (the darkest one on the left). And it's perfect!
8. Mount the Frame on the Samsung Frame TV
And by mount, I just mean press it on.
My frame fits snugly and isn't going anywhere. We never tilt the TV downward, so I'm not worried about it falling off. But if I were, I'd probably secure it with Command strips, either to the wall or the side of the TV.
9. OPTIONAL: Carve Out Space for the Sensor
A sensor along the bottom of the TV detects light and motion, turning the art on or off depending on whether someone is in the room. It also shuts off when no light is detected, and you can override it manually. I really liked that feature, though, and with the frame on, the TV thought the room was pitch black and kept switching the art off.
I hadn't planned to cut an opening for the light/motion sensor, but I really missed the feature. So I took the frame down, marked where the sensor sat, and used my circular saw set to a 1-inch depth to make a series of cuts where it needed to go.
Then I used a large screwdriver to pop the pieces out. I sanded down any rough edges and called it finished!
I might go back and stain the inside of the notch, or I might leave it be. You can't really see it unless you're looking for it.
It now works about 90% as well as it did before, and I'm happy that it solved the problem for me!
This little DIY project was so much fun! I sat back to admire my beautifully framed TV and thought, this is exactly why I bought all those tools. This is why I learned basic DIY… so I could create beautiful things for my home for a fraction of the cost.
The supplies cost me about $25, and it turned out better than I could have imagined! I love DIY home decor.
I hope it inspires you to try the same in your own home!
PS – I loved the frame so much that I used the same method to frame a canvas print I bought a few weeks ago. I knew I wanted a custom frame for it, so I made one! This technique could work for any TV or artwork in your home!
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