The size of a frame has a great deal to do with how good a picture looks. There are standard sizes, and there are frames made to any size you like, so it helps to understand the options.
The size of the frame is not the whole story. The mount matters too. A well-chosen mount adds depth and elegance and puts space between the picture and the frame. It also means the frame must be larger than the picture, by the width of the mount border on every side.
A frame's size is the size of the picture, or the picture plus mount, that fits inside it, not the outside measurement of the frame. An 8 x 10 inch frame holds an 8 x 10 inch photo with no mount, or a smaller photo with a mount around it.
Understanding frame sizes
Photographs are usually printed in a few standard sizes. The commonest are 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10cm), 7 x 5 inches (18 x 13cm), 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20cm) and 20 x 16 inches (50 x 40cm), and ready-made frames are sold to fit them.
Paper for documents and many prints comes in the international 'A' sizes. Each size is half the one before it: A0 is the largest at 841 x 1189mm, an A4 sheet is 210 x 297mm, and folding it in half gives A5 at 148 x 210mm.
If your picture is not a standard size, such as a panorama, a square or an original painting, a made-to-measure frame will fit it exactly.
Popular and standard sizes
Popular frame sizes and what they suit
| Size (inches) | Description | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 4 | Small | Small photos, postcards |
| 8 x 10 | Medium | Medium-sized photographs, small drawings |
| 11 x 14 | Large | Larger photos, art prints, certificates, diplomas |
| 16 x 20 | Extra large | Posters, paintings, large photographs |
| 24 x 36 | Poster | Film posters, gallery-style artwork |
Standard photo frame sizes
| Inches | Millimetres | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 4" | 152 x 102mm | 15.2 x 10.2cm |
| 7 x 5" | 178 x 127mm | 17.8 x 12.7cm |
| 8 x 6" | 203 x 152mm | 20.3 x 15.2cm |
| 10 x 8" | 254 x 203mm | 25.4 x 20.3cm |
| A4 certificate | 297 x 210mm | 29.7 x 21cm |
| 12 x 10" | 305 x 254mm | 30.5 x 25.4cm |
| 14 x 11" | 355 x 280mm | 35.5 x 28cm |
| 16 x 12" | 406 x 305mm | 40.6 x 30.5cm |
When you choose, consider the size of the picture, the wall space you have and the style of the room. For a fuller list, see our standard sizes page.
Why quality matters
- Protection. A well-made frame keeps out dust and moisture and protects the picture from knocks. Solid materials such as oak add strength and elegance.
- Appearance. A frame of the right size and weight complements a picture without overpowering it.
- Fit. A frame that matches the picture's dimensions avoids awkward gaps and cropped edges.
- The room. The right size of frame sits comfortably with the room and its style, whether classic, rustic or modern.
Tips on arranging and displaying pictures
- Start with a focal point. Choose a central piece, either one with special meaning or the largest, and build the display around it. For a neat block, hang frames of one size in rows, with equal gaps.
- Mix sizes. Small 6 x 4 and 7 x 5 inch frames go well with larger 10 x 8 and 20 x 16 inch ones. Try both symmetrical and irregular arrangements.
- Think about where they go. Small frames can stand on a table, shelf or mantelpiece as well as hang. Large frames should be fixed securely to the wall.
- Consider the space. Look at the wall and the furniture around it. The display should suit the room without overwhelming it. Leave a gap of an inch or two (3 to 5cm) between frames so that it does not look cluttered.
EasyFrame makes frames to any size, in a wide range of styles, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your picture. 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.