My Favorite RVA Thrift Stores for Used Picture Frames
Recycling isn’t the bright sustainability solution it used to be. As a society, we’ve focused on the Recycling part of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” triangle for a long time, as a way to justify all of the single use plastic containers and bags, but as we get farther down the plastic use spiral, we know the plastic isn’t actually going anywhere when we recycle it. Or, actually, it’s going everywhere: in our water, food chain, and air.
I know, really positive message today. Stay with me.
So, if recycling isn’t the golden child it used to be, maybe it’s time to focus more on the other sides of the triangle. The Reduce, and the Reuse.
Reducing is easy, in theory, because it’s just using less. Buying less, “needing” less, consuming less. Easy peasy, do less squeezy. (In theory.)
Reusing is the fun part, in my opinion. I love to thrift. Finding new uses for things, or pulling a real gem out of someone else’s junk - not just to have it, but because you need the thing and you’ve found the perfect solution.
I found an antique oak bedside table at Richmond Restore recently, for way less than it was worth. All the chef’s kisses.
My favorite is to search for picture frames at thrift stores. I can tell the difference between a salvageable frame and something maybe not worth the effort, and I know where to find new mats to fill old frames to make the art feel new and comfortable at the same time. Like a well-loved family heirloom. I can help you do the same.
A couple of tips for thrifting used picture frames:
Take a tape measure or ruler with you, so you know the frame is a standard size, or that it can fit a standard size mat, so your project doesn’t stall out when you get home while you figure out how to use an odd size frame.
Go with the print sizes you have (or plan to have) in mind. Here’s a blog post about aspect ratio if you’re not sure what size you need.
Be sure the joints are tight and the back isn’t falling apart. If the back *is* falling apart, make sure you can either replace it easily or that hanging the frame isn’t dependent on the back not falling apart.
On that note, make sure you can hang it, if that’s what you plan to do with it.
If you’re buying a whole piece of artwork just to reuse the frame, make sure you can remove the old artwork, before you buy the frame.
My favorite places to search for frames in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield:
Hope Thrift
Located dangerously close to me in Bon Air and also in Tuckahoe: Frames are in good condition, and there tends to be a good amount of larger sizes, which makes them especially valuable. New large frames can be really expensive, so finding big size picture frames for $10-$20 is a real score.
Diversity Thrift
Located on Northside, on Sherwood Ave.: I love the eclectic collection of frames and art here. My favorite is the collection of 80’s-style studio family portraits. I want to bring one home and make some kind of art out of it. Anyway, the frames are fun and I like them here.
Richmond Restore
Two locations, in Chesterfield and Henrico: I admit I haven’t visited the store in Henrico because the one in Chesterfield is very close to me. But the frame collection they had when I visited this summer was excellent. Full walls of framed art, for very good prices.
Goodwill
Located all over the place: I don’t know if you can throw a rock and not hit a Goodwill. Some locations don’t have a great selection of frames, but I got my very favorite thrifted frame at the Goodwill on Broad Street, across from Tan A grocery store. I’ve used and reused that frame; I love its antique wood look paired with a new mat and print.
The best part about thrifting used picture frames is that you can be choosey and not settle for something that doesn’t exactly meet your vision, because thrift store stock is constantly changing. You can be patient and return, or try a different thrift store, and find the treasure you’re looking for.
Happy Thrifting!