Framing Guide
Picking out a frame to go with your new painting can take as much, if not more consideration and research than finding the right piece for your home. Frames are a wonderful way to enhance your recent art purchase and add those finishing touches that really make a painting pop. However, if you’re like me, your painting purchases sometimes sit in storage for ages because you feel like you have to do all this research to find a the best frame at the best cost. There are so many options depending on how much you would like to spend, and I want to make sure you feel confident about getting your painting framed and up on your walls to enjoy immediately!
Most of my paintings and fine art prints are standard U.S. sizes of 5 in. x 7 in., 8 in. x 10 in., 9 in. x 12 in., or 16 in. x 20 in. to make it easier for you to find a less expensive frame online or at a local store.
Here are some of my favorite frames to help narrow down your search.
Ikea Frames
These frames look great for the price! Ikea frames are easy on the wallet while also looking really nice for a one-off piece or in a gallery wall. They do use plexiglass instead of real glass (one of the reasons they’re less expensive), but it works!
I love the delicate look of the white Edsbruk and Knoppang frames.
The Rodalm frames are some of the best natural looking birch frames for the best price that I’ve found since living in Denmark. I used to get my favorite birch frames at a store in Copenhagen, Denmark called Søstrene Grene, and I loved the natural, matte, light colored wood look for my colorful paintings, but I struggled to find something similar here in U.S. art stores…I should have known to start with Ikea, another Scandinavian store!
This sweet gold color Lomviken frame work well for smaller prints or paintings.
Etsy Frames
Etsy has a huge range of options for framing with many happy buyers. Here are some of the best choices I’ve found.
These hanger frames are perfect for art prints and unusual sizes.
These natural looking birch Scandinavian style frames are lovely if you like this look and wanted a better quality option or different size than the Ikea Hovsta frame mentioned above.
Knox Wood Creations has some of the most gorgeous, high quality wood frames I’ve ever seen. The price reflects the quality.
Haus and Hues makes really nice frames in wood, white, black, silver, and gold at really great prices.
If you’re looking for a pop of color, Event Frame has some really nice minimalist wood hand painted frames in all colors of the rainbow.
Amazon
I do occasionally find good frames on Amazon, and I recognize the prices are great for accessible framing. Here are some I’ve found that I personally enjoy:
The first is are these nice oak uncoated wood frames, currently available for 5x7 and 8x10 size art.
I am also obsessed with these teak magnetic hanging frames for larger size art and prints.
Finally, check out this gorgeous Rose Gold frame with matting. This frame is also offered in black, silver, and gold.
The Float Frame - An Inexpensive Solution for Unusual Size Paintings
I’ve purchased this white float frame a few times from a Target store for artwork that doesn’t fit in a standard size frame. It’s a little heavier due to the two panes of glass, but it’s an inexpensive option if you don’t want to spend the money on custom framing, and the excess pane of clear glass makes for a lovely border around the painting or print. This particular frame also comes in black and natural wood colors. There are other float frame options on Amazon through MYUE.
Local Framers
It’s always a good idea to shop local if you can, and you’ll get the best quality framing with a local art framer. They are more expensive due to the quality and high level of service, but the framer will help you select the right mat and frame for your taste and price range. I’d highly recommend this if you have a little more money to spend and don’t feel like spending too much of your own time with the framing process.