Choosing the size of a frame can seem daunting, but a little guidance makes it straightforward. The right size makes a picture look better and protects it properly. You need to consider three things: the size of the picture, the effect you want, and the space where it will hang.
Start by measuring the height and width of the picture accurately. Then think about the effect. A slim frame with no mount keeps attention on the picture. A wide mount and a larger frame make more of a statement. Finally, look at the wall, and make sure the framed picture will suit the room without overpowering it.
Understanding frame dimensions
Getting the frame size right is a vital step.
Standard frame sizes
Frames can be made to any size, but these are the standard ones you will see most often:
- 6 x 4 inches (15.2 x 10.2cm)
- 7 x 5 inches (17.8 x 12.7cm)
- 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4cm)
- 11 x 14 inches (27.9 x 35.6cm)
- 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8cm)
Frames are also made for the A sizes of paper, such as A4, A3 and A2.
Measuring your artwork
- Height and width. Measure from top to bottom and from side to side with a reliable ruler or steel tape. Millimetres are the most accurate.
- What you want to see. If only part of the picture is to show, measure that part and let a mount cover the rest. Do not trim original or valuable artwork to fit a frame.
The inside of the frame should be the same size as the artwork, or the artwork plus its mount, with a little tolerance for fitting. Adding a mount makes the frame larger, so decide on that before you settle the size.
Sizes for different kinds of artwork
Photos and standard prints
Photos and prints usually come in standard sizes, such as A4 (210 x 297mm) and A3 (297 x 420mm). In choosing a frame, consider:
- the dimensions of the photo or print
- the wall space available
- the effect you want, since a larger frame draws more attention
Mounts and mounting
A mount is the card border around the artwork. It protects it and draws the eye to the image.
- Choose a colour that goes with the main colours of the picture.
- Make the border width proportionate to the size of the artwork.
- Use acid-free board, which will not turn the artwork yellow over time.
Mounting also means the way the artwork is attached. Hinging with acid-free tape is the standard, reversible method. Float mounting shows the whole sheet. Dry mounting sticks the picture permanently to a board, which keeps posters flat but is unsuitable for anything of value.
Unusual items
Anything of an unusual size or shape needs a made-to-measure frame. You will need to decide on:
- the material: wood, metal or a synthetic moulding
- the width and depth of the moulding
- whether to have a mount
- the glazing: glass or acrylic
- how the item is to be held in place
Suiting the frame to the room
The size of the room and the wall
Large rooms with high ceilings can take big frames. Small rooms are usually better with smaller ones, or with a single larger picture as the only feature. The wall matters more than the room. A picture, or group, that covers roughly two-thirds of the width of the wall space, or of the furniture below it, generally looks right.
Furniture and other pictures
The frame should go with the furniture and with other pictures in the room, whether it is wooden, such as oak or ash, or metal. Bear the main colours of the room in mind.
| Main colours of the room | Frame to consider |
|---|---|
| One colour throughout | A subtle frame in a similar tone of wood or metal |
| Rich, dark colours | A lighter frame, for contrast |
| Light, airy colours | A darker frame, to give definition |
A gallery wall
- Choose a theme. A consistent subject or style holds the display together.
- Mix frame styles. Combine wood and metal, or vary colour and texture, for a livelier arrangement.
- Vary the sizes. Small, medium and large frames together give interest and balance.
- Plan the layout. Try arrangements with paper cut-outs before you make any holes.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right size and style for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.