How to Buy Picture Frames

Adding artwork, posters, and photographs to your walls can brighten up any room and make it feel a little more like your own. Picking the right frame for your precious pieces can be a little tough, especially since there are so many different sizes and styles out there. We’ve answered some of your questions about buying picture frames so you can make an informed decision about your home décor for your next interior design project.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]How do I know what size frame to buy?

1. Measure the height and width of your artwork. Spread your artwork or photo out on a flat surface. Use a tape measure to take your measurements and write them down so you don’t forget.^[1]
   
2. Pick out a frame that closely matches the dimensions of your art. You can look at picture frames online or in person to find the one right for your artwork. Take the height and width that you measured earlier and find a frame that matches those dimensions. Picture frame dimensions are measured on the inside of the frame, not the outside, so you know they’ll fit your piece.^[2]
   • Picture frames usually have their dimensions written on the front in either inches or centimeters.
   • If your artwork is irregularly sized, you may need to get a custom frame or buy a mat to put around your artwork to fill any gaps.
3. Add about if you’re using a mat. A picture frame mat adds a black or white border to your artwork to keep it from falling down inside the frame. Mats usually overlap artwork by about , so keep that in mind as you pick out your frame.^[3]

[Edit]What are standard picture frame sizes?

1. You can find a frame for standard photographs. These frames are just big enough to fit a printed photo on a standard piece of photo paper. They usually don’t come with any matting since they’re so small.^[4]
   
   • You may be able to find picture frames smaller than that, but they’re a little less common.
2. and are the most common medium size frames. These frames are perfect for printed works or artwork. You can usually find them with or without matting depending on your preference.^[5]
   • Mat sizes tend to vary based on your framed work and the company you buy from.
3. and are usually the biggest frames you can buy. Some stores also stock frames, but they’re a little less common.^[6]
   • These large frames almost always come with matting to protect your large artwork pieces or photographs.

[Edit]How do I choose the right picture frame?

1. Pick a frame that complements your artwork or photo. For example, if you’re framing a print or vintage photograph, you might want to choose an ornate gold frame. If you’re hanging up a piece of modern artwork, you might want to choose a more minimal, monochromatic frame.^[7]
   
   • You could also choose a frame that accentuates the colors of your artwork or photograph.^[8]
   • Or, try a natural wood frame for a more simplistic feel.
2. Match the color of your mat to the color of your frame. If you’re going to add matting to your artwork or photograph, you can blend it in seamlessly. Black and white frames are easy to match with black or white matting, so use those for the best look.^[9]
   • If matching isn’t really your thing or you’re picking out a colorful frame, you can choose matting that stands out (or even forego the matting all together).

[Edit]Where can I buy good quality picture frames?

1. Most home goods stores have standard picture frame sizes. They’ll usually come in either black or white, and you can pick out small, medium, or large frames to match your needs.^[10]
   
   • Picture frames are usually in the décor section.
2. Check out craft stores for more irregular sizes. If you have a super big poster or piece of art, a craft supply store might be your best bet. They usually have slightly more irregular sizes, and the frames themselves may be higher quality.^[11]
   • Craft stores also tend to have a range of colors to match your framing needs.
3. Go online to custom-frame a photo. Get help from a professional framer to frame any artwork or photo that’s super small or super large. Check out websites like Framebridge, Keepsake Custom-Photo, American Frame, or Level Frames.^[12]
   • The price of custom framing varies wildly between size and frame type. Try asking for a quote from an online retailer before you check out.
   • You can also visit a framing shop to get something custom framed. They'll help you choose the mat and the frame that will look best with the image.^[13]

[Edit]Should picture frames match in a room?

1. If you’re going for a cohesive look, yes! You can make your living room or dining area look very intentional if you pick out frames that are all the same color. Try going for black, white, or natural wooden frames for the easiest match.^[14]
   
   • If you’re going for a gallery wall setup, using matching picture frames can help your design look super intentional.
2. If you like a more eclectic look, no! You can put your art and photos into any frames that catch your fancy. Mix and match frame style, size, and color for a fun, modern look that will brighten up any room.^[15]
   • Look for vintage or ornate frames at a thrift store near you.

[Edit]Tips

• If your artwork is very valuable or old, you may want to take it to a professional framer.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=9&v=WS-GcYFl2Wo&feature=youtu.be
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=15&v=WS-GcYFl2Wo&feature=youtu.be
3. ↑ https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/how-to-choose-the-best-frame-to-present-and-protect-your-artwork/
4. ↑ http://www.framerscorner.co.uk/files/files/Calculating%20Border%20Sizes.pdf
5. ↑ http://www.framerscorner.co.uk/files/files/Calculating%20Border%20Sizes.pdf
6. ↑ http://www.framerscorner.co.uk/files/files/Calculating%20Border%20Sizes.pdf
7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/type-frames?slide=84529cfd-54d2-4a6e-a655-afc0fa39de59#84529cfd-54d2-4a6e-a655-afc0fa39de59
8. ↑ [v161035_b01]. 10 June 2019.
9. ↑ https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-techniques/how-to-choose-the-best-frame-to-present-and-protect-your-artwork/
10. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/best-stores/g28425217/cheap-picture-frames/
11. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/best-stores/g28425217/cheap-picture-frames/
12. ↑ https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-online-framing-service.html
13. ↑ [v161035_b01]. 10 June 2019.
14. ↑ https://www.oldhouseonline.com/interiors-and-decor/choosing-picture-frames
15. ↑ [v161035_b01]. 10 June 2019.