How to Buy the Right Picture Frame: Picture Frame Dimensions Explained

Co-authored by Peter Salerno and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Adding artwork, posters, and photographs to your walls can brighten up any room and make it feel a little more like your own. Picking the right frame for your precious pieces can be a little tough, especially since there are so many different sizes and styles out there. We’ve answered some of your questions about buying picture frames so you can make an informed decision about your home décor for your next interior design project.

Question 1 of 5:

How do I know what size frame to buy?

1
Measure the height and width of your artwork. Spread your artwork or photo out on a flat surface. Use a tape measure to take your measurements and write them down so you don’t forget.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Pick out a frame that closely matches the dimensions of your art. You can look at picture frames online or in person to find the one right for your artwork. Take the height and width that you measured earlier and find a frame that matches those dimensions. Picture frame dimensions are measured on the inside of the frame, not the outside, so you know they’ll fit your piece.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Picture frames usually have their dimensions written on the front in either inches or centimeters.
- If your artwork is irregularly sized, you may need to get a custom frame or buy a mat to put around your artwork to fill any gaps.
Advertisement
3
Add about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) if you’re using a mat. A picture frame mat adds a black or white border to your artwork to keep it from falling down inside the frame. Mats usually overlap artwork by about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm), so keep that in mind as you pick out your frame.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Question 2 of 5:

What are standard picture frame sizes?

1
You can find a 4 by 6 in (10 by 15 cm) frame for standard photographs. These frames are just big enough to fit a printed photo on a standard piece of photo paper. They usually don’t come with any matting since they’re so small.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You may be able to find picture frames smaller than that, but they’re a little less common.
2
8 by 10 in (20 by 25 cm) and 11 by 14 in (28 by 36 cm) are the most common medium size frames. These frames are perfect for printed works or artwork. You can usually find them with or without matting depending on your preference.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Mat sizes tend to vary based on your framed work and the company you buy from.
3
20 by 24 in (51 by 61 cm) and 24 by 36 in (61 by 91 cm) are usually the biggest frames you can buy. Some stores also stock 30 by 40 in (76 by 102 cm) frames, but they’re a little less common.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- These large frames almost always come with matting to protect your large artwork pieces or photographs.

Question 3 of 5:

How do I choose the right picture frame?

1
Pick a frame that complements your artwork or photo. For example, if you’re framing a print or vintage photograph, you might want to choose an ornate gold frame. If you’re hanging up a piece of modern artwork, you might want to choose a more minimal, monochromatic frame.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You could also choose a frame that accentuates the colors of your artwork or photograph.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Peter Salerno
  Installation Expert
  Expert Interview. 10 June 2019.}
- Or, try a natural wood frame for a more simplistic feel.
2
Match the color of your mat to the color of your frame. If you’re going to add matting to your artwork or photograph, you can blend it in seamlessly. Black and white frames are easy to match with black or white matting, so use those for the best look.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If matching isn’t really your thing or you’re picking out a colorful frame, you can choose matting that stands out (or even forego the matting all together).

Question 4 of 5:

Where can I buy good quality picture frames?

1
Most home goods stores have standard picture frame sizes. They’ll usually come in either black or white, and you can pick out small, medium, or large frames to match your needs.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Picture frames are usually in the décor section.
2
Check out craft stores for more irregular sizes. If you have a super big poster or piece of art, a craft supply store might be your best bet. They usually have slightly more irregular sizes, and the frames themselves may be higher quality.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Craft stores also tend to have a range of colors to match your framing needs.
3
Go online to custom-frame a photo. Get help from a professional framer to frame any artwork or photo that’s super small or super large. Check out websites like Framebridge, Keepsake Custom-Photo, American Frame, or Level Frames.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- The price of custom framing varies wildly between size and frame type. Try asking for a quote from an online retailer before you check out.
- You can also visit a framing shop to get something custom framed. They'll help you choose the mat and the frame that will look best with the image.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Peter Salerno
  Installation Expert
  Expert Interview. 10 June 2019.}

Question 5 of 5:

Should picture frames match in a room?

1
If you’re going for a cohesive look, yes! You can make your living room or dining area look very intentional if you pick out frames that are all the same color. Try going for black, white, or natural wooden frames for the easiest match.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- If you’re going for a gallery wall setup, using matching picture frames can help your design look super intentional.
2
If you like a more eclectic look, no! You can put your art and photos into any frames that catch your fancy. Mix and match frame style, size, and color for a fun, modern look that will brighten up any room.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Peter Salerno
Installation Expert
Expert Interview. 10 June 2019.}
- Look for vintage or ornate frames at a thrift store near you.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How do I choose a frame for a photo?

Peter Salerno
Installation Expert
Peter Salerno is the owner of Hook it Up Installation, a professional installation company, which has been hanging art and other objects around Chicago, Illinois for over 10 years. Peter also has over 20 years of experience installing art and other mountable objects in residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality contexts.

Peter Salerno

Installation Expert

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you take it to get custom-framed, they'll pull out color samples of mats and frames for you, so you can get an idea of what the picture will look like fully framed. You can also use ready-made frames that accentuate the image.
Question

Should I match the frame to the rest of the room?

Peter Salerno
Installation Expert
Peter Salerno is the owner of Hook it Up Installation, a professional installation company, which has been hanging art and other objects around Chicago, Illinois for over 10 years. Peter also has over 20 years of experience installing art and other mountable objects in residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality contexts.

Peter Salerno

Installation Expert

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

No, I think you should frame to match the image. You might change your furniture or paint your walls, but you'll likely have this piece of art for the rest of your life.