How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Print: A Complete Guide

Why Framing Matters More Than You Think

A great print deserves a great frame. The right frame doesn't just protect your artwork — it elevates it, anchors it to your space, and transforms a flat image into a finished piece of wall art. Whether you're framing a fine art poster, a custom map print, or a cherished photo, the frame you choose makes all the difference.

At The Poster Edit, we believe framing is the final act of curation. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get it right.

Step 1: Get Your Sizing Right

Before anything else, you need to know your print size. Most of our prints are available in standard UK sizes, which makes finding a matching frame straightforward.

Here's a quick reference:

• A4 (210 × 297mm) — ideal for desk displays, gallery walls, and smaller spaces
• A3 (297 × 420mm) — a versatile mid-size, great as a standalone statement piece
• A2 (420 × 594mm) — bold and impactful, perfect for living rooms and hallways
• A1 (594 × 841mm) — large format, best for spacious walls and feature walls
• 50×70cm — a popular European size that sits between A2 and A1

Always measure your print before buying a frame, and check whether the frame size refers to the internal aperture or the external dimensions.

Step 2: Choose Your Frame Material

Frame materials affect both the look and longevity of your display. Here are the most common options:

Wood Frames

Warm, classic, and versatile. Wood frames suit botanical prints, photography, and lifestyle art particularly well. They come in a range of finishes — natural oak, walnut, white, and black — making them easy to match to most interiors. If you're going for a Scandi or natural aesthetic, a light wood frame is almost always the right call.

Metal Frames

Sleek and minimal. Thin metal frames (often in black, silver, or gold) are a favourite for contemporary and gallery-style displays. They let the artwork do the talking without adding visual weight. Ideal for architectural prints, abstract art, and typographic posters.

Acrylic (Perspex) Frames

Modern and lightweight. Acrylic frames give a floating, frameless look that works beautifully with photography and minimalist prints. They're also a practical choice if you're hanging art in a high-traffic area, as they're less prone to shattering than glass.

Step 3: Decide on Glazing

The glazing is the clear panel that sits in front of your print. It protects against dust, moisture, and UV damage. Your main options are:

• Standard glass — affordable and clear, but can produce glare in bright rooms
• Anti-reflective glass — reduces glare significantly, ideal for rooms with lots of natural light
• Acrylic/Perspex — lighter than glass and shatter-resistant, a good choice for large prints
• UV-protective glazing — essential if your print is in direct sunlight, as it prevents fading

For fine art prints and limited editions, we always recommend UV-protective glazing to preserve the colours long-term.

Step 4: To Mount or Not to Mount?

A mount (also called a mat or passepartout) is the border of card that sits between your print and the frame. It's optional, but it makes a significant difference to the finished look.

Why use a mount?

• It adds breathing room around the image, giving it a gallery-quality feel
• It prevents the print from touching the glazing, which can cause condensation damage over time
• It allows you to use a slightly larger frame, giving you more flexibility

A classic white or off-white mount works with almost any print. For a more dramatic look, try a deep charcoal or black mount with a bold, graphic poster.

Step 5: Match Your Frame to Your Interior Style

The best frame is one that feels intentional — like it was always meant to be there. Here's a quick style guide:

• Minimalist / Scandi — thin black or natural wood frames, no mount, clean lines
• Gallery wall — mix of black and white frames in varying sizes, unified by consistent mount colour
• Maximalist / eclectic — ornate or coloured frames, layered with other objects and textures
• Industrial — dark metal frames, exposed hardware, monochrome or sepia prints
• Traditional / classic — dark wood or gilded frames, wide mounts, botanical or portrait prints

Our Bespoke Custom Framing Service

Not sure which frame is right for your print? We offer a bespoke custom framing service, where we handle everything — from selecting the right frame and mount combination to ensuring your print is perfectly presented and ready to hang.

Whether you've purchased a print from us or have something you'd like framed, our team can help you create a finished piece that looks like it belongs in a gallery.

Explore our framed prints or get in touch to discuss a custom framing order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What frame goes with a black and white print?

Black, white, or natural wood frames all work well with black and white prints. For a classic look, go with a thin black frame and a white mount. For something warmer, try a natural oak frame.

Can I frame an A3 print in an A3 frame?

Yes — but check whether the frame's internal aperture is A3, as some frames are labelled by external size. If you're adding a mount, you'll need a frame slightly larger than your print (e.g. an A2 frame with an A3 mount).

How do I hang a large print without it looking crooked?

Use a spirit level and two wall fixings rather than one central hook. For very large prints (A1 and above), consider a hanging system with adjustable cables for easy levelling.

What's the difference between a poster frame and a fine art frame?

Poster frames are typically lightweight and use acrylic glazing, making them easy to swap prints in and out. Fine art frames are more substantial, often use glass glazing, and are designed for long-term display of higher-quality prints.