• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The DIY Mommy
  • Home Decor
  • DIY Crafts
  • Organize
  • Printables
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Shop My Home
  • Lake House
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Decor
  • DIY Crafts
  • Clean & Organize
  • Recipes
  • Free Printables
  • Life
  • Our Little Lake House
  • Shop Our Home
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » DIY Crafts » Thrift Store Crafts

    Make a Counter Top Phone Charging Station & Tablet Holder from a Picture Frame

    Published: Jan 19, 2015 · Modified: May 21, 2019 by Christina Dennis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 79 Comments

    I have to say that being "forced" to be extra thrifty over the past year or two because of a transition to double-self-employment has been a blessing in disguise. If you and/or your hubby are self employed and just starting out, you might know what I mean. You have to work A LOT, and the cash flow is pretty.... slow. It's caused me to be extra careful with money and extra creative when it comes to finding solutions for problems. If I can make something new out of things I already have on hand instead of buying items, I'll totally do it! Enter: this charging station & tablet holder that I made for our kitchen counter. I've wanted to create something to hold our phones and tablets while they're charging (or while I'm using one or the other to view a recipe). This corner of our kitchen seems to be the spot where all of our electronics end up so I made a holder that looked pretty on the counter, but it's still functional.

    How to make a counter top tablet and phone holder and charging station out of a picture frame and some trim

    There are so many fabulous ideas on Pinterest for DIY charging stations! Unfortunately I didn't have either the money or the materials to make any of the ones I saw. I thought: what do I have already that sides at an angle and would look pretty on my counter top? Then it hit me - an old photo frame! With a picture frame, a bit of cutting, some scraps of trim, a hot glue gun and some DIY chalk paint, I made this guy:

    How to make a counter top tablet and phone holder and charging station out of a picture frame and some trim

    I think it looks pretty nice here on our kitchen counter and I'm loving how it's keeping our electronics up and away from the rest of the counter-y stuff that can accumulate. Here's how I made my recycled photo frame tablet & phone holder & charging station.

    Materials:

    • 8 x 10" picture frame (find one with a good, sturdy stand so it's not floppy and with a solid chip board backing)
    • scraps of trim (I used quarter round, but any type of thin trim with a decent-sized ledge to rest your electronics on will work)
    • thick cardboard (enough to fit in the frame)
    • hand saw
    • glue gun
    • scissors or an x-acto knife
    • DIY chalk finish paint

    How to make a counter top tablet and phone holder and charging station out of a picture frame and some trim

    Directions:

    1. Gather your supplies and cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the frame. Cut two pieces of trim with a hand saw that fit inside the width of the frame.
    2. With scissors or an X-acto knife, cut two notches on one side of the cardboard and the photo frame's backing for your charging cords. Make them on the side that you want your cords to come in through the frame. I made them about ¼'s and ¾'s of the way down the side of the frame and about ¼" wide.
    3. Paint the trim pieces and cardboard insert with chalk paint & let dry completely.
    4. Insert the painted cardboard piece into the frame and secure well.
    5. Lay your frame down and place your electronics inside the frame to gauge where you want your little trim piece "shelves" to go. I ended up making my top piece of trim go a little higher than the center of the frame so that I had room for my tablet on the lower shelf and my phone on the upper shelf.
    6. Glue your trim pieces in place with a glue gun.

    Voila! Your recycled photo frame tablet & phone holder and charging station is done like dinner. And, speaking of dinner, this also makes a nice tablet holder when you're using your device to look at a recipe when your cooking in the kitchen!

    More Inspiration

    • DIY Dollar Tree Heart Shaped Wreath
    • How to Set Up a Cricut for the First Time (Step by Step!)
    • Inexpensive Gift Wrapping Ideas that look stunning!
    • Free Printable Christmas Coupon Book for Kids

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Virginia Fynes

      January 20, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      Genius idea!! I might just make myself one! Pinning!

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        January 27, 2015 at 8:19 pm

        Thanks a bunch, Virginia!

        Reply
    2. Pria

      January 25, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      That was so smart Christina. It turned out gorgeously! I'll make sure to DIY this. One in our living room and two for the bedrooms.

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        January 27, 2015 at 8:16 pm

        Thanks a bunch, Pria! Yes, it would be great on a bedside table too.

        Reply
    3. Jules

      January 25, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      This is genius! Love that it will fold flat and go in a drawer when not in use, thank you!

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        January 27, 2015 at 8:16 pm

        Thanks so much, Jules!

        Reply
    4. NormaJean

      January 27, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      What a creative and useful idea! Just visited your blog site and enjoyed "getting to know" you. Penned your chalk and blackboard paint recipes for later use. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        January 27, 2015 at 8:14 pm

        Thanks so much, NormaJean! I appreciate you stopping by!

        Reply
    5. Alice

      January 27, 2015 at 9:09 pm

      What a great solution to electronic clutter!Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    6. Nonie

      January 31, 2015 at 6:49 am

      Love it, I will be making this for sure. Thank you for your great idea.

      Reply
    7. Dawn

      February 01, 2015 at 7:09 am

      Great idea! I would love to know where your curtains came from in your picture,love the color of them.

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        February 01, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        Thanks, Dawn! I made the curtains myself and you can find the details here: http://thediymommy.com/sew-diy-grommet-topped-drapes-tutorial/

        Reply
    8. Nancy

      July 13, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you, thank you! I have been looking for something simple like this. Not only do I need one for charging station, but I love to watch crafting YouTube videos while doing my makeup and hair in the morning. This will be the perfect height to comfotably take a peek every now then. I'm thrilled I found this. Thanks again. Already pinned it!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        July 14, 2017 at 10:01 am

        That is so wonderful, Nancy. We are also fellow YouTube watchers while getting ready and doing house chores. Multitasking here we come 🙂

        Thanks so much for stopping by.

        Reply
    9. Shirley

      May 04, 2018 at 5:35 am

      This is cool but with 5 people in the house and 7-10 devices this might not work for me...lol! It’s a great idea with a great start but I think I will have to build mine for a wall! I don’t see many of these that I like much but I really like yours!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        May 04, 2018 at 10:20 am

        Thanks, Shirley

        Reply
    10. Silvia

      July 18, 2018 at 9:14 am

      Just saw this on "One Good Thing by Jillee" and love this idea! An extra bonus is that if you put this on your kitchen counter, your phone & tablet are up and away from any accidental spills. In fact, if your trim has enough of a lip on it, you can hang it on a nail and off the counter too. Great idea all around!

      Reply
    11. Mark @ ToolsBros

      July 31, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      I am going to give this a try soon. Maybe three holders thought (2 phones and 1 tablet). I hope it will keep my kids from stealing my charger, LOL!

      Reply
    12. Alice Tyson

      September 19, 2020 at 2:35 pm

      Thank you very much for your effort. You are a blog that I constantly follow and benefit from. As decorationforhomes.com, we try to follow your footsteps. I wish you continued success.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. 7 Clever Ways to Corral Your Cords and Wires | Oh Alright! says:
      February 13, 2015 at 11:25 am

      […] 5. DIY a counter top charging station Project via Hometalker Christina @The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    2. Want to add some fab, eco-friendly style to your home but have no time to page through thousands of EBay listings? Take a sneak peek… | Margaret Maks, Real Estate Consultant says:
      February 16, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      […] 5. DIY a counter top charging station Project via Hometalker Christina @The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    3. 7 Clever Ways to Corral Your Cords and Wires - LogHim.com says:
      February 17, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      […] 5. DIY a counter top charging station Project via Hometalker Christina @The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    4. 7 Clever Ways to Corral Your Cords and Wires | Cosmos Posting says:
      March 4, 2015 at 9:29 pm

      […] Project via Hometalker Christina @The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    5. Ideas For Repurposing Picture Frames says:
      August 3, 2015 at 2:43 am

      […] How to make a Counter top charging station. By The Diy […]

      Reply
    6. Your Picture Frames Can Do More At Home Than What You’ve Always Known. I’m Trying One Today! says:
      August 21, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      […] The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    7. These 24 DIY Uses For Frames Will Change Your Whole Home (Photos). says:
      August 31, 2015 at 9:00 am

      […] Instead of leaving it on the counter, charge your phone in this stylish framed […]

      Reply
    8. Get Rid of Cord Clutter With These 25 DIY Charging Stations | mrjohncreid says:
      December 18, 2015 at 6:23 am

      […] Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    9. Get Rid of Cord Clutter With These 25 DIY Charging Stations | Albert Williams WordPress site says:
      December 18, 2015 at 6:32 am

      […] Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    10. Do It Yourself Clever Charging Stations | Decorating Your Small Space says:
      March 8, 2016 at 9:03 pm

      […] DIY tablet holder and charging station is from ‘DIY Mommy’… We love this because it’s a simple project. It’s […]

      Reply
    11. 7 Clever Ways to Corral Your Cords and Wires | Expert Sanding says:
      March 22, 2016 at 9:08 am

      […] Project via Hometalker Christina @The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    12. 23 крутих способів використати стару картинну раму - FUNME - творчість і розваги says:
      June 28, 2016 at 2:51 am

      […] © thediymommy.com / joann.com […]

      Reply
    13. Transformer un vieux cadre en bois... Magnifique! | says:
      June 29, 2016 at 12:42 pm

      […] *source: The Diy Mommy […]

      Reply
    14. DIY Gift Ideas For Teens - DIY Projects for Teens says:
      September 21, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    15. Idées de réalisation de stations de charge pour smartphone et tablettes DIY | RALFRED'S BLOG says:
      October 12, 2016 at 6:30 am

      […] Source […]

      Reply
    16. 60 Cheap & Easy DIY Christmas Gifts for Guys - Prudent Penny Pincher says:
      December 1, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      […] Tutorial here […]

      Reply
    17. 7 Clever Ways to Corral Your Cords and Wires | Expert Sanding says:
      January 16, 2017 at 9:55 am

      […] via Hometalker Christina @The DIY MommyOne of the most dangerous areas for loose cords, wires, and electronics, is on or around your […]

      Reply
    18. The Good Life Blog | Repurposing Round-Up: Picture Frame Edition says:
      March 2, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      […] Charging Station […]

      Reply
    19. 20 Practical DIY Charging Stations - Leah Nieman says:
      July 4, 2017 at 2:06 am

      […] Tablet Holder & Charging Station From A Picture Frame from thediymommy.com […]

      Reply
    20. 19 Clever Ways To Use Picture Frames That Don’t Involve Pictures says:
      August 8, 2017 at 2:29 am

      […] The DIY Mommy will show you how to make a chic frame charging station for your […]

      Reply
    21. 23 superb ways to use an old picture frame – 5 Fun Facts says:
      December 6, 2017 at 1:59 am

      […] © thediymommy.com © joann.com […]

      Reply
    22. 15 Functional Space Saving Hacks For Your Entire Home – Home Decor says:
      January 4, 2018 at 10:03 am

      […] Tutorial […]

      Reply
    23. 15 Functional Space Saving Hacks For Your Entire Home | iHousDekor says:
      January 4, 2018 at 10:29 am

      […] Tutorial […]

      Reply
    24. 23 superb ways to use an old picture frame - Scooptale says:
      June 29, 2018 at 2:53 am

      […] © thediymommy.com © joann.com […]

      Reply
    25. 33 Impressive DIY Dollar Store Home Decor Ideas for Designers on a Budget – DIY DIAL says:
      July 26, 2018 at 12:58 pm

      […] DIY Project Details: thediymommy.com […]

      Reply
    26. 10 Smart DIY Phone Charging Station Ideas - GODIYGO.COM says:
      August 10, 2018 at 8:30 pm

      […] source […]

      Reply
    27. 35 DIY Ideas to Reuse Old Picture Frames for DIY Projects - DIY & Crafts says:
      October 12, 2018 at 8:01 am

      […] Are you sorting out a perfect and safe charging dock or charging station for your home? If yes, they also make it using the old picture frames! Just check out a lovely given sample here that is made of a repainted picture frame, scrap trim pieces and of thick cardboard and the adhesive demands have been fulfilled using the glue! Full project instructions and tutorial here thediymommy […]

      Reply
    28. 12 Easy DIY Gifts for Girls: She Will Love These! - Food Life Design says:
      October 18, 2018 at 9:28 am

      […] Image via The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    29. How To Reuse Old Picture Frames - DIYCraftsGuru says:
      November 10, 2018 at 4:40 am

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    30. DIY Gifts for Guys {The Ultimate Handmade Gifts Collection} - Busy Being Jennifer says:
      December 11, 2018 at 6:03 am

      […] Counter Top Phone Charging Station & Tablet Holder – The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    31. 15 DIY Dollar Store Home Decor Ideas To Die For - Craftsonfire says:
      May 20, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      […] DIY dollar store idea by thediymommy […]

      Reply
    32. 20 DIY Dollar Store Decor Ideas - The Saw Guy says:
      June 19, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      […] Source […]

      Reply
    33. 13 DIY Dollar Store Home Decor Ideas – chuckiesblog says:
      July 13, 2019 at 10:22 am

      […] DIY dollar store idea by thediymommy […]

      Reply
    34. 13 Useful Things You Can Do With An Old Picture Frame – My Blog says:
      May 15, 2020 at 9:48 am

      […] 1. Charging Station […]

      Reply
    35. DIY Gifts for Dad says:
      May 26, 2020 at 9:43 am

      […] tablet holder for dad. It’s easier than it looks, so get your glue gun ready and head over to DIY Mommy for the […]

      Reply
    36. 35 DIY Ideas to Reuse Old Picture Frames for DIY Projects ⋆ DIY Crafts – PinkDIY.com says:
      May 26, 2020 at 11:19 am

      […] Are you sorting out a perfect and safe charging dock or charging station for your home? If yes, they also make it using the old picture frames! Just check out a lovely given sample here that is made of a repainted picture frame, scrap trim pieces and of thick cardboard and the adhesive demands have been fulfilled using the glue! Full project instructions and tutorial here thediymommy […]

      Reply
    37. 60 Ways to Repurpose & Reuse Old Picture Frames - TheHomeRoute says:
      September 3, 2020 at 11:25 am

      […] See Full Build Instructions […]

      Reply
    38. Easy, Clever & Unique DIY Charging Station Ideas ⋆ DIY & Crafts says:
      September 11, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    39. 19 Pretty Projects To Do With Picture Frames says:
      November 19, 2020 at 1:58 am

      […] Tutorial: thediymommy.com […]

      Reply
    40. 18 Diy Ideas To Make The Perfect Charging Station | Crafty Club | DIY & Craft Ideas says:
      November 22, 2020 at 1:52 am

      […] Make a Counter Top Phone Charging Station & Tablet Holder from a Picture Frame (via The DIY Mommy) […]

      Reply
    41. 3 LAST MINUTE FATHER'S DAY DIY GIFTS - Thrift Store says:
      December 1, 2020 at 2:52 am

      […] This device holder and charging station is a great storage idea for all those gadgets Dad has lying around the house. Can you believe it’s made from a picture frame!? Discover how to make your own here. […]

      Reply
    42. Best picture frame to put stuff in! Our favourite ideas on what to put in a frame - Casa Chic Boutique says:
      January 29, 2021 at 4:07 am

      […] 6) A slim, practical and pretty charging station […]

      Reply
    43. 20 DIY Charging Stations to Make Easy and Quick Charging - Remodel Or Move says:
      February 7, 2021 at 8:12 am

      […] The picture frame charging station is ideal for your phone, tablets, and other electronics. Use one of the available picture frames and make a charging station at no extra cost from the DIY Mommy. […]

      Reply
    44. 25 DIY Charging Station Ideas | Dubai Life says:
      February 11, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      […] 8) Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    45. 25 DIY Charging Station Ideas | Homenting Store says:
      February 12, 2021 at 12:32 am

      […] 8) Turn an image body right into a charging station and pill holder with the assistance of some wooden trim, just a little chalk paint, and an entire lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    46. 25 DIY Charging Station Ideas | Home Feature says:
      February 12, 2021 at 5:43 am

      […] 8) Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    47. 25 DIY Charging Station Ideas | Colorfull Home says:
      February 12, 2021 at 5:52 am

      […] 8) Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    48. 25 DIY Charging Station Ideas – DIY Weekend Plans says:
      February 23, 2021 at 4:36 pm

      […] 8) Turn a picture frame into a charging station and tablet holder with the help of some wood trim, a little chalk paint, and a whole lot of cleverness (The DIY Mommy). […]

      Reply
    49. Summer Crafts and DIY Ideas for Teenage Girls says:
      May 20, 2021 at 9:26 am

      […] is a super cool idea: DIY charging station made with a picture frame. The DIY Mommy shows you […]

      Reply
    50. 20 Easy DIY Charging Station Ideas - DIYS Craftsy says:
      June 23, 2021 at 1:57 am

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    51. 27 Clever DIY Charging Station Ideas to Hide Your Cords says:
      June 25, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      […] See Instructions here → […]

      Reply
    52. 12 Easy DIY Gifts for Girls: She Will Love These! - Food Life Design says:
      October 13, 2021 at 3:01 am

      […] keeping her -ever-glued-to-her-hand- devices neat and tucked away while charging. Head on over to The DIY Mommy for instructions to make one for your daughter! Slightly […]

      Reply
    53. 19 Clever Ways To Use Picture Frames That Don’t Involve Pictures – lighterside says:
      October 20, 2021 at 11:20 pm

      […] The DIY Mommy will show you how to make a chic frame charging station for your […]

      Reply
    54. Best Dollar Store DIY Decor Hacks - Saving & Simplicity says:
      October 26, 2021 at 3:45 pm

      […] Tablet Holder & Phone Charging Station – The DIY […]

      Reply
    55. 13 Useful Things You Can Do With An Old Picture Frame – OGT Dev Site says:
      October 29, 2021 at 1:13 am

      […] 1. Charging Station […]

      Reply
    56. 20 Helpful DIY Charging Stations- A Cultivated Nest says:
      December 28, 2021 at 1:42 am

      […] Make a Countertop Phone Charging Station & Tablet Holder from a Picture Frame – by The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    57. 20 Simple DIY Charging Station Concepts – seoteam marketing tools says:
      June 6, 2022 at 5:29 am

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    58. 20 Χρήσιμοι σταθμοί φόρτισης DIY - Μια καλλιεργημένη φωλιά - Ιστολόγιο says:
      October 1, 2022 at 8:34 am

      […] […]

      Reply
    59. 13 Useful Things You Can Do With Old Picture Frames says:
      November 7, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      […] 1. Charging Station […]

      Reply
    60. 23 DIY Charging Stations To Hide Cords and Wires While You’re Charging – The Self-Sufficient Living says:
      January 14, 2023 at 6:27 pm

      […] picture frame charging station is perfect if you’re looking for something that sits at an angle. Your devices sit against a […]

      Reply

    What do you think? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Christina Dennis, The DIY Mommy

    I'm Christina and I'm sharing budget-friendly DIY & decor ideas to create a cozy home and life you love!

    Read more about me

    Latest Posts

    • We built a small bathroom wet room from scratch!
    • Creative And Unique DIY Wall Art Ideas
    • DIY Dollar Tree Heart Shaped Wreath

    What's my home decor style?

    Discover the home decor style that best fits your personality and lifestyle. This two-minute quiz is going to give you the direction you need to start the big, bold room makeovers that you've always wanted to try!

    Find out now!

    Archives

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About The DIY Mommy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Terms of Service

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2009 - 2023 The DIY Mommy. "The DIY Mommy" is a registered trademark.