The Ultimate Guide to Frame Sizes for Artwork & Photography

When it comes to displaying your favourite prints and cherished photos, there is no better option than a Frame. But choosing the right Frame size and style is crucial to showcase your Art Prints in its best light. Whether you’re looking to display a photograph, an artwork, or a personal print, finding the perfect Frame can elevate the overall look and feel of your space.

At Printed.com, we understand that framing is not just about protection; it’s about making your prints look incredible. That’s why we’ve launched our collection of high-quality Frames, available in a variety of sizes, materials, and colours. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Frame sizes, mounts, and how to choose the right Frame for both your Art Prints and your space. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our premium packaging and hanging solutions that make the framing process as simple and elegant as possible.

Image credit: Printed.com

Frame Size Guide: Understanding Your Options

Selecting the right Frame size is key to ensuring your print is displayed correctly and in harmony with your space. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Frame sizes, with print only:

• A5 = 244mm x 182mm
• A4 = 331mm x 244mm
• A3 = 456mm x 333mm
• A2 = 628mm x 454mm
• A1 = 638mm x 885mm

Image credit: Printed.com

The Importance of Mounts: What You Need to Know

When you order a Frame from Printed.com, you also have the option to add a mount. A mount is a piece of board that surrounds your artwork, providing a professional finish and creating a visual border between the print and the Frame.

Mounts have a 5mm overlap on each edge, ensuring your print sits securely within the Frame. If you’re framing a print larger than your chosen Frame, this overlap helps hold the print in place.

What Print Size Do I Need If I’m Using a Mount?

If you’re planning to Frame your artwork with a mount, it’s important to select the correct print size to match the mount aperture inside your chosen Frame. A mount adds a visual border between the Frame and your artwork, enhancing the final look – but it also reduces the visible space for the print. So, getting the sizing right is key.

At Printed.com, if a mount is added to Framed Prints, the overall size of the frame is increased.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you understand your print size to your mount and Frame:

• A5 print, mount and frame = 244mm x 330mm
• A4 print, mount and frame = 330mm x 453mm
• A3 print, mount and frame = 453mm x 628mm

And don’t worry – we’ve thought of everything. When you order a Frame and mount combo from Printed.com, we ensure there’s a 5mm overlap on each side of the mount. This means your print is held securely in place and no unsightly edges are visible once it’s Framed.

Image Credit: Printed.com

Types of Frames and Materials: Tailor Your Look

At Printed.com, we offer a range of Frame materials and colours to suit any style or décor. Here’s a closer look at the materials and colour options available:

Materials:

• Epson Premium Lustre: A high-quality paper with a beautiful satin finish, ideal for vibrant prints.
• Hahnemühle German Etching: A textured fine art paper with a rich, artistic feel.
• Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl: A premium fine art paper with a pearl-like finish for added depth.

Colours Available:

• Black grain
• White grain
• Brown grain
• Oak grain
• Obeche

Or if you’re feeling more bold, why not try one of our colourful Frames? We offer: 

• Pink
• Yellow
• Burgundy
• Blue

Image Credit: Printed.com

Bespoke Options: If none of the colours we have on site are what you’re looking for, don’t worry! We have more options to choose from through our Bespoke Service which you can see in the image above. Simply complete our form with the colour and spec you’re looking for and we’ll take care of the rest.

Each Frame is handmade in the UK, crafted from FSC-certified obeche wood, ensuring durability and sustainability. The Frames are finished with premium plexiglass glazing, which offers excellent clarity, anti-scratch properties, and high UV resistance to protect your artwork from fading over time.

Image credit: PinkGiraffeCo

Perfect Presentation with Dry Mounting

When framing larger prints, such as A1 and A2, we offer dry mounting as the standard. Dry mounting involves adhering the print to a backing board, ensuring that it remains perfectly flat over time. This is particularly important for prints on lighter-weight paper, as it helps prevent curling or rippling caused by humidity changes. Dry mounting also gives your print a smooth, flush appearance, enhancing its presentation and overall perceived quality.

Image credit: @lindsey_isla

Intelligent Packaging for Safe Transit

We understand that your Framed Prints are precious, and we want to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. That’s why we’ve invested in intelligent packaging that protects your Frames during transit.

Each Frame is suspended in a smart box that incorporates a car-style crumple zone designed to absorb shocks. This packaging method has been extensively refined over the last 15 years to keep your Frames safe and secure, no matter how far they travel.

Image credit: MoonshinePrints

Ready to Hang: Simple Hanging Solutions

Once your print is Framed and safely delivered, you’ll be pleased to know that all our Frames come ready to hang. We provide a hook fixed to the back of each Frame so you can easily hang your artwork with confidence.

Whether you’re framing a single print or creating a gallery wall, Printed.com makes the process simple and hassle-free.

Image credit: Printed.com

Choosing the Right Frame for Your Space

Selecting the perfect Frame for your space is more than just a practical decision—it’s about creating a look that complements your style. Here are a few tips for choosing the right Frame:

Match your Frame colour to your décor: If your space has a neutral or minimalist design, a simple black, white, or natural wood Frame will complement it well. For a more colourful or eclectic space, consider our colours options  like pink, yellow, or burgundy to add a pop of personality.

Consider the size of your artwork: Smaller prints, like A4 or A5, can be Framed with narrower options for a sleek, contemporary style or mounted in a large Frame as a feature.

Create a gallery wall: If you’re framing multiple prints, mix and match different Frame sizes and colours to create a dynamic gallery wall. Our collection of Frames is designed to work together seamlessly, so you can experiment with various combinations to find the perfect arrangement.

Image credit: Printed.com

Why Choose Printed.com for Your Framing Needs?

At Printed.com, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality Frames that are made to last. Here’s why our Frames stand out:

Handmade in the UK: Each Frame is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring premium quality.

Sustainable Materials: We use FSC-certified obeche wood for our Frames, making our products eco-friendly and responsibly sourced.

Intelligent Packaging: Our Frames are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, with a crumple zone that protects them from shocks during transit.

Premium Glazing: Our Frames feature premium plexiglass glazing for outstanding clarity, UV protection, and scratch resistance.

Customisation: With a wide range of Frame colours, mount options, and materials, you can create a look that’s unique to you.

Image credit: NephthysIllustrated

Frame Your Prints with Confidence

Choosing the right Frame for your artwork is an important decision, but with the wide variety of options available from Printed.com, you can be confident that you’ll find the perfect Frame to suit your needs. From A5 to A1 sizes, bespoke colours, and premium materials, our Frames offer the perfect balance of style, durability, and functionality.

Plus, with our intelligent packaging and ready-to-hang features, framing your prints has never been easier. Whether you’re displaying a photograph, an artwork, or a personalised print, our Frames are designed to protect and showcase your pieces in the best way possible.

Start framing with Printed.com today and elevate your prints to a whole new level.