How to Make Hooks from Picture Frames and Vintage Doorknobs

We had a variety of old picture frames and doorknobs in our attic. I wanted to make something that was unique and yet functional. I just love the variety of shapes and textures these old frames have. If you don’t have old picture frames, check out your local thrift store. I also think vintage doorknobs have such character.

Prepare Picture Frames

We removed the glass, staples, and other obstructions used to hold the glass or picture in place.

We also had to glue some of the frames. We applied wood glue in each joint.

We used rubber bands to hold the frame together while the glue dried overnight.

Determine the Correct Size of Bolts

We went to Home Depot and determined we needed 3/8″ width and 1″ in length. (I am so thankful to Neal for helping me figure this out!)

Cut Plywood for Each Frame

We purchased these small pieces (2×4) 15/32 plywood from Home Depot.

We measured each frame and cut the plywood to fit each frame. We used a table saw to cut the plywood. You can also use a jigsaw to cut the plywood.

Drill Holes in Plywood

First, we measured each piece of wood to determine the middle.

Next, we used two drill bits. This is a CRUCIAL step in making this work!

We used the 5/8″ Bosch drill bit to drill a recessed area for the head of the bolt to be countersunk in the back of the plywood. This will enable the plywood to be flat against the wall.

On the other side of the plywood (where we will glue the burlap), we used the DeWalt 3/8″ drill bit to drill the hole through the plywood.

The bolts we purchased were a little too long so we cut them with bolt cutters. This made threading the doorknob a little harder. If possible, it is better to get the correct length so you don’t have to cut each bolt.

Cover Each Board with Burlap

I cut rectangles out of burlap to fit each piece of plywood. Make sure the burlap is a few inches larger on all sides of the plywood.

I used mod podge to glue the burlap on the front side of each piece of plywood (not on the side where we drilled the larger hole for the head of the bolt to be countersunk–this is the backside). I also cut a hole in the burlap to correspond with the hole we drilled in the plywood.

I inserted the burlap covered plywood into each frame and trimmed the excess burlap from the back of each frame.

Insert Screw from the Backside of the Frame

I inserted the bolt in each hole and made sure the head of the bolt was countersunk in the back of the plywood (which is why using this bigger drill bit to carve out room for the bolt head is essential).

Now we are ready to attach these to the wall . . .

I wanted to hang three on one side and three on the other side of our gallery wall.

We used a torpedo level to ensure each frame is level on the wall.

We used small screws to attach the doorknob collar (technically called a rose) around the bolt. These screws were long enough to go through the collar (rose), the plywood, and actually attach the frame to the wall.

Screw Door Knobs on Bolts

We dabbed a little hot glue in each doorknob and then screwed each knob on each bolt.

Touch Up Screw Heads

I mixed brown and yellow acrylic paint to match the color of each door collar (rose) and then touched up the head of each screw with an artist brush.

These are the doorknob frames on one side of the gallery wall.

And these are the doorknob frames on the other side of the gallery wall.

These hooks are not only super cute but are functional. Because we live on a lake, we use them to hang our beach towels to dry.

And here is the final result!

Click HERE to see our entire basement renovation project (painting, shiplap ceiling, installing vinyl plank flooring, etc.).

To learn how to update picture frames by chalk painting, click HERE.

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions by posting below.