IKEA Tolsby Frame: 10 IKEA Hacks To Use Tolsby Frame

Everyone loves a good idea, especially if it’s an IKEA hack! Today, I am sharing ten fun and unique ways that you can use the IKEA Tolsby frame!

I didn’t realize how obsessed I was with IKEA until I didn’t live near one. I grew up near one of the originals (shout out to Potomac Mills!) and then as a military spouse who moves every two years, I relied on it for cheap but cute home decor and supplies. However, I took it for granted, until we moved to Kentucky where the closest one is ALMOST THREE HOURS AWAY. Yeeeaaaaaaaah. 

So after my first visit in over two years where I bought WAY too many paper napkins and enough reusable grocery bags to power our entire town,  I give you my homage to one of the cheapest and most versatile IKEA items in all the land – the .99 Tolsby Frame. 

{FTC Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission on sales at no additional cost to you.}

UPDATE ON IKEA TOLSBY FRAME:

If you have been searching online for IKEA Tolsby Frame resources or IKEA resources in general because you can find the actual Tolsby Frame, I have some bad news.

Unfortunately, as of 2022, the Tolsby Frame has been discontinued. There is always hope that IKEA will bring it back, but in the meantime, if are looking for a substitution, I recommend checking out the frames below. These frames function the same way as the original Tolsby Frame and can be used to create all ten projects I am sharing below. 

Finally, on a side note, some of the listings below say they ARE Tolsby Frames. However, I am not 100% sure that they are genuine. Due to that, I would buy cautiously if you are looking for an authentic IKEA Tolsby Frame.

https://amzn.to/3r6nZB8

https://amzn.to/3u7RGDI

WHAT ARE IKEA TOLSBY FRAMES:

Before we check out these ten DIYs, let me explain what the IKEA Toblsy Frame actually is in case you don’t know. 

The Tolsby Frame from IKEA is a frame that has two sides and is on one stand. So unlike a traditional photo frame or regular plastic frames with a kickstand, you can insert a photo on each side to have a double-sided frame. Having the frame be double-sided is not only great if you want to display photos but it can be used for all types of decor and projects.

Don’t believe me? Then check out the ten creative ideas below!

Ikea HACK – Ten Creative Ways to Use A Tolsby Frame:

4 Ways to Use the IKEA Tolsby Frame in the Classroom by TeachStarter

If you are a classroom teacher looking for a way to make number charts, alphabet charts, and table numbers, then check this idea from TeachStarter! In this tutorial, you learn how to use the Tolsby Frame to make these class resources that are perfect for elementary school, middle school, or high school learning. Also, this tutorial would be ideal for creating classroom displays, or even homeschool lesson plans (for subjects like social studies, physical science, etc.)!

Annual Calendar with Project Life by Lovely Made

Do you want to display a calendar in a cute way? Create a mini flip book calendar with your favorite photos and the Tolsby frame!

Simple Farmhouse Frame by Making Joy and Pretty Things

Who needs large picture frames when you have the Tolsby Frame? Check out this tutorial from Making Jou and Pretty Things where you learn how to turn that plain Tolsby Frame into a gorgeous farmhouse-style photo frame! – Imagine how cute this would be as table signs for a wedding?! The possibilities are endless with this tutorial!

Invitation to Draw Fall Leaves by Play Teach Repeat

For those of you who love the visual arts, why not use the Tolsby Frame as a way to study and draw nature?! This idea would be a great activity for small groups because all you do is put the leaves in the Toblsy Frames, break out the drawing supplies, and then everyone can draw what they see on their side of the table!

Storage Ideas For Bella Embellishments by Belle BLVD

We could all use more storage for our craft room, especially for embellishments Check out this tutorial from Belle BLVD to learn how to transform the Tolbsy Frame into the perfect storage hanger for all your carded embellishments!

DIY Photo Shelves by Brooklyn Limestone

If you don’t want to spend a long time hanging photos, then this tutorial is for you! Create a piece of home décor that will wow your family and friends by using the Tolsby Frame to create an entire photo gallery or picture mount!

IKEA hack: TOLSBY Frame Customized with Nail Polish by Chica and Jo

Transform the plain white Tolbsy Frame into something colorful not using paint, but NAIL POLISH! This project idea is perfect if you want to makeover the frame in a pinch and don’t want to spend extra money on paint! The only thing to remember is to have a paper towel or dry cloth handy in case you spill your nail polish! – This is something I would never do! LOL 

Xyron’s 30 days of Holiday Projects: Countdown Calendar by Goldie Card Signs

One thing everyone needs is a Christmas countdown calendar! Check out how to make your own using the Tolsby Frame, your Xyron, and some scrapbook paper using this tutorial from Goldie Card Signs. 

Tolsby Hack – A Cheap and Easy Earring Display by IKEA Hackers

Who said that you had to use the Tolsby Frame for photos?! Instead, turn the Tolsby Frame into an earring holder using this easy-to-follow tutorial!

R2-D2 Star Wars Party Favors Craft by Atta Girl Says

Are you throwing a Star Wars party? Do you need a party favor? Then buy a bunch of Tolsby Frames, grab some cardstock, and learn how to turn them into the perfect R2-D2 party favor! 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ANOTHER FUN HACK? THEN CHECK OUT OUR HOW TO PERSONALIZED DIY DOOR HANGER BLOG POST!