How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best frames

Overview

This buying guide is designed to help you select the perfect frame for your treasured artwork, photographs, and memorabilia. We will provide advice on the different types of frames available, how to measure your artwork correctly, and an overview of the best places to shop for frames. With our guidance, you will be able to confidently choose the perfect frame for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size: Look for frames that fit your artwork and the overall size of your wall or space.
  2. Material: Choose a frame material that is compatible with your artwork. Consider the weight, texture, and durability of the material.
  3. Style: Select a style that complements the artwork and the space in which it is being hung.
  4. Color: Choose a color that will either contrast or match the artwork, depending on the desired effect.
  5. Price: Compare different prices to find the frame that meets your budget.
  6. Quality: Look for frames made with high-quality materials for a lasting result.
  7. Frame depth: Consider the depth of your frame, especially for artwork that has thicker components or requires matting.
  8. Protection: Look for frames with a protective coat to prevent scratches and fading.
  9. Additional features: Consider additional features such as the mounting hardware or special finishes.

See the most popular frames on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Material: Frames are available in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, each with their own advantages. Wood frames are generally more expensive, but can provide an elegant, classic look. Metal frames are often more affordable and offer durability, while plastic frames are lightweight and can come in a wide range of colors and styles.
  • Size: Frames come in a wide range of standard sizes, so it's important to find one that fits your art, photos, or poster. Measure the artwork before you shop so you know what size to look for.
  • Ease of Installation: Some frames come with easy-to-use hanging hardware or are pre-assembled for quick installation. Look for frames with these features if you don't want to spend a lot of time mounting and hanging your frames.
  • Protection: Frames protect artwork from dust, dirt, and other environmental factors by providing a physical barrier. Look for frames with glass or acrylic covers to ensure your artwork is protected.
  • Price: Frame prices can vary greatly, from budget options to luxury designs. Consider your budget and what type of frame you need before you shop.
  • Design: With so many styles and materials to choose from, you can find frames to match any type of décor. Consider the overall aesthetic of a room when selecting a frame.

Cons

  • Cost: Frames can be expensive, depending on the size and material.
  • Size: The size of the frame must be taken into account to ensure it fits the desired artwork or photo.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and upkeep are required to maintain the quality of the frame.
  • Style: Frames come in a variety of styles, and the buyer should choose a style that matches the aesthetic of the artwork or photo.
  • Durability: Frames can be fragile, and care should be taken not to drop the frame or subject it to excessive wear and tear.

Best alternatives

    Matte poster prints - An easy way to hang up your favorite photos or artwork without the need for a frame. Gallery walls - A modern and trendy way to hang up multiple pieces of art or photos without frames. Clipboards - An easy way to display artwork or photos without having to use any frames. Magazine holders - A great way to display magazines, books, and newspapers without the need for frames. Wall shelves - A great way to display items without needing to put them into frames.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Frames - These provide the structure and look of the art pieces.
  • Hangers - Used to hang frames on the wall.
  • Matting - Materials used to give an extra dimension to the framing design.
  • Glazing - Glass or acrylic that is used to protect the artwork from dust and damage.
  • Backing - Materials used to give a secure backing to the artwork.
  • Mounting Tape/Adhesives - Used to secure the artwork to the backing.

Common questions

  1. What is the difference between a frame and a picture frame? A frame is a structure or border that is used to enclose a painting, photograph, or other artwork. A picture frame is a decorative frame that is used to display pictures.
  2. What are the different types of frames? The different types of frames include wooden frames, metal frames, canvas frames, shadow box frames, and plastic frames.
  3. What type of frame is best for displaying artwork? The type of frame best for displaying artwork will depend on the type of artwork being displayed, as well as the room where it will be displayed. Generally, wooden frames are best for displaying paintings, while metal or canvas frames are better for displaying photographs.
  4. What types of mounts should I consider when buying a frame? The type of mount you should consider when buying a frame will depend on the type of artwork you will be displaying and the type of frame you are buying. Some of the most common mounts include flush mounts, mat mounts, and glass mounts.
  5. What size frame should I buy? The size of frame you should buy will depend on the size of the image you are framing and the size of the wall space you have available. It's important to measure both the image and the wall space before making a purchase.
  6. What is the best material for a frame? The best material for a frame will depend on the type of artwork you are displaying, the room in which it will be displayed, and your budget. Generally, wood, metal, and canvas frames are the most popular materials for framing artwork.
  7. What other accessories should I consider when buying a frame? Other accessories to consider when buying a frame include picture hooks, wall anchors, and screwdrivers.
  8. Do I need to buy a mat for my frame? A mat can be a great way to add a sophisticated look to your frame and also helps to protect the artwork from dust and dirt. Whether or not you need to buy a mat will depend on the size and shape of the artwork

Trivia

A funny fact about frames is that in ancient Egypt, wealthy people would often decorate their frames with semi-precious stones and jewelry. This was done in an effort to show off their wealth and status, and to draw attention to their frames. In fact, it was not uncommon to see frames made of gold and silver, encrusted with jewels and priceless stones. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.