Upcycled Christmas Picture Frames with Easy Fabric Wreaths

It’s officially the Christmas season, and I’m excited to share a simple, budget-friendly way to refresh picture frames into holiday decor. These upcycled Christmas picture frames with wreaths are an easy, temporary idea that works well when you want a quick change without a major project. I’ll walk you through what I did, the materials I used, and a few tips so you can recreate the look using items you already have at home.

The accident that started it all

One of my Ikea picture frames suffered a cracked pane while I was switching out artwork for a Halloween display. Rather than rush to replace the glass, I decided to use the crack as an opportunity to try a different look. I wanted to move away from last year’s bright, vintage-style cards and tone the red down, so I experimented with fabric and simple handmade wreaths. The result felt fresh and more subdued for the season.

Materials you’ll need

• Picture frames (any size)
• Scrap fabric or old clothing—plaid works nicely for a cozy holiday look
• Double-sided tape or sticky tape
• Cardboard for wreath bases (use two different-sized bowls to trace donut shapes)
• Lightweight chiffon or curtain fabric to wrap the wreaths
• Stapler to secure the fabric on the back
• Decorative ribbon for hanging
• Small felt stars or other embellishments (optional)

Step-by-step

First, cut rectangles of plaid or other fabric to cover the frame face. Lay the fabric over the glass and secure the edges and the center with tape. This covers the cracked pane and gives a uniform backdrop for the wreath. Using fabric rather than paper adds texture and feels more seasonal.

Next, cut donut-shaped wreath bases from cardboard. I traced two bowls—one larger and one smaller—to create a perfect ring. Wrap the ring with a strip of chiffon or lightweight fabric, secure the ends on the back with a stapler, and trim any excess. The chiffon gives a soft, slightly rustic look that’s easy to adjust if you want a fuller wreath.

With the wreath wrapped, attach a length of pretty ribbon to the top of the cardboard ring and hang it from the back of the frame. Position it so the wreath is centered over the covered glass. For a finishing touch, glue a few small felt stars or other tiny ornaments directly onto the wreath. I ended up adding three red stars to each wreath, which added a subtle pop of color against the muted plaid.

Final look and placement

The finished frames look cozy without being over-the-top. I kept most of the color subdued this year, but the small red accents—especially a playful Santa in one frame—give the display just enough holiday cheer. These frames sit beautifully above the sofa and beside the Christmas tree, blending in with the room while adding seasonal charm.

Because the fabric covers are temporary, they’re easy to remove after the holidays. When I have time, I’ll replace the broken glass, but this solution works well as a quick, low-cost fix that doubles as decoration.

Tips and variations

• Use different fabrics to match your holiday palette—natural linens, burlap, or velvet can create very different moods.
• Swap felt stars for small pinecones, wooden buttons, or metallic studs for varied textures.
• If you prefer no red, choose neutral or metallic embellishments instead of colored stars.
• For durability, mount the fabric to a thin foam board before placing it in the frame if you plan to reuse the design year after year.

If you enjoy simple DIY holiday projects, this upcycled picture frame idea is a great way to refresh existing decor with minimal cost and effort. It’s perfect for renters, busy households, or anyone who prefers a relaxed approach to seasonal decorating.

Do you prefer the red stars or a neutral wreath? I’d love to know which version you’d choose for your home.