Hidden Gems: Finding Art in Unlikely Places (and Why It’s the Sustainable Choice)

Finding art for your home does not have to be such an obstacle! When you think of art, you might picture fancy galleries, expensive prints, or original paintings. But let us let you in on a little secret. Beautiful and frame-worthy art prints are all around us. Think pages of art books, old magazine covers, and even tucked into thrift store bins. Not only is sourcing art this way more affordable, but it’s also an Earth-friendly, sustainable way to decorate your space. Let’s uncover the most unexpected (yet magical) places to discover art and how you can turn those finds into polished, framed pieces that look like a million bucks.

Finding Art Prints Second-Hand is Sustainable

Repurposing found art helps reduce waste, supports circular design, and minimizes demand for newly produced materials. By giving new life to old items, you’re keeping them out of landfills and giving them a second chance to shine. Plus, you’re avoiding mass-produced decor, which often comes with a high environmental cost. It’s a win-win for both your home and the planet.

Top 3 Ways Frame It Easy Goes Green:

• We have virtually no raw material waste — overall, we have about 2% scrap in an industry that averages over 20%!
• We use corrugated cardboard packaging that is cut custom to each and every order — this reduces waste and means we don’t have to ship using bubble wrap (or even paper wrapping) to keep your frames safe.
• Efficiency is at the core of our business model, and our precision machinery grants unparalleled accuracy to optimize every single piece of material we consume.

Unexpected Places to Find Frame-Worthy Art

• Thrift Stores & Flea Markets – Dig through bins and dusty stacks; you’ll be amazed at the prints, illustrations, and even vintage paintings waiting to be rediscovered.
• Used Bookstores – Old art books, botanical guides, atlases, and children’s books are full of pages that can be repurposed into stunning framed pieces.
• Magazines – High-end fashion magazines or retro publications often feature cool photography or illustrations perfect for your wall. (You can find these at most thrift stores!)
• Newspapers – Vintage ads, comic strips, or feature illustrations make for quirky, conversation-starting art.
• Estate Sales & Yard Sales – Great places to find forgotten prints, rolled-up posters, or hidden gems for just a few bucks.
• Library Sales – Libraries often sell old or damaged books — and the art inside them is yours for the framing.

Turning Your Finds into Custom Framed Art

Once you’ve got your hidden treasure, the next step is framing — and it’s easier than you might think. With online custom framing, like what we offer at Frame It Easy, all you need to do is measure your found art, put in the dimensions, choose the frame style that fits your aesthetic, and we’ll take care of the rest. Your vintage map from an old atlas or the page from a mid-century design book you found will get a professional, gallery-worthy piece ready to hang.

Need even more ideas of what to frame? Here are 10 unique things to consider:

Ideas for Displaying Your Found Art

• Gallery Wall – Mix and match frames and sizes to create a curated, layered look.
• Statement Piece – Choose a bold frame for a single piece and make it a focal point.
• Themed Collections – Group art by theme (botanical, architectural, vintage ads) for an intentional feel.
• Shelf Styling – Lean framed pieces on shelves or mantels for a more casual, styled look.

For shelving and tabletops, you can purchase an EaselMate from our “Accessories” page and attach it to any frame of ours that has an “Art Size” of 13″ X 19″ or less.

Why It’s a Budget-Friendly Way to Decorate

Decorating your space with found or thrifted art not only aligns with our sustainability practices —but, it’s super affordable. Instead of splurging on expensive prints or mass-produced wall art (don’t do that), you can score beautiful and unique pieces for just a few bucks (or even free). Old books, newspapers, and magazines often cost less than a cup of coffee these days, so pop into those thrift stores when you can. Even a vintage postcard or a quirky page from a calendar can be transformed into frame-worthy decor.

And when it comes to framing, we make it simple to get a professional look without the enormous price tag. You pick your size, style, and finish — no surprises, just quality that fits your budget. It’s a small investment that makes your affordable art finds feel intentional, elevated, and ready to show off.

Final Thoughts

See, finding art is no longer a pain! Let’s be real here. Art by no means has to be expensive or new to be meaningful. Some of the most personal, unique pieces come from the most surprising places. And when you add custom framing to those finds, you’re not only preserving them — you’re giving them another chance at life! So next time you walk past a pile of old books or flip through a magazine, take a little bit closer of a look. You might just find your next favorite piece of art.