How to Build a Custom TV Picture Frame

Building a decorative wood frame around a wall mounted TV is a great way to improve the look of the set. Here’s how to go about it.

How to build a frame around a TV:

1. 1. Measure the size of the TV.

1. 1. Cut and assemble a box from 1×4 or 1×6 lumber with the inside dimensions 1/8” larger than the outside dimensions of the TV.

1. 1. Miter the corners of the decorative molding (we used door casing). Make the inside of the frame 1/4″ larger than the inside of the box (3/8” larger than the outside of the TV) to leave a 1/8” reveal around the box.

1. 1. Nail and glue the mitered frame to the edge of the box.

1. 1. Stain or paint the frame and box unit.

1. 1. Apply self-adhesive felt strips to the inside of the frame.

1. Use screw eyes to attach elastic bands across the back of the box to hold the frame in place.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• How to Choose an HD Flat Screen TV (article)
• DIY Home Theater Installation (article)
• Installing a TV on the Wall Over a Fireplace (article)

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: A decorative frame for a wall-mounted, flat panel TV is essentially a picture frame for the electronic device. You begin creating it by measuring the dimensions of the television itself.

The structural frame is made from one-by stock. We’re using one-by-six but you can vary that depending on the depth of the TV and how much of it you want to cover. The box will have mitered corners with inside dimensions which are one-eighth inch larger than the outside dimensions of the TV, so be sure to make your measurements to the short point of the miter cuts. This box is assembled on a flat surface with glue and finish nails.

Next, cut the decorative molding which will be attached to the front edge of the frame. We’re leaving an eighth of an inch reveal where the molding overlaps the frame; so we’re adding twice that amount, or one quarter inch, to the dimensions we cut. These miter cuts are made on the flat side of the boards so that they create the picture frame look when they all go together.

Once the frame is complete, finish with whatever style best matches your décor. We chose a dry brush faux finish similar to the fireplace mantel near the TV.

After that apply self adhesive felt strips on the inside of the frame to protect the TV from scratches and elastic bands across the back to prevent the frame from sliding off the front of the set. The result is a TV that’s a decorative accessory, not just an electronic eyesore.