How to Frame Art Prints

Welcome to Nash Narrative’s Frame Guide!

You’ve found the perfect print for your space. Now what? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of framing options. We’ve created this frame guide to help!

What to Consider When Choosing a Frame

When choosing a frame, you should consider:

Finish of the print
Colors
Style
Mat
Size

Finish of the Print

Are you framing a print that has a gloss or matte finish? If your print has a matte finish, it may look best in a frame that isn’t too ornate. Modern-looking metal frames or simple wood frames compliment a matte finish without making prints look dull in contrast. A gloss finish, on the other hand, can be enhanced by a frame with a shinier metal or glossy stain.

Colors

You probably chose a print in part because it compliments your interior scheme. Take the colors of both into account in choosing a frame. For color prints, choose a frame that compliments the colors of the photo without distracting from it. A variety of neutrals can accomplish this. A gray frame, for example, would compliment a print featuring blues and cool tones. If your interior features natural wood and fibers, a wooden frame would create a sense of continuity. Just make sure the stain doesn’t clash with the rest of your interior.

For black and white prints in a minimalist modern interior, a white frame can create a sense of sophistication and cohesion without becoming heavy or gauche. Unless it suits a unique interior aesthetic, it’s best to avoid colored frames and mattes with black and white photos. Otherwise you run the risk of reminding everyone of that phase of editing black and white photos to have a single red rose. It’s dated and won’t elevate your space.

Style

Again consider the style of the print as well as your interior. A photo of lush flora would be well-suited for a simple frame or something with a little more detail. Use details in a frame to highlight shapes from the print or the interior around it. Do your print and interior have a lot of texture? Don’t shy away from a frame with raised details.

More minimalist photos in modern interiors should have frames in the same aesthetic. Metal or wood can work depending on your color scheme, but stick to a frame as sleek as the print itself. Brushed metal can be a subtle way of bringing texture to a modern space.

The bottom line is that your frame should make sense with the style of your interior and print. If you are hanging a cityscape above mid-century modern furniture, a rustic reclaimed wood frame will throw off your aesthetic.

Mat

Mat may seem like extra fuss, but it’s worth consideration for two reasons. Firstly, the mat creates space between the print and the glass of the frame. This protects the print from potential damage, especially if you live somewhere humid where the print might stick to the glass.

The second reason is aesthetic. Mat provides a sort of visual breathing space for experiencing a print, a space just to take in the print without anything else intruding. If your print enhances a sense of serenity or nostalgia in your space, mat can add to this effect.

Traditionally, frame shops have stuck to white mat. In recent years, people have begun to see mat as an interior design opportunity. Does your print contain an accent color from the room? Perhaps you have green throw pillows and green ironwork in your print. A deep green mat would emphasize these connections.

Size

Size refers to the print as well as the frame. Double check your print dimensions before ordering a frame. Remember to account for mat when selecting a frame size as it will add to the print’s dimensions.

How dominant do you want the frame to be when viewing the print? Keep this question in mind when selecting a frame. If you prefer a minimalist frame, select something slim and simple. If you want your frame to tie together the room’s aesthetic with the print, go for something thicker. Balance is key. A heavy frame could unbalance a light and airy interior design scheme. Likewise a slender frame risks getting lost amid ornate pieces.

Alternative Frame Styles

Floating Frames

Floating frames are beautiful, especially if you have art with textured edges. This style of frame’s effect is both modern and ethereal. Depending on the size of your print, this method may not be ideal. The bigger your print, the larger the frame needs to be to create the floating effect.

Floating frames also work best on clean surfaces. Heavily textured or colorful walls may detract from the look. Keep it simple around floating frames.

Dowel Rods

Using dowel rods is the latest framing trend. This minimalist look is reminiscent of hanging textiles and puts all the emphasis on the print. Framing with this method probably will work better for lighter weight art prints than cotton or other heavy paper.

Frame Guide Shopping List

TLDR: To determine what size frame to buy, ask yourself if you want the print to take up the whole frame or you prefer a professional mat effect.

Whole frame? Check out these 20x24 frames:

Prefer to mat your print? Check out these 24x30 and larger frames:

For more ideas on framing and interior design using prints, follow @nashnarrative on Instagram!

How to Frame Art Prints