How to Make a Stand for a Photo Frame

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Tested

Photo frames are a great way to show off some of your favorite pictures, but they can be difficult to display when they don’t come with a special kick-back stand. There’s no need to worry—with some simple crafting supplies, you can make a new stand in an hour or so! If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, cardboard might be a great option for your stand. If you’d rather have a long-lasting display, consider using wood instead.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Crafting a Stand with Cardboard

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1
Print and cut out a hooked, triangular template to use for your project. Search online for a downloadable template of a small easel or stand that you can trace onto some cardboard. Try to print the design on cardstock or some other type of sturdy paper, as regular paper may be too flimsy. ^{[1]
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- You can find a template for download here: https://www.sophie-world.com/sites/default/files/easel%20template%20copy.pdf .
- This stand isn’t very big, so it’s best for frames that around 6 in (15 cm) or so wide.
2
Cut off at least 1 edge from a cardboard box. Set out a mat, board or other sturdy surface that can absorb any scratches from a box cutter. Lay a flattened cardboard box on top, and slice along the edge of the flaps with a box cutter. Feel free to remove all the flaps, or just 1. ^{[2]
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- You’re only going to be using a corner of the cardboard box, so you need to remove a minimum of 1 flap.
- If you’re using the sample template, the cardboard stand’s total length will be 22 in (56 cm). If you’re creating that kind of stand, make sure you’re cutting from a cardboard box that’s large enough.
- You don’t need to use any of the flaps you cut from the box.
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3
Trace the template along the edge of the box. Find the edge of the flattened box where the cardboard is folded and stacked on top of itself. Since most templates are designed to be cut on a folded edge, arrange the shorter, vertical side of the template along the folded edge of your cardboard. After this, trace around the template with a permanent marker. ^{[3]
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- Keep in mind that the sample template is designed to be cut on a folded edge.
Place a flat board or other item beneath the cardboard box, then cut the template out. Since you’re working with multiple layers of cardboard, it might take a few tries before you’re able to cut through the box completely. Just keep working at it until you succeed! ^{[4]
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5
Place the bent cardboard upright so it can hold your frame. Set the cardboard stand on a flat surface, with the tip pointing upwards. Arrange your photo frame along the 2 front grooves, leaning it against the back portion of the stand.
- If your frame is really bulky and thick, this stand might not be sturdy enough to hold it up.
- If you’re using a template that’s different from the sample, check the website you found it on for further instructions.
Simple Cardboard Pyramid Stand

Cut out a 14 by 2 in (35.6 by 5.1 cm) strip of cardboard to create a small stand for one of your photo frames. Fold the cardboard twice, making sure that 1 of the folded sections is at least 2 in (5.1 cm) longer than the other 2. Fold this longer section over the shorter section to create a secure pyramid shape, then glue the strip into its new shape. If you want to make your stand more colorful, consider wrapping it in colorful paper! Prop a flat edge of the stand along the bottom of the frame to provide some extra support. This stand sits behind the lower half of the picture and frame and isn’t visible from the front. This stand works well with horizontal frames that are around 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) wide. ^{[5]
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