How to Frame Art Prints: A guide to measuring, shopping, styling, and framing your favorite piece of art!
You’ve secured the perfect art print that makes your heart sing. The colors, subject, and everything about it feels like it was meant just for you.
Now what?
If it doesn’t come with a frame, please don’t let that beautiful piece sit wedged between Ina Garten’s latest cookbook and a worn copy of ACOTAR on your bookshelf. You bought it for a reason—so let’s make it shine.
This guide will walk you through how to frame a print step by step: from measuring your art, choosing between ready-made vs custom frames, deciding on mats or float mounts, and hanging your piece so it looks intentional in your home.
Whether you’re team DIY or leaning toward professional custom framing, I’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Measure Your Artwork
Before you buy any frame, grab a ruler or tape measure and note the length and width of your print. Even if dimensions are listed on the art, it never hurts to double-check. Measure edge to edge for accuracy—and always measure twice.
Knowing your exact size is the foundation for choosing the right frame.
Step 2: Ready-Made Frames vs Custom Framing
Here’s where we answer the big question: should you buy a ready-made frame or splurge on custom framing?
Ready-Made Frames
These are your off-the-shelf options—think West Elm, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Michaels. They’re affordable, widely available, and often include glass (or plexiglass) plus hanging hardware.
Common frame sizes for art prints include:
- 5x7
- 8x10
- 11x14
- 16x20
- 18x24
- 24x36
These common frame sizes are basic ratios: 2x3, 3x4, 4x5, square, and ISO. Here’s an expanded list of typical frame sizes based on these ratios:
When I offer a digital download (printable, instant emailed delivery) of an art print, I try to offer it in as many ratios as possible so your choice of ready-made frames is unmatched!
⚠️ Watch out for mats: A frame may be marketed as an 8x10, but with the included mat, it actually fits a 5x7 print. Always check the mat opening size to be sure it matches your artwork.
Here’s an example of what to look for in a frame listing:
Favorite ready-made frame sources:
Budget-friendly
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Target – trendy, affordable, often with mats included.
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IKEA – clean, minimal frames (RIBBA is classic), especially for gallery walls.
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Michaels – big variety + frequent coupons. Great for mats and ready-made frames.
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Walmart – basic but easy access, sometimes surprisingly chic.
- Amazon – wide selection, fast delivery (especially for odd sizes).
- Thrift Stores / Vintage Shops – for eclectic, one-of-a-kind looks.
Mid-Range Pricing
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West Elm – modern, elevated, wood and metal options.
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Pottery Barn – timeless, sturdy, more traditional finishes.
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Crate & Barrel / CB2 – sleek, minimal, often oversized options.
- Anthropologie – ornate, textured frames that feel more “collected.”
- Framebridge (semi-custom)– online and streamlined.
If you want to skip the frame-hunt and jump right to my favorites, I have a Pinterest board categorized by frame size. Shop your heart out!
Custom Frames
Custom frames are made-to-order and fit your artwork perfectly, no matter the size. You get to pick glass type, mat style, frame color—everything.
Custom framing is pricier, but it’s worth considering if:
- Your art print isn’t a standard size.
- You want a very specific style or finish.
- You’re investing in original artwork or want archival-quality protection.
Places to try: your local frame shop, Michaels custom framing, or online retailers like Framebridge.
💡 Budget tip: If your art doesn’t fit a standard frame, you can pair a ready-made frame with a custom-cut mat. It’s a great middle ground between budget and polish.
Step 3: Match the Frame to Your Style
Framing is more than just function—it’s design. The right frame elevates your art print into a statement piece.
Ask yourself:
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What’s my home’s style? Clean, minimal, light oak? Or maximalist, colorful, and eclectic? Choose a frame that fits your home’s aesthetic.
- What’s the artwork’s style? A bold safari animal print may look best in a sleek float mount frame, while a delicate watercolor might shine with a classic matted frame.
Using Mats
A matted frame adds breathing room between your print and the frame. It can make small art feel bigger, give your walls a more polished look, and bring interest to a gallery wall arrangement.
Mats are timeless, but you can skip them if:
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Your artwork is oversized (30” or more).
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Your piece has a heavy texture. Think paint blobs, a woven piece, or a 3D object.
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You want a modern, borderless look.
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Your print already has a lot of white space.
Float Mounts & Shadow Boxes
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Float mount frames show off the full edges of your artwork for a modern, gallery-style look. Float mounting is perfect for heavily-textured pieces of art!
- Shadow box frames: Similar to a float mount, the edge of the art is displayed but the frame has more depth. It’s perfect for textured, dimensional, or 3D artwork.
Both options feel elevated and intentional—perfect if you want your home decor artwork to stand out.
Step 4: DIY Art Framing at Home
If you’re going the DIY route, here’s how to frame your art print:
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Open the frame and check for chips or damage.
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Clean the glass or plexiglass (microfiber with a glass-cleaning spray is best).
- Tape your print lightly to the mat using acid-free (archival) or painter’s tape.
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Place the print + mat into the frame. Check for dust or lint before sealing.
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Close the back, secure the hardware, and you’re ready to hang.
Pro tip: You don’t need archival acid-free tape if your mat isn’t also acid-free. Usually a frame will describe the mat as “acid-free” which means that it won’t yellow or ruin your print over time. This yellowing process takes years so if you know this is a temporary framing situation, don’t sweat it and use painters tape.
Step 5: How to Hang Artwork
Hanging is where the magic happens.
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Eye level is key. The center of your frame should hit at eye height.
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Use a level (or your phone) so you art doesn’t look wonky on the wall.
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Plan your wall. Try painter’s tape or paper cutouts of your frame sizes to test placements before hammering nails.
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Gallery wall hack: Mix matted frames, float mounts, and different sizes for variety.
If you’re hanging on wallpaper, Command hooks are your friend—they save you from patching holes later.
Make Your Prints Shine
Framing is both a design choice and a way to protect your art. From measuring and picking the right frame, to deciding on mats, float mounts, or shadow boxes—you now know how to frame artwork with confidence.
And here’s the best part: every piece in my art print collections is designed in standard sizes so framing is easy. Whether you’re styling a neutral safari nursery or creating a playful classroom wall with my ABC 123 collection, you’ll have prints that fit beautifully into ready-made frames (or can be elevated with custom framing if you prefer).
👉 Browse my art prints here and find the perfect piece to frame and make your own.
TLDR and need frame recommendations: check out my Pinterest board of favorite frames here!
