A picture frame is more than just a decorative border around a work of art or cherished photo. The right frame enhances the image, protects it from damage, and helps it complement your interior decor. With so many picture framing options available today, from simple to ornate and classic to modern, it can be overwhelming to choose the best frames for your needs.
In this comprehensive picture frames review and guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know to select the ideal frames for your artwork and photos. Whether you‘re an artist, photographer, or simply looking to beautify your living space, read on to discover expert tips and insights to help you choose and use picture frames like a pro.
Types of Picture Frames
One of the first decisions to make when choosing a picture frame is the material. Picture frames are most commonly made from these materials:
Wood: A traditional choice, wood frames offer a classic look and come in a variety of finishes from natural to painted. They‘re ideal for traditional decor and larger works of art.
Metal: Metal frames are sleek, modern, and durable. Aluminum, brass, and stainless steel are popular options. Use metal frames to complement contemporary artwork and decor.
Wrapped Canvas: Gallery-wrapped canvas gives artwork a streamlined, frameless look by wrapping the canvas fully around the stretcher bars. The artistic image continues around the sides.
Floating Frames: For a unique look, floating frames give artwork the appearance of floating inside the frame without touching it, allowing the sides of mounted artwork to remain visible. They work especially well for gallery-style displays.
Shadow Box: Shadow boxes are deep frames that allow you to display three-dimensional objects and memorabilia. Use them for framing things like medals, ticket stubs, jewelry, seashells, and other mementos.
When deciding on a frame material and style, consider the medium of the artwork, the room‘s decor scheme, and how much protection the piece needs. Ornate wood frames suit traditional oil paintings, while sleek metal frames complement modern photography prints, for example.
Reviewing Top Picture Frame Brands & Retailers
Many home decor retailers sell ready-made and custom picture frames, but the quality and options can vary widely. Here are some of the best places to shop for picture frames:
Pictureframes.com: This online store, founded in 1999, offers a huge variety of custom and ready-made frames at competitive prices. They have an intuitive frame designer, superior customer service, and fast shipping. Customers rave about the quality. Prices start around $20.
Framebridge: Framebridge is an online framing company that makes it easy to custom frame your art and photos. You can either mail in your art or upload a digital photo. Their experts handcraft each piece with care. Prices start at $39 and go up to $199+. Customers appreciate the convenience and design help.
Michaels: This craft supply store has a framing department where you can browse pre-made frames or get pieces custom framed. Prices are reasonable but quality can be hit or miss according to reviews. Wait for sales and coupons for the best deals.
West Elm: For stylish, high-quality frames, West Elm is a great source. They sell a curated selection of frames in different sizes and finishes, featuring clean modern looks. Expect to pay $30-$200. Frames get positive reviews but can sell out quickly.
IKEA: For affordable, basic frames, IKEA has you covered. Their popular RIBBA and FISKBO lines offer simple, modern styles starting at just a few dollars each. Quality can vary and sizes are limited. You‘ll need to assemble the frames yourself.
Target: Target‘s home decor section carries a nice variety of ready-made picture frames in different sizes, materials, and styles at affordable prices. Look for frequent sales and new seasonal options. Reviews are generally positive, with a few complaints of flimsy construction.
When choosing where to buy picture frames, consider your budget, style preferences, and whether you want a custom or ready-made solution. Read customer reviews to get a sense of the quality and service you can expect.
How to Choose the Right Size Picture Frame
Choosing a frame in the proper size is essential for achieving a polished, professional look. Here‘s how to measure your artwork and calculate the frame size you need:
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Measure the height and width of your art in inches. Do not include any existing frame or matting.
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If you plan to add a mat, decide how wide you want the mat borders to be. A typical mat border is 2-4 inches wide. Double the mat width and add it to your art size to calculate the frame size. For example, a 11"x14" photo with a 3" mat would require a 17"x20" frame (11+3+3=17 and 14+3+3=20).
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For art that will be framed without a mat, add ⅛- ¼ inch to the height and width. This will ensure the art fits inside the frame while still covering the edges fully. So a 16×20 photo would fit in a 16 ¼ x 20 ¼ frame.
If you want to use a ready-made, standard size frame, you may need to crop your image or adjust your matting dimensions to make it work. When in doubt, go a bit larger on the frame size as you can always add more matting, but making a frame smaller is more difficult.
Selecting Picture Frame Mat Boards
Many framed pieces incorporate a mat board, which serves several important purposes:
- Creates visual space between the frame and image, allowing the art to stand out
- Protects artwork from touching the glass, which can cause damage
- Hides unsightly edges and uneven borders on the artwork
- Adds a secondary color to complement the frame and room decor
Mat board is available in a rainbow of colors as well as specialty finishes like linen, suede, and metallic. You can also layer multiple mats to create a bolder look. Consider these mat board tips:
- For a classic, gallery-style look, choose a bright white mat
- Use a colored mat to highlight a hue in the artwork or room decor
- Float artwork on a mat for a contemporary look, leaving a space between the art and mat
- Ensure the mat isn‘t overpowering the art itself; err on the side of thinner mats for small pieces
- Opt for archival, acid-free mat boards for delicate or valuable artwork
The mat board is the element that connects the picture frame to the artwork, so make sure to choose a color and thickness that enhances the overall display.
Glazing Options for Picture Frames
The glazing refers to the material used to cover and protect the front of your framed artwork. The two main options are glass and acrylic. Here‘s a quick comparison:
Glass: Traditional picture frame glass is affordable and offers clarity. However, it‘s heavier, fragile, and can shatter. Regular glass is reflective and doesn‘t protect against UV rays, but you can upgrade to museum-quality glass with anti-reflective and UV-blocking coatings for a higher price.
Acrylic: Acrylic glazing is much lighter and shatter-resistant, making it a great choice for frames being shipped or displayed in high-traffic areas. It offers UV protection and is available with non-glare coatings. However, it‘s expensive and prone to scratching.
For large frames or pieces that will be shipped, acrylic is the safer choice. For small frames and pieces that will be displayed in a controlled environment, glass is perfectly acceptable. Upgrade to premium coatings if glare, reflections, or sun damage are a concern.
Professional Custom Framing vs. DIY Framing
For important, valuable, or sentimental artwork and photos, many people opt to have their pieces professionally custom framed. Benefits of professional framing include:
- Expert guidance on choosing frame styles, mats, and glazing
- Precision measuring and fitting to perfectly suit the piece
- Higher quality framing materials and techniques for a polished look
- Archival framing practices to protect the longevity of the art
- Option to have the piece delivered and hung in your home
Of course, professional custom framing comes at a significantly higher price than ready-made or DIY framing. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to over $500 for custom framing, depending on the frame size and materials.
If you‘re willing to put in some extra effort, you can save a lot of money by framing your artwork yourself. Many craft and art supply stores sell ready-made frames you can customize with your own matting and backing. Use an online frame size calculator and look for pre-cut mat options.
When framing a piece yourself, use archival-quality materials like acid-free foam core backing, linen tape, and PH-neutral adhesives. Make sure everything is clean and dust-free, and measure very carefully to ensure a snug fit. Take your time and don‘t be afraid to consult online tutorials for help.
Hanging & Displaying Framed Artwork
The way you hang and arrange your framed artwork can have a huge impact on how it looks in your space. Here are some tips for displaying picture frames like a pro:
- Hang artwork at eye level, with the center of the frame about 57" from the floor
- When creating a gallery wall, trace and cut out paper templates of your frames to plan the layout before hanging
- Arrange gallery walls with a mix of sizes and orientations for a balanced look
- Use a carpenter‘s level and measuring tape to ensure frames are straight and evenly spaced
- Choose a hanging method that can easily support the full weight of the frame
- Consider the room decor and color scheme when selecting frame finishes and matting
- Don‘t be afraid to display artwork somewhere unexpected, like over a doorway or right above the floor
- Periodically dust frames and check that hanging hardware is secure
Take a step back and assess your display from different angles to make sure you‘re happy with the overall look. You can always rearrange your picture frames when you need a refresh.
How to Care For and Maintain Picture Frames
With proper care, your framed artwork and photos can last for generations. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Dust frames weekly with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid using cleaning products or water, which can discolor frames
- Display frames out of direct sunlight, which can fade images and damage certain materials
- Use picture frame bumpers to prevent frames from scratching walls
- Check that hanging hardware is secure and hasn‘t worked loose over time
- Have any damaged glass or worn out hanging wire replaced promptly
- Store valuable framed pieces in a climate controlled environment
Well cared for picture frames will keep your cherished artwork and photos looking their best. If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration, take the piece to a professional framing shop for advice on repair or restoration.
Customer Picture Frame Reviews
Don‘t just take our word for it – here‘s what real customers have to say about their experiences shopping for and using picture frames from top brands:
"I‘ve been ordering custom frames from Pictureframes.com for years and am always impressed with the quality, price, and customer service. You can‘t go wrong!" – Lisa S.
"I love the curated frame options from Framebridge. Their designers helped me select the perfect frames to complement my gallery wall and the ordering process was so easy." – Kevin T.
"For basic frames, I usually head to Michaels or IKEA. The quality can be hit or miss, but you can‘t beat the prices, especially with coupons. You just have to be willing to do a little DIY!" – Jasmine R.
"I was hesitant to order frames online, but West Elm‘s options were just what I was looking for. They look even better in person and seem to be great quality." – Chris B.
Choosing the perfect picture frames doesn‘t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the different frame materials and styles, matting and glazing options, and how to properly display your pieces, you can find the ideal frames for your needs and budget.
Remember to always carefully measure your artwork, select archival-quality materials, and don‘t be afraid to get creative with your display. With the right picture frames, you can elevate your artwork and photos to enhance your space for years to come.
