From the vibrant splash of a first finger painting to a painstakingly drawn family portrait, your child’s creativity is a spectacular thing. But as the pile of paper grows, so can the clutter—and the quiet guilt of not knowing what to do with it all. What if you could celebrate every creation without turning your home into a classroom? The solution lies in finding beautiful framing children’s artwork ideas that transform these precious masterpieces into cherished parts of your home’s story, preserving their magic for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll help you embark on that journey. We are sharing nine inspiring and practical ways to frame and display your child’s art, turning fridge-door displays into stunning, bespoke décor. From simple, budget-friendly DIY projects to premium, professionally framed options that create a true gallery wall, you’ll discover the perfect method to honour your little artist’s work, make them feel immensely proud, and seamlessly integrate their creativity into your stylish home.
Why Framing Transforms Your Child’s Art (And Your Home)
Every parent knows the colourful chaos of the refrigerator door—a vibrant, ever-changing gallery of drawings, paintings, and school projects held up by a fleet of magnets. While charming, this temporary display can feel cluttered. Choosing to frame your child’s masterpieces is one of the most impactful framing children’s artwork ideas because it does more than just decorate a wall; it celebrates the artist and preserves a precious moment in time.
For a little inspiration on how framing can elevate your child’s creations, take a look at this lovely video:
From Refrigerator Art to a Lasting Legacy
There is a profound psychological difference between a magnet and a frame. A magnet holds a drawing in place; a frame gives it a place of honour. This simple act sends a powerful message to your child: ‘Your work is important, and we value your creativity.’ It elevates a simple piece of paper into a work of art, showing them you take their creative expression seriously and are proud to make it a permanent part of your home.
Building Confidence Through Curation
Involving your child in choosing which pieces to frame creates a wonderful sense of pride and ownership. When they see their drawing professionally mounted and displayed on the wall, it validates their creative hobby and boosts their self-esteem immeasurably. This process turns their artistic exploration into a celebrated family activity, creating positive memories around their passion and encouraging them to continue creating with confidence.
Integrating Kids’ Art Seamlessly into Your Decor
A common concern is that children’s art will create a cluttered, ‘classroom’ feel. This is where the magic of a bespoke frame comes in. A well-chosen frame provides structure and definition, acting as a bridge between the playful energy of the artwork and your sophisticated home decor. By understanding what is a picture frame and its function, you can select materials and colours that tie the vibrant hues of their art directly into your room’s palette, creating a look that is both personal and polished.
9 Creative Ideas for Framing and Displaying Children’s Artwork
That ever-growing pile of paintings and drawings is a testament to your child’s boundless imagination. But how do you display it without overwhelming your home? The key is to treat their creations with the care of fine art. From a single, spectacular piece to a dynamic gallery wall, here are some of our favourite framing children’s artwork ideas to help you celebrate their creative journey and turn those precious papers into beautiful, lasting memories.
1. The Single Statement Piece
For a truly powerful impact, select one masterpiece that holds special significance—perhaps their first family portrait or a painting you both adore. By placing it in a premium, oversized mount within a quality frame, you elevate the artwork, giving it the importance it deserves. This approach turns a simple drawing into a treasured heirloom and a stunning focal point for any room.
2. The Cohesive Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a classic way to showcase a collection of your child’s art. The secret to a polished, unified look is consistency. By using identical frames and mounts, you create a harmonious display that lets the artwork shine. You can arrange the frames in a neat, symmetrical grid for a formal feel or create a more playful, asymmetrical layout. For more inspiration, Forbes offers some excellent tips on creative ways to arrange artwork, helping you design the perfect composition for your space.
3. The Rotational Art Gallery
If you have a prolific young artist at home, a rotational gallery is the perfect solution. Use front-opening frames that allow you to store multiple pieces and easily swap the front-facing one. This keeps your display fresh and exciting, allowing you to celebrate their latest creations without clutter. It’s a wonderful way to show your child that you value their ongoing artistic development.
4. The Themed Collection
Add a thoughtful, curated touch to your display by grouping artworks together by a common element. You could create a collection based on:
- A specific theme: A series of animal drawings or outer space paintings.
- A colour palette: Group all their blue-toned masterpieces together.
- An artistic ‘phase’: Celebrate their “dinosaur period” or “rainbow phase” in one spectacular display.
This approach tells a beautiful story about their interests and creative evolution.
5. Beyond Paper: The 3D Box Frame
Some of the most cherished creations aren’t flat. From clay sculptures and pasta necklaces to tiny handprints in plaster, these 3D objects deserve a special place. A box frame, or shadow box, is the perfect way to protect and display these delicate items. The depth of the frame turns memorable crafts into beautifully preserved objects of art that you can cherish for years to come. Have a special object to frame? Explore our bespoke box framing service.
Choosing the Perfect Frame: A Simple Guide for Parents
Choosing a frame can feel like the hardest part, but it’s where the real magic happens. A well-chosen frame acts as a bridge between your child’s masterpiece and your home décor, transforming a simple drawing into a treasured display. This simple guide will demystify the key components, giving you the confidence to explore different framing children’s artwork ideas and find the perfect match for their creations.
Frame Materials & Colours: Wood, Metal, and More
The frame itself sets the overall tone. While the options are endless, a few simple guidelines can help you make a spectacular choice. The goal is to complement the art, not overpower it. Consider these simple rules of thumb:
- Classic Black or White: These are your go-to options. They create a clean, gallery-like feel that allows the vibrant colours of your child’s art to take centre stage.
- Natural Wood: A beautiful oak or pine frame adds warmth and a softer, more organic touch, perfect for nature scenes or family portraits drawn in crayon.
- A Pop of Colour: For a playful look, choose a frame that picks out a secondary colour from the artwork. A bright yellow frame for a drawing of a sunflower can look simply perfect.
The Magic of Mounts (Matting)
A mount (the card border inside the frame) is a small detail that delivers a huge impact. It’s not just for decoration; it provides a crucial breathing space between the artwork and the glass, preventing potential damage from condensation. A crisp, white mount adds a professional finish and can make a small A5 drawing feel much more significant and intentional on your wall.
Choosing the Right Glass (Glazing)
The final piece of the puzzle is the glazing. While it might seem like a minor detail, the right glass protects and enhances the view. For most situations where you plan to rotate pieces regularly, standard glass is perfectly suitable. However, for a truly special piece you want to preserve for decades, consider upgrading to a premium UV-protective glass to prevent colours from fading. In a bright, sun-lit room, anti-reflective glass is a fantastic option to minimise glare and keep the focus on the art.
With these elements in mind, you can confidently select a frame that honours your child’s creativity. Whether you’re creating a DIY gallery wall or opting for a bespoke, professionally framed piece, these small choices will make all the difference. To see how these components come together, why not browse our online gallery for inspiration?
DIY vs. Professional Framing: When to Choose Each
Your home is likely filled with a wonderful, ever-growing collection of your child’s creations. While every piece is precious, not every doodle needs a museum-quality frame. Deciding between a DIY approach and a professional service comes down to the artwork itself and your long-term vision for it. Exploring different framing children’s artwork ideas helps you find the perfect balance between celebrating every piece and preserving the true masterpieces.
When DIY Framing is the Perfect Choice
For the joyful, prolific output of a young artist, DIY framing is a fantastic and practical solution. It’s the ideal choice for creating a dynamic, rotational gallery wall that can be updated as new favourites are made. This approach is perfect for:
- Standard Sizes: Artwork on A4 or A3 paper fits perfectly into affordable, off-the-shelf frames from high-street shops.
- Rotational Galleries: If you love to frequently swap out artwork in a playroom or kitchen, inexpensive frames make it easy and cost-effective.
- Speed and Budget: It’s the quickest and most budget-friendly way to get those beautiful pictures out of a folder and onto the wall for everyone to admire.
When to Invest in Professional Bespoke Framing
Some pieces of art are more than just a drawing; they are milestones. These are the treasures you’ll want to look at in twenty years with the same fondness you feel today. Investing in professional, bespoke framing elevates these special creations into lasting family heirlooms. Consider it for:
- Unique Creations: For artwork on non-standard paper sizes, circular canvases, or collages with unusual shapes that a ready-made frame simply won’t accommodate.
- Preservation: To protect a truly special piece—like a first family portrait or a prize-winning painting—with archival, acid-free mounts and UV-protective glass that prevent fading and degradation.
- 3D Artwork: For those wonderful creations with depth, like pasta necklaces or clay models, a custom-built box frame provides protection and a stunning display.
- A Flawless Finish: When you want a gallery-quality result that honours the art with perfect corners, premium materials, and professional craftsmanship that will last a lifetime.
What to Expect from a Professional Framer
Working with a professional framer is a partnership. It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about accessing expertise to make the perfect choice. A trusted framer provides expert advice on the ideal combination of frame style, mount colour, and glass type to make your child’s art truly shine. You gain access to a much wider selection of beautiful, high-quality materials and can be assured of precision craftsmanship for a spectacular result every time. Talk to our experts about framing your child’s masterpiece today.
Transforming Crayons into Keepsakes
Your child’s artwork is a fleeting, precious snapshot of their imagination. As we’ve explored, the right frame does more than just protect a drawing; it elevates it into a cherished piece of family history, turning a simple piece of paper into a beautiful focal point in your home. From creating a dynamic gallery wall to choosing a single, spectacular statement frame, these framing children’s artwork ideas are designed to help you celebrate their creativity in a way that lasts a lifetime.
For those extra-special masterpieces, professional framing provides a truly perfect finish. With over 20 years of framing expertise, our passionate team offers bespoke craftsmanship using high-quality, conservation-grade materials to preserve their art for years to come. Ready to turn those precious drawings into timeless art? Explore our bespoke framing services. Let’s give their creativity the beautiful showcase it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to professionally frame a child’s drawing?
The cost for professionally framing children’s artwork can vary. For a standard A4-sized piece with a quality mount and a simple, beautiful wooden frame, you can expect prices to start from around £35 to £50. The final cost depends on the size of the artwork, the frame material you choose, and whether you opt for premium options like anti-reflective or UV-protective glazing. A bespoke service ensures a perfect, long-lasting finish that truly honours their creation.
What’s the best way to store the artwork that I’m not currently displaying?
To preserve your child’s masterpieces for the future, proper storage is essential. We recommend placing each piece between sheets of acid-free tissue paper to prevent colours from bleeding. Store them flat in an archival-quality portfolio or box, which protects them from light, dust, and moisture. Avoid attics or basements where temperature and humidity fluctuate, as this can cause paper to yellow or degrade over time. A cool, dark cupboard is an ideal spot.
Should I use frames with or without glass for kids’ art?
We always recommend using glazing to protect the artwork from dust, fading, and accidental splashes. However, for a child’s room or a high-traffic area, traditional glass can be a safety concern. A fantastic alternative is acrylic glazing (also known as perspex or safety glass). It’s lightweight, shatter-resistant, and offers the same level of clarity and protection, giving you peace of mind without compromising on the professional, polished look of a beautifully framed piece.
How can I make a gallery wall of kids’ art look stylish and not cluttered?
Creating a stylish gallery wall is one of our favourite framing children’s artwork ideas. The key to a cohesive look is consistency. Choose frames of the same colour and style, even if they are different sizes. Use a generous mount (the card border inside the frame) to give each piece breathing room and a more elevated, gallery-like feel. Plan your layout on the floor first, ensuring even spacing between each frame for a balanced, intentional, and clutter-free display.
Can you frame things that aren’t flat, like a clay handprint or a painted rock?
Absolutely! Three-dimensional treasures require a special type of frame called a shadow box or a deep rebate frame. These frames have a greater depth between the glazing and the backing board, creating space to house bulkier items securely. They are perfect for showcasing everything from clay models and painted rocks to baby’s first shoes or sports medals. Our bespoke craftsmanship ensures we can create the perfect enclosure to protect and display your most cherished objects.
What’s the best type of frame for a nursery or child’s bedroom?
Safety and durability are paramount when choosing a frame for a child’s room. We recommend lightweight wood or high-quality composite frames with soft, rounded corners over sharp, metallic ones. Most importantly, ensure the frame is fitted with shatter-resistant acrylic glazing instead of glass. Finally, make sure the frame is securely fixed to the wall using appropriate hardware to prevent it from being accidentally knocked down, ensuring their room remains a safe and inspiring space.