Shop a Gorgeous Gallery of Old Photo Frames at Chairish
You may have sworn off analog photography years ago—if not decades—but that doesn’t mean that picture frames have gone the way of dial-up tones and the passenger pigeon. In fact, picture frames still hold a cherished spot in most homes. Not only do old picture frames lend an element of personalization to a space, but they’re also capable of adding quintessential character and depth. If you’re in the market for old picture frames, don’t hesitate to kick off your hunt here at Chairish. From Art Deco photo frames to Murano glass picture frames, our selection of used frames spans the spectrum. Browse for something specific, or simply browse to get inspired!
Our collection of used picture frames is expertly curated by our style-savvy buyers who search the globe looking for the most exceptional vintage and antique dealers. Our buyers tap these dealers’ inventory and list their most chic and unique pieces right here on Chairish. What does that mean for antique photo frame purveyors like you? It means you can shop a beyond-the-basics collection of old frames for sales all in one place. As a bonus, every used frame you come across is in stock and ready to ship. Did we also mention all-new arrivals land daily? You can also be ensured that you won’t have to waste any time sifting through less-than-stellar frames. Every piece in our edit of is a certified gem, worthy of placement in any top designer project.
Oval Picture Frames
Those looking to procure instant polish can’t do much better than an oval picture frame. A forever classic that harks to old-world glamour while retaining 21st Century appeal, the oval frame is perfect for making even the most simple photos feel like coveted heirlooms. From a technical stand-point, vintage oval frames are ideal for displaying close-up portraits that could otherwise feel a bit flat in a standard square frame. Curvilinear sides don’t just frame a photo, but cup it, lending whatever photo you decide to drop inside a bit of extra regalia. Thanks to their elongated shape, oval frames make for a powerful design element on any surface. If you’re concerned about an oval frame infringing on your photo, consider holding out for an oval frame with a square picture cut-out. The effect will be much the same as a standard oval frame, but you won’t have to stress over any ill-croppings.
Frameless Picture Frames
Frameless frames: an oxymoron? Not quite. Frameless frames, which are picture frames that sandwich a photo between two pieces of glass or acrylic, skew more minimalist than other frames on this list, but make no less of an impact in a room. Use these vintage frames’ sleek, borderless design to draw attention to an especially revered photograph. Their pared-down form also makes them a smart choice for offices and bookcases where a less-is-more mentality reigns supreme, Most vintage borderless frames will come equipped with a decorated pedestal base. These bases can range from simple and geometric to ornate and pictorial. It’s especially common to find borderless frames with weighty, sculptural bases from the Art Deco era. The era’s machine-inspired motifs and penchant for hard edges played miraculously well with the borderless design.
Foldable Hinged Picture Frames
In the early aughts, mall-based photo studios caught on as a craze and created a blitz of 2.5” x 3.5” photos. While wallets handled most of the onslaught, teensy-weensy hinged frames became the favored way to display optimal outtakes. As digital photography came into vogue and bantam photos fell out of favor, so did the bitty bi-fold frames. While there may be few reasons to revive the smallest sizes of hinged photo frames, a scaled-up version can be the perfect addition to a console or bookshelf that requires some gravitas. If ever there was a time to call on vintage hinged folding frames, kids’ portraits might be it. Especially if you have two kiddos, a folding frame can be the most streamlined way to display multiple photos on a single surface. Have three in your brood? Opt for a tri-fold hinged frame.
Silver Picture Frames
While not necessarily a shape of frame, there’s no denying the stylistic prowess of a simple silver frame. Having earned status as a wedding gift go-to thanks to their classic appeal, silver frames have the ability to synchronize to virtually any decor. Silver frames make a striking complement to black-and-white photography and have the deft ability to make aged ephemera look markedly modern. Silver frames come in a wide array of styles, so if flat, mirrored silver isn’t your jam, consider seeking out a silver frame with details like beveling, buffed edges, beading, roping, or bamboo accents.
Glass Picture Frames
Vintage glass frames, especially colored glass frames, are a surefire way to add surface intrigue. Because glass wears a higher price tag than other materials, vintage glass frames tend to be smaller in size than some other vintage makes. Use a small glass frame in a gem tone to add personality to a desk, bookshelf, or bedside. To pump up the luxe factor, look for Murano and Venetian glass frames, which often showcase standout details like ribbing, scalloping, and other incised accents. A styling hack for vintage Murano glass frames? If you procure a frame in a vibrant hue like yellow, pink, or green, match your photo’s color scheme to the frame. It can have a next-level effect.
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