How to Select Frames for Different Photo Sizes

Why Frame Size Matters

When selecting a frame for your photo, it’s about more than just finding the perfect style and color. Pairing the right-sized frame with your photo ensures the picture becomes the focal point rather than being overwhelmed or lost in the space around it. Here are some of the most important reasons to get your frame sizes just right:

• Protection: A frame safeguards your photo from dust, fading, moisture, and physical damage.

• Visual Enhancement: The right frame adds visual appeal and brings attention to the subject of the photo.

• Space Proportion: For display purposes, you want your photo to be neither dwarfed by an oversized frame nor overshadowed by one that’s too small.

• Balance: A well-chosen frame balances your picture in terms of color, material, and proportion, creating a visually cohesive display.

Standard Photo and Frame Sizes

One great way to begin is to know the most commonly used photo size frames. Here are some popular options:

4x6 Photos

• Usage: This is the most frequently used size for small photos—ideal for family portraits, small prints, and candid shots. It’s frequently displayed on desks or smaller walls as part of a photo collage.

• Recommended Frame Size: For a 4x6 photo, a 4x6-inch frame size works best for casual, edge-to-edge framing. If you’d like to add a mat, you’ll need a frame that accommodates the mat around your image—a 5x7 or larger frame would be perfect.

5x7 Photos

• Usage: Slightly larger than the 4x6, the 5x7 size is more common for individual portraits or highlights of family events. It’s often framed for both desktops and gallery walls.

• Recommended Frame Size: A 5x7 photo can be paired with a frame of the same dimensions for a more modern, streamlined look, or you can use an 8x10 frame with a mat for a more traditional appearance.

8x10 Photos

• Usage: A classic size for larger portraits, the 8x10 size is typically used for family photos, professional prints, or documentations of important moments. It’s often ideal for hanging on walls independently without feeling too small.

• Recommended Frame Size: For an 8x10 photo, opt for a same-size frame for an edge-to-edge display, or look for a 11x14 or 12x16 frame if using a mat for added dimension.

11x14 Photos

• Usage: Larger prints like art photographs or wedding pictures are commonly sized at 11x14 inches. This is perfect for creating a stand-alone art piece or even using this size as a feature point in a gallery-style arrangement.

• Recommended Frame Size: An 11x14 print often looks best in a 16x20 frame if you wish to add a mat. Without a mat, stick to a 14x18 frame for more proportion.

16x20 Photos

• Usage: Larger family portraits, wedding portraits, and fine artwork typically come in 16x20 size. This size of photo is perfect for display on feature walls since it commands attention.

• Recommended Frame Size: Opt for a frame that can accommodate either edge-to-edge display or with added-depth via matting. Consider a 20x24 or 24x30 frame to give the print room to “breathe.”

Square Photos (e.g., 12x12)

• Usage: Popular for Instagram-style images or album art, square photos bring a unique and modern touch to wall galleries.

• Recommended Frame Size: When selecting frames for square photos, look for 12x12 frames for borderless displays or use a larger 16x16 frame when adding mats.

How Matting Influences Frame Selection

Matting adds space between the edge of your photo and the frame, drawing more attention to the image and providing a polished, museum-style look.

When to Include a Mat:

Matting is ideal when you're looking to create a more formal, elevated presentation for your photos. It creates breathing room around your image, subtly pulling the viewer’s focus into the photo while also adding a layer of sophistication. If you’re showcasing detailed photography or delicate artwork, adding a mat can prevent the frame from overshadowing the photo itself.

Typically, mats add 1 to 3 inches of extra space around your photo. This is particularly helpful for those wanting to give a smaller image more visual presence on the wall. The extra border draws attention to the photo’s focal points, making the image feel more intentional and curated.

Sizing Your Mat and Frame:

When considering mat size and frame dimensions, you’ll need to account for the increased width that matting adds. As a general rule:

• For an 8x10 photo, consider using an 11x14 or 12x16 frame to accommodate the mat.
• If your 5x7 print includes a mat, opt for an 8x10 frame to preserve balance between the photo, matting, and frame.

Neutral-colored mats—such as white, cream, or light gray—are the go-to choice for most artwork, helping keep the focus on the image without creating visual noise. That being said, don’t be afraid to experiment! If your photo includes bold pops of color, try out a mat that complements or contrasts the palette of the image itself. With the right choice of color and size, matting can instantly transform a simple print into an eye-catching, gallery-quality piece.

All that said, if you're after simplicity and ease, our Text To Frame It service can handle all these considerations for you. We frame your image with elegance, taking care of sizing and proportions to ensure a harmonious result.

Framing Larger Photos and Posters

For larger photos or posters, proper framing is key to making sure the print looks intentional, complete, and professional.

Guidelines for Oversized Prints (e.g., 24x36 posters)

Oversized prints demand a different framing approach than smaller photos, both for aesthetic reasons and practical concerns like stability.

• Usage: Large prints and posters—typically items like landscape photography, abstract art, or iconic movie posters—have the potential to dominate a space. They’re perfect for feature walls, making bold statements in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.

• Recommended Frame Size: A 24x36 frame is ideal for an edge-to-edge display, keeping the photo's dimensions intact without overcomplicating the frame choice. However, to elevate the piece and make a striking impression, using a frame with an oversized mat can give the photo or poster a gallery-like feel. A 30x40-inch frame with a mat offers additional negative space around the artwork, which can make the entire presentation appear larger and more luxurious.

Depth Considerations for Large Frames

When dealing with larger frames, depth plays an important role as well. Opting for a frame with a more significant profile is recommended:

• Deeper Frame: A deep frame adds visual weight, ensuring that the print holds its own against the expansive wall space. This is especially important for photographs printed on thicker mediums like canvas. Our 1.25" canvas prints, available through Text to Frame It, come with a wooden frame that securely supports the canvas while amplifying its presence.

In short, scale your frame and mat size to ensure the art or photo doesn’t look cramped within its boundaries, while keeping the depth proportional to maintain balance. Frame accordingly, hang confidently.

Choosing Frame Depth: Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

Frame depth, often known as the “profile,” represents how thick the frame will appear when viewed from the side. While it might seem like a minor aesthetic choice, it can make a significant difference in how your framed photo is perceived. The right frame depth offers not only visual balance but practicality depending on the size and type of the artwork you're framing.

• Shallow Frame: A shallow frame is ideal for smaller prints, like 4x6 or 5x7. Because of its thin profile, it gives off a subtle, minimalistic aesthetic. This type of frame can be useful when you're aiming for an understated display that won’t steal focus from the image itself. It fits particularly well on desktops, shelves, or in a photo collage.

• Deep Frame: A deeper frame generally has a more robust presence, making it ideal for larger prints or canvas pieces. It lends stability to sizable artworks like 11x14 portraits or 16x20 posters, allowing the photo to be a bold focal point with visual depth. Especially in gallery walls or as a stand-alone centerpiece, a deep frame adds weight and attention to the artwork.

At Text To Frame It, we understand how crucial selecting the right frame depth can be. That's why we offer versatile products that cater to different needs. For example, if you're looking for a deep, assertive frame, our 1.25" canvas print with a wooden frame is an excellent option. It not only offers structure and elegance but comes ready to hang, giving your photo added prominence.

Specialty Photo Frames: Creative Options

Of course, not every photo has to follow convention. Specialty frames are perfect for unique photo presentations or fun, personalized gifts.

• Puzzle Frames: Imagine taking your favorite moment and turning it into a playful, interactive keepsake like a 110-piece puzzle. This is a fantastic option for gifts or as something to hang in a kids’ room. The added bonus? You get to piece together a cherished memory before framing it.

• Triptych Frames: Consider a triptych frame to divide larger panoramic images into three panels for a modern and striking visual presentation. It works exceptionally well for nature landscapes, city skylines, and panoramic shots, turning an ordinary picture into an artistic showpiece.

Choosing Frame Materials: Aesthetics vs. Eco-Considerations

Finally, selecting the right material for your photo frame is crucial to creating the effect you want. Consider these factors:

• Wood: This is a classic material that brings warmth to any photo. Choose from dark walnut, light oak, or painted finishes for added versatility.

• Metal: Great for modern or abstract images, metal frames (like aluminum or brushed finishes) give a contemporary feel.

• Sustainability: If you’re concerned about eco-impact, opt for frames made from sustainable materials—like those we use at Text To Frame It. Our products are created with sustainability in mind.

Every material has a purpose, depending on the style you're aiming to achieve and the space the frame will occupy. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between beauty and responsibility—when you use Text To Frame It, you’re getting a sustainably crafted frame that looks great and aligns with responsible material practices.

Making It Easy With Text To Frame It

No need to fret over frame size or type anymore. At Text To Frame It, we make it simple to get the perfect photo frames without the hassle. Simply text your image, let us do the cropping if necessary, and choose from one of four stunning products—including framed canvases, framed posters, poster-only options, and personalized puzzles!

Here's how it works:

• Text your photo to our service number.
• We’ll evaluate the dimensions and automatically crop it to match one of the three optimal aspect ratios (4:3 horizontal, 4:3 vertical, or square).
• You’ll receive a private link where you can review the automatically cropped image and purchase your selected product.

The process is quick—your image goes from text to frame-ready in under a minute. And the best part? We handle everything from ensuring that the materials are sustainable to providing free shipping anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. You’ll receive your framed product within 4-6 business days, ready to hang.

Check it out for yourself here. We’ll handle the sizing and materials, so you’ll always get a photo presentation that truly complements the image.

Conclusion

Frame selection can seem daunting with so many options, but with a little consideration of photo size frames, matting, frame depth, and materials, you’ll end up with a display that accentuates your images perfectly.

Getting the right fit for your special photos can transform a simple picture into a stunning centerpiece in any room. Whether you’re displaying delicate family memories or bold artistic statements, picking the right frame is essential.

When you're ready to make the leap, let us help you at Text To Frame It for effortless and beautiful framing.