DIY Bobbin Bezel for Samsung Frame TV

Transform your Samsung Frame TV into a stunning, traditional art piece with this easy-to-follow DIY tutorial, upgrading its basic bezel to a chic bobbin frame style.

DIY bobbin frame on a Samsung frame TV + rattan sconces above a fireplace

The Samsung Frame TV has revolutionized how we integrate technology into our homes, turning a mundane black box into a beautiful, displayable work of art. While the concept itself is brilliant, the standard bezels that come with the TV, or even Samsung’s optional upgrades, can sometimes lack the unique charm and personality that truly make a space feel bespoke. Many homeowners find themselves longing for a more distinguished look, something that elevates their television from a mere appliance to a focal point of their interior design.

This is where the allure of a custom Frame TV bezel comes into play. Imagine transforming your sleek, modern Frame TV into a piece that exudes classic elegance, perhaps reminiscent of vintage furniture or a cherished antique. This desire for personalized decor led me to discover a wonderfully simple yet impactful DIY project: creating a bobbin frame for my Samsung Frame TV. Inspired by Alisa at A Glass of Bovino’s ingenious DIY bobbin frame idea, I instantly knew this was the perfect way to infuse a touch of traditional craftsmanship and playful texture into our living space.

For too long, the craft supplies for this exciting project sat waiting, a testament to the busyness of life (a common tale, I’m sure!). But the vision of a textured, golden bobbin frame elevating our plain Frame TV bezel never faded. This tutorial details the straightforward process of achieving this high-end look without the designer price tag, proving that a little creativity and a few hours of effort can yield truly stunning results. Get ready to give your Samsung Frame TV the sophisticated upgrade it deserves.

DIY bead frame on a Samsung Frame TV

How to Make a Bobbin Frame for a Samsung Frame TV: A Detailed Guide

If you’re looking to infuse charm and character into your home decor, and you own a Samsung Frame TV, this DIY bobbin frame project is an absolute game-changer. Whether your Frame TV currently sports a basic, unadorned bezel or you’re starting from scratch with a custom-built frame, this tutorial provides a surprisingly quick and easy method to achieve a designer-level aesthetic. The bobbin style, characterized by its series of turned, spherical elements, offers a traditional yet whimsical appeal that instantly transforms your television into a focal point, mirroring the craftsmanship of antique furniture or fine art frames.

Beyond its aesthetic benefits, the most compelling aspect of this DIY endeavor is its incredible cost-effectiveness. High-end custom bezels from retailers like Deco TV Frames or Samsung can often come with a hefty price tag, making a significant dent in your home decor budget. By choosing the DIY route, you’re not only gaining the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands but also saving a substantial amount of money. This project, for instance, took approximately two hours from start to finish and cost less than $30 (excluding the initial purchase of the bezel, if you don’t already own one). This makes it an incredibly accessible upgrade for virtually any budget, regardless of your Frame TV’s size – the technique applies beautifully to all different dimensions of TV frames.

Ready to embark on this rewarding journey? Let’s gather our materials and turn that ordinary bezel into an extraordinary art piece.

Related: Our Brutally Honest Review of the Samsung Frame TV

Supplies for Your DIY Bobbin Frame

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Carefully selecting your supplies is the first step to a successful and long-lasting bobbin frame. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a few considerations:

  • Plain Samsung Frame TV bezel: This serves as your foundation. If you already have a basic bezel that came with your Frame TV, that’s perfect. If you’re building a bezel from scratch, you might find Tasha at Kaleidoscope Living’s DIY bobbin TV frame tutorial helpful for constructing the base.
  • 15mm split wood balls: These are the stars of our bobbin frame. The 15mm size creates a beautifully proportioned bobbin effect for most standard bezels. For a 55-inch frame, I used just under 300 pieces, so plan your purchase accordingly based on your TV size.
  • Construction adhesive: A strong, durable adhesive is crucial for securing the wooden split balls. I utilized Loctite Power Grab, which I already had on hand, but any strong construction adhesive will work. Alternatively, for smaller projects or if you prefer quicker drying times, wood glue or even a hot glue gun (for temporary hold before a stronger adhesive) can be considered, though construction adhesive offers the best long-term bond.
  • Caulking gun: Essential for precise application of construction adhesive if it comes in a tube.
  • Disposable chopsticks: These are incredibly handy for applying small, consistent dabs of adhesive to the back of each split ball, minimizing mess and waste.
  • Rags or paper towels: Keep these close by for immediately wiping away any excess adhesive that might squeeze out.
  • Dropcloth: An absolute must for protecting your work surface during the priming and painting stages.
  • Spray primer: A high-quality primer ensures optimal adhesion of your chosen paint, providing a smooth, even base and preventing the wood from absorbing too much paint.
  • Spray paint: This is where your personal style comes in! I opted for Rustoleum Gold Bright Coat Metallic Finish spray paint for its realistic, factory-finish gold appearance. However, feel free to choose any color that complements your home decor – from classic black or white to vibrant hues or other metallic finishes.
plain beige bezel on a frame TV with gold sconces above a mantel

Step 1 – Attach Split Balls to Your Frame TV Bezel

The transformation begins with carefully attaching the split wood balls to your Frame TV bezel. I used a plain beige bezel that I had purchased a few years ago for our Samsung Frame TV, which proved to be an ideal, neutral canvas for adding this detailed bobbin effect. If you’re curious about the TV itself, you can find our comprehensive insights in Our Brutally Honest Review of the Samsung Frame TV.

Assuming you’re working with a similar plain bezel, the 15mm split wood balls are perfectly sized to create a striking yet elegant bobbin pattern. Begin by laying your bezel flat on a protected surface (a dropcloth is highly recommended). Ensure the surface of the bezel is clean, dry, and free of dust or oils to allow for optimal adhesive bonding.

Now, it’s time to meticulously attach each split ball. Using your caulking gun, apply a pea-sized amount of construction adhesive to the back (flat side) of a split ball. For this delicate task, I found that a disposable chopstick (the kind you get with Chinese takeout!) was an incredibly effective tool for scooping and applying just the right amount of adhesive, ensuring precision and minimizing excess. Carefully press the split ball onto the outer edge of your bezel, aligning it to form a straight line.

The key to achieving the classic bobbin look is to place each split ball so that it is touching the adjacent one, leaving no gaps in between. This creates a uniform, continuous, and visually appealing textured design. As you work your way around the bezel, pay close attention to any excess adhesive that might ooze out from behind the balls. It’s crucial to wipe this away immediately with a rag or paper towel before it has a chance to dry. Dried adhesive can be difficult to remove and might create an uneven surface for painting.

Once all the split balls are attached, allow the adhesive to dry completely for a full 24 hours. This crucial drying time ensures a strong, permanent bond, preventing any of the balls from shifting or detaching later on. Patience at this stage will guarantee the durability and longevity of your beautiful new bobbin frame.

applying wooden split balls to a tv frame

Step 2 – Prime and Paint Your Custom Frame TV Bezel

With the split balls securely attached and the adhesive fully cured, your bobbin frame bezel is ready for its finishing touches: priming and painting. This step is where your personalized vision truly comes to life, transforming the raw wood and plastic into a cohesive, stunning piece.

Priming for Perfection

Before any paint can be applied, a high-quality primer is essential. Primer serves several critical functions: it provides a uniform, non-porous base for the paint to adhere to, ensuring excellent coverage and preventing the wood from absorbing excessive amounts of paint. It also helps to hide any minor imperfections and creates a barrier, allowing your chosen paint color to appear vibrant and true. Lay your bezel on a clean dropcloth in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a garage with open doors. Apply an even, thin coat of spray primer over the entire surface of the bezel, ensuring you cover all the split balls and the original bezel material. Maintain a consistent distance (usually 8-12 inches) while spraying to avoid drips and ensure a smooth finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically an hour or two.

Bringing Color to Life

Once the primer is dry to the touch and fully set, it’s time for the exciting part – painting! For my project, I chose Rustoleum Gold Bright Coat Metallic Finish spray paint. This particular spray paint has consistently delivered the most realistic and high-quality gold finish, closely mimicking factory-applied gold hardware, as detailed in my extensive comparison of The Best Gold Spray Paints Ranked. However, the beauty of DIY lies in customization, so feel free to select any color that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic. Whether you envision a classic white, a dramatic black, a playful pastel, or a different metallic hue, ensure your chosen paint is suitable for both wood and plastic surfaces.

Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of your chosen spray paint. The key here is “thin coats.” Resist the temptation to apply one thick coat, as this often leads to drips, uneven coverage, and a less professional finish. Instead, apply a light, even layer, allow it to dry for the recommended time between coats (usually 15-30 minutes), and then apply the next thin layer. This technique builds up the color gradually, resulting in a smooth, durable, and professional-looking finish. Pay special attention to getting into all the crevices around the bobbin details for complete coverage. After the final coat, allow the paint to cure fully for at least 24-48 hours before handling or reattaching the bezel to your Frame TV. This curing period ensures maximum durability and prevents scratches or smudges.

best gold spray paint
painting tv frame with gold spray paint

And just like that, you’re done! This fun and relatively quick craft project yields an incredibly cute and sophisticated result that instantly elevates your living space. The bobbin frame adds a layer of intricate detail and traditional charm that a standard bezel simply can’t match, transforming your Frame TV into a true centerpiece of art and design.

To further enhance the cozy and textured vibe of our mantel area, I also added these delightful clip-on rattan lamp shades to our existing sconces. They perfectly complement the warmth of the newly framed TV, introducing an organic texture that beautifully contrasts with the gold finish and the limewashed brick fireplace. These versatile shades are also fantastic for updating chandeliers, offering a simple way to incorporate natural elements and a touch of bohemian elegance into any room.

The beauty of this DIY project lies not just in its simplicity and affordability, but in its ability to inject a unique personality into your home. It’s a subtle yet impactful change that truly makes your Samsung Frame TV feel less like a screen and more like a carefully curated piece of decor. Enjoy your beautiful, custom-made bobbin frame!

DIY bobbin frame on a Samsung frame TV + rattan sconces above a limewashed brick fireplace

Beyond DIY: Where to Find Unique Frame TV Bezels (If You Prefer to Buy)

While the satisfaction and cost savings of a DIY project like our bobbin frame are undeniable, we understand that not everyone has the time, inclination, or specific tools to undertake a craft project. Sometimes, a ready-made solution is simply more convenient, especially when a particular aesthetic or a time crunch dictates a quicker purchase. It’s true that investing in a pre-made Frame TV bezel can be a significant expense, often highlighting the impressive value of a DIY approach.

For example, during our media room makeover, despite my initial intention to create another custom bobbin frame, a tight deadline led us to opt for a purchased solution. We ultimately chose the striking Gatsby smart frame, and while I absolutely adore its sophisticated look and intricate design, I can’t deny the price tag was a consideration. It perfectly suited the room’s aesthetic, but it certainly underscored the financial benefits of handcrafting your own. If you find yourself in a similar situation, or simply prefer to buy a professionally finished bezel, there are many beautiful options available on the market.

To help you navigate the myriad choices, I’ve curated a few of my favorite gold TV bezel options below. These selections offer various styles, from classic ornate designs to more streamlined, modern interpretations, ensuring there’s something to complement every interior design palette. Remember, whether you DIY or buy, the goal is to enhance your Samsung Frame TV, making it a seamless and beautiful part of your home decor.

Gatsby Gold Smart Frame

Ornate Gold Smart Frame

Tuscan Copper Smart Frame

Antique Gold Smart Frame

DIY bobbin frame on a Samsung frame TV + rattan sconces above a limewashed brick fireplace

Living Room Decorating Sources

  • Sofas
  • Coffee Table (vintage find)
  • Fandelier
  • Limewashed Fireplace
  • Hobnail Vase
  • Sconces
  • Rattan sconce shades
  • Fireplace screen (similar)
  • Faux hydrangea stems
  • Rug (vintage find)
  • Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
  • Door and window color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
  • Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
DIY bobbin frame on a Samsung frame TV + rattan sconces above a limewashed brick fireplace

More Living Room Ideas to Inspire Your Home

Our Brutally Honest Review of the Samsung Frame TV & Free TV Art

Easy Coffee Table Decor Ideas and How to Style Them

DIY Lime Washed Brick Fireplace – Easy Tutorial

diy limewashed brick fireplace