Best Wood Types for Picture Frames: Woods Used and How They Affect Your Décor

Timber isn’t just a structural choice – it’s a design statement. At Mulbury, every piece of recycled timber we use carries its own story, texture, and mood. But how do different types of wood actually influence the feel of a space?

In this guide, we’ll explore how the tone, grain patterns, and density of timber can subtly (or dramatically) shift your interior atmosphere – from the calm of light Douglas Fir to the bold impact of darker woods like walnut and mahogany. Let’s dive in.

Meet the Timbers: Our Favorite Woods Used for Recycled Timber Frames

When you choose a timber frame, you’re choosing more than a colour or finish – you’re selecting the foundation of your home’s aesthetic. Each type of wood we use at Mulbury is recycled and full of personality, with its own history and grain patterns. Here's a closer look at some of the most used timbers for wooden frames:

Douglas Fir (Canadian Oregon)

Pale, mellow, and lightweight, Douglas Fir is a coniferous softwood known for its medium-density and straight grain. It’s easy to work with, relatively inexpensive, and adds a breezy, coastal feel to any room. These frames are frequently used in sunrooms, beach houses or spaces where an uplifting tone is key.
Usually used for: Coastal interiors, minimal home offices, neutral-toned spaces
Strengths: Stability, easier to work, great for stain or paint finishes

Victorian Ash

This durable, light-toned timber with a subtle, elegant grain has become harder to source but remains a favourite for those seeking clean, bright finishes. Generally paired with Scandinavian, it's stable and takes stain well.
Often used in: Japandi interiors, modern picture framing
Strengths: Workability, accepts paint or stain easily

Recycled Jarrah

With its deep reds and rich tones, Jarrah is an opaque Australian hardwood that adds instant character. Often salvaged from old railway sleepers and furnishings, it's known for its durability and resistance to dents and scratches. These frames are known for their bold presence and are best suited for statement spaces.
Used in: Heritage homes, studies, dramatic hallways
Strengths: Dense, long-lasting, highly attractive grain

Pine

Pine is a softwood that’s easy to work with – often chosen for its knotty, natural character. Whether you’re using pine or pairing it with finishes like veneer or stain, it’s a great fit for casual, lived-in spaces.
Great for: Farmhouse interiors, family spaces, vintage settings
Strengths: Cheaper, typically coniferous, relatively stable

Mixed Recycled Hardwood

An ever-changing blend of timbers such as oak, teak, cherry, and hickory, mixed hardwood frames offer true uniqueness. These pieces are denser and heavier, giving a strong physical and visual presence. Their durability and variation make them a top choice for eclectic furniture and picture framing.
Ideal for: Industrial apartments, commercial interiors
Strengths: Density, strength, fewer dents, standout grain

Mood Mapping: What Your Timber Says About You (and Your Room)

The right wood can completely shift the feeling of a space. Whether it’s about adding warmth, sophistication, or a sense of calm, your choice of frame materials says a lot about you.

Light Woods (like Oregon or Ash)

These timbers are typically soft, eco-friendly, and uplifting. Light wood reflects natural light, helping rooms feel open and bright. Poplar, in particular, stains well, making it a popular option in both furniture and picture framing.
Best for: Coastal bedrooms, minimalist lounge areas
Matches with: Nature photography, monochrome or botanical themes

Dark Woods (like Jarrah or Mixed Hardwood)

Rich and grounding – darker woods like walnut are harder, more durable, and often used where visual impact is key. They add depth and make a space feel curated and grounded.
Best for: Hallways, formal dining areas
Matches with: Black & white pieces, vintage photography

Knotted or Weathered Timbers

Full of natural charm and texture, weathered timbers offer a nostalgic, lived-in quality. These woods typically show knots, nail holes, and wear from a previous life, adding authenticity and warmth.
Best for: Kitchens, relaxed reading spaces
Pairs well with: Hand-drawn prints, heirloom photography

Smooth, Fine-Grained Timbers

Clean and sleek, these hardwoods are elegant and commonly used in contemporary interiors. Maple is affordable and stable, while cherry has a rich tone that deepens with age.
Best for: Modern studios, gallery displays
Works best with: Line work, abstract photography

Choosing the Right Timber for Your Art

Not every frame suits every subject. Here are a few quick tips to help you decide:

• Family photos → Use mid-toned, soft timbers like poplar or fir for warmth and subtlety.
• Bold prints or photography → Try frames made from walnut or mixed hardwood for contrast.
• Nature-inspired images → Pine or cherry can enhance organic tones.
• Black & white prints → Go with your gut – light or dark both work, depending on mood.

Why Sustainable Matters

At Mulbury, we use only recycled or sustainably sourced wood for our frame mouldings. From lightweight fir to heavier teak and obeche, our timber selection helps reduce environmental impact while offering high-quality, affordable options for your home.

These timbers are imported, salvaged or gathered locally, and are carefully selected for their durability, workability, and character. Whether you’re after MDF frames for affordability, wooden frames for beauty, or custom frame mouldings for a specific finish – we have an option that reflects your values.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer a sleek medium-density maple, an affordable poplar, or a dense, richly grained walnut – the best wood for making picture frames depends on your space, your needs, and your taste.

At Mulbury, we believe frames are more than borders – they’re part of the story. So next time you’re choosing timber, consider not just how it looks, but how it makes you feel. Eco-friendly, attractive, and full of soul – that’s the Mulbury way.