I love finding creative ways to add unique, custom-feeling pieces to my home without spending a fortune. Recently, I took on a simple DIY project that combined thrifted frames, vintage landscape artwork prints from Etsy, and a little Mod Podge to create what looks like antique oil paintings—without the antique store price tag.
If you’ve ever admired vintage paintings at HomeSense or seen antique oil paintings listed for $40 or more, you’ll love this affordable alternative. Here’s how I created my own two vintage-inspired wall arts for under $25.
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Thrifting picture Frames
I started by heading to Value Village, one of my go-to thrift stores. It’s not always the cheapest, but it’s conveniently located and often has great finds. I picked up two frames for just under $13 CAD total.
One frame was a dark brown wood. It had a few scuffs and marks, but that was an easy fix. A brown marker dabbed on the damaged spots, followed by a quick rub with my finger, made the imperfections disappear.
The second frame was gold and brassy, giving it a very vintage style.
After giving both frames a good clean, they were ready to go.
When shopping for vintage-style frames, I like to look for slightly different shapes and sizes. Mixing them keeps the overall look curated and collected rather than too matchy-matchy—perfect for vintage wall art styling.
Choosing Vintage landscape Artwork Prints
Next, I ordered two printable vintage landscape paintings from Etsy. These digital downloads are a budget-friendly way to get the look of vintage oil paintings without the hefty price tag of antique landscape paintings.
Links: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/15731... https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/15701...
I had them printed with a matte finish to avoid any unwanted glossiness.
Etsy is filled with beautiful vintage landscape artwork (or whatever you fancy) and printable landscape art, so it’s easy to find pieces that suit your style—whether you’re drawn to rustic countryside scenes or moody antique landscape paintings.
You can also find free artwork available online if you want to make it an even more budget-friendly DIY project!
Adding Texture with Mod Podge
To give the prints a more authentic, painterly look, I used Mod Podge. This was my first time experimenting with it, and I found a method that worked well:
- Apply a thin first coat, brushing it evenly across the print.
- Once it dries, go back in with a second coat, this time dabbing in the direction of the brushstrokes you’d expect in a real oil painting.
The effect is subtle but really effective. In certain light, you can see the texture, and it makes the prints look far more like genuine vintage oil paintings.
Removing the Glass for a More Authentic Look
One trick that instantly elevated the artwork was removing the glass from the frames. Instead of tossing it, I tucked the glass behind the print so I could reuse it in the future if needed.
This step gave the artwork a softer, more authentic “canvas painting” feel instead of the reflective look of glass-covered prints.
Some would argue that the glass protects the print. However, the Mod Podge is a sealant that will protect it. Also, the print cost me $3 so I am not worried about it!
My DIY vintage landscape artwork
Once everything was dry and framed, I styled the artwork on a small wall in my living room. I stacked the two pieces vertically to create a collected, curated vibe. They blend beautifully with my earthy, organic decor and add just the right touch of vintage charm.
Altogether, this project cost just under $25 for two framed vintage landscape paintings. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for antique oil paintings or even faux vintage art from big-box stores—and the best part is, they feel completely custom.
A great solution if you are decorating your home on a budget!
Why This DIY is Worth Trying
- Affordable artwork that looks high-end
- Easy way to add vintage charm to your home
- Completely customizable with different prints, frames, and finishes
- A fun project for anyone who loves DIY artwork or budget-friendly home decorating
This project proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy beautiful wall art painting ideas in your home. With thrifted frames, vintage artwork prints, and a little Mod Podge, you can create your own collection of DIY artwork that feels curated and timeless.
Looking for more affordable home decor DIY inspiration?
HOW TO CREATE VINTAGE-STYLE STONE VASE AT HOME: PERFECT TEXTURED VASE
A DIY TEXTURED ART & FLOATING FRAME YOU CAN EASILY MAKE
STYLE MY HOME WITH ME: FALL DECORATING IDEAS YOU'LL LOVE
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