How to Frame Art Prints -- A Practical Guide
Framing transforms a print from a sheet of paper into finished art. The right frame protects the work, complements the space, and makes colors read differently than they do unframed.
Framing is often an afterthought but it's one of the highest-leverage decisions in art display. The same print framed badly can look cheap; framed well, it reads as museum-quality. The variables are: frame material and color, mat size and color, glass type, and hanging hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best frame color for art prints?
There is no universally best frame color, but some principles help. Black frames read as modern, graphic, and versatile. White frames feel clean and Scandinavian. Natural wood (oak, walnut) adds warmth for organic or botanical prints. Gold adds drama and suits classical or vintage work. The frame should not compete with the artwork -- it should anchor it.
Should I use a mat when framing a print?
A mat (passepartout) creates visual breathing room between the print and the frame, prevents the print from touching the glass, and makes the work look more formal and finished. Standard mat width is 2 to 3 inches. For a clean, modern look, wider mats (3-4 inches) are increasingly popular. Skip the mat only if the print is full-bleed and specifically designed to fill the frame.
What glass should I use for framing art prints?
Regular glass is fine for art hung away from direct light. UV-protective glass (also called conservation glass or Museum Glass) blocks 99% of UV rays that fade colors over time -- worth the extra cost for valuable or large prints. Non-glare glass reduces reflections but can slightly soften fine detail. Acrylic (Plexiglas) is lighter and shatter-resistant, good for large format and children's rooms.
How do I know if a frame will fit my print?
Frame sizes are listed as the inner opening dimension (the space the artwork occupies). If your print is 18x24 and you want to mat it, you need a frame larger than 18x24 -- for example, a 22x28 frame with a mat that has an 18x24 inner opening. If you're framing without a mat, the print should be exactly the frame's inner dimension or slightly smaller.
What is a float frame?
A float frame holds the print slightly raised and floating against the backing material, with the edges of the print visible. The effect looks like the artwork is floating within the frame. Float frames work especially well for prints with intentional deckled (torn) edges, letterpress work, or canvas-textured fine art papers.
How do I hang framed art at the right height?
The standard rule: center the artwork at eye level, approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece. This is the standard used by most galleries. Over furniture (sofas, desks, headboards), leave 6 to 8 inches of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. For gallery walls, treat the entire grouping as one piece and center that at 57-60 inches.