Top 10 Picture Frame Styles Explained

A large collection of family photos and framed items adorn the walls.

1. Classic Wooden Frames

Classic wooden frames are timeless, versatile, and can work well with almost any picture. They tend to have a warm, natural feel that's perfect for both photos and artwork.

  • Typically made from materials like oak, pine, or walnut

  • Available in various finishes (natural, stained, painted)

  • Fits well in both traditional and modern interiors

Wooden frames offer unmatched durability and a sense of warmth that can't easily be replicated by other materials. Because of their versatility, they complement many kinds of spaces and images, adding a subtle layer of sophistication without being overpowering. Whether you're framing a family portrait or a landscape shot, classic wooden frames provide a perfect foundation for your favorite memories or artwork.

They're an all-around great option, and if you’re ready to frame your next photo with ease, give Text To Frame It a try. You’ll have a custom wooden frame ready to hang in just minutes!

2. Sleek Metal Frames

If you're after something more modern, metal frames bring a sleek, industrial touch to your pictures.

  • Often made of aluminum or stainless steel
  • Lighter and thinner than wooden frames
  • Ideal for contemporary and minimalist aesthetics

Use them for abstract prints, landscape photos, or any imagery where a minimal aesthetic lets the image do the talking. Metal frames excel in adding sophistication without overwhelming the artwork. At Text To Frame It, we appreciate the clean lines and modern flair metal frames can bring—perfect for anyone looking to give their photo some edge.

Gallery-style frames are a go-to choice when you want to add a sophisticated touch to any photo or artwork. These frames are frequently used in museums, galleries, and upscale interior designs, but they’re just as valuable for anyone looking to elevate their home decor.

  • They feature clean lines and offer a noticeable thick border (typically white matting) around the artwork to really put focus on the image itself.

  • Perfect for high-impact pieces, gallery frames allow bold photography or large prints to shine as the focal point of a room.

  • Whether it’s typography or black-and-white photography, this frame style is a favorite among those wanting to preserve moments in an elegant way.

These frames are about simplicity done right. Their minimalistic design doesn’t detract from the picture but instead envelopes it in a polished, gallery-like feel. If you’re looking to create a striking visual experience from a photo or artwork, gallery frames are an excellent choice. Want to replicate that look easily? Text us any photo, and we can help you create a gallery-quality frame to match.

An oil slick artwork in white frame with the reflection of people standing in front of it.

4. Floating Frames

Floating frames create an illusion where the picture appears to float within the frame, giving a modern and minimalist vibe.

  • The artwork is suspended between glass or acrylic panels

  • Ideal for showcasing modern art or drawings

  • Often used with canvases

The "floating" effect adds elegance and depth, while putting the photo or artwork front and center. It's commonly used in sleek, contemporary spaces where the focus remains solely on the piece, while the frame itself serves as a subtle backdrop. If you're after a fresh look for your latest photo, floating frames deliver a polished presentation without overwhelming the artwork.

5. Canvas Framed Prints

Canvas framed prints give your photo a gallery-quality touch by wrapping the image around a sturdy wooden frame—perfect for those looking for a professional and bold presentation.

  • Typically use thicker, deeper wood frames for support

  • Available as print wraps or framed options

  • Provides a 3D look with texture

Canvas prints are ideal for making your image the focal point of the room, thanks to their bold, professional appearance. One of the key benefits is the 3D effect that this type of framing offers, which gives your photo depth while maintaining a sleek, modern look. Since the image is printed directly on canvas material and stretched over a frame, the result is often a textured, high-quality finish that evokes a gallery vibe.

If you're looking for an option that allows your photo to really stand out, canvas-framed prints could be the way to go. Curious how easy it can be? Our canvas framed prints are available with just a single text!

6. Poster Frames

Poster frames are an economical way of displaying larger prints, and ideal if you want to switch the image out regularly.

  • Slim frame that's typically metal or plastic

  • Includes a transparent front (glass or acrylic) to protect the print

  • Best for posters, prints, and temporary displays

Poster frames are often used for movie posters, concert memorabilia, or other fun, vibrant artwork. Their lightweight design makes them easy to hang and remove when it's time to change things up. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option or want to create a gallery wall with rotating pieces, poster frames might be your best bet. You can also explore poster framing options with Text To Frame It—perfect for photos too!

Photos from the past displayed behind a gold frame.

7. Vintage-Style Frames

Vintage picture frame styles often exude charm and character, usually with ornate carvings or distressed finishes.

  • Features antiqued or rustic detailing
  • Often made of wood or brass, sometimes gilded or gold-leafed
  • Goes well with vintage-style photos or older artwork

This style is perfect if you’re trying to create a nostalgic or romantic feel for a room or to display family heirlooms. Vintage frames frequently offer a timeless aesthetic that can tie a room together while adding a sense of story or history to whatever they display. Whether you're framing an old family portrait or an antique artwork, a vintage frame captures the essence of the past and presents it with elegance.

Nice couches, including microfiber couches, are shown in a sunny room.

8. Minimalist Frames

Minimalist frames keep things simple, with plain materials and thin borders, allowing the artwork to stand out without distraction.

  • Typically made from thinner wood or metal

  • Simple black, white, or neutral colors

  • Best suited for modern spaces where art is the centerpiece

These frames are ideal for modern homes where you don't want anything vying for attention next to your artwork. With minimalist frames, less is more. The pared-back design makes it easier to focus on your image, and they fit seamlessly into uncluttered spaces like lofts or contemporary living rooms.

9. Collage Frames

Collage frames are an excellent option for people who want to display multiple images in one cohesive layout.

  • Often made from wood or plastic
  • Features multiple openings for photos
  • Great for family photos, vacations, or themed collections

For those who like capturing life’s different moments and organizing them into a single, impactful display, collage frames let you tell a story. Each individual image can evoke a special memory, but the collective presentation compounds the sentiment, creating a visual timeline that’s both personal and artistic. Whether it’s a playful series of snapshots from a weekend getaway or a multigenerational family photo collection, collage frames offer a fun and flexible way to showcase cherished memories.

A mans portrait on a wooden wall with a vase below it.

10. Ornate Baroque Frames

Ornate Baroque frames are a tribute to the extravagant styles of the past, featuring detailed carvings and luxurious materials.

  • Characterized by heavy ornamentation and gilded finishes
  • Works best in rooms with traditional or vintage décor
  • Ideal for classic paintings or formal photographs

This frame style is all about elegance and grandeur. Think ornate, scroll-like details, intricate carvings, and rich golds or deep woods. These frames immediately command attention, often transporting viewers back to historical periods where excess and opulence were the standard—ideal for enhancing the drama of a Baroque painting or turning a formal photo into a statement piece.

Perfect when you're trying to create a rich, luxurious atmosphere, Ornate Baroque frames add depth and history to any space. While these frames may not suit minimalist or contemporary spaces, they're the go-to choice when old-world charm is part of your design aesthetic.

Want to give your photos the royal treatment without any hassle? Try our service at Text To Frame It where framing takes just a minute and shipping is always free.

A blond living room with a blue painted wall and a modern geometric artwork on the wall in a white frame. A small wood framed picture is placed above it. There is a beautifully

Choosing the Right Frame for Your Space

When it comes to making frame choices, consider the following:

  • The artwork or photo: Bold artwork may require a simple frame to let it stand out, whereas simpler photos may need a more ornate option to add interest.

  • Your space’s aesthetic: Ensure that the frame complements the overall feel and décor of the room it’s going in. For example, minimalist homes benefit from sleek, modern frames, while traditional homes may call for wooden or vintage-style frames.

  • Frame size: Ensure the frame size matches your artwork and allows for matting if desired.

If you’re on the hunt for convenience and simplicity in framing choices, explore how we make custom framing easier with Text To Frame It.

A person is sweeping a white rug in front of pictures.

Maintaining Your Framed Photos and Art

Once you’ve picked the perfect picture frame style, it’s essential to preserve the quality of the frame and the piece inside. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to UV light can fade both artwork and photographs over time.

  • Keep it clean: Wipe down the glass and frame regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust buildup.

  • Use acid-free materials: If using mats or backing for your photo, ensure they're made from acid-free material to avoid damage.

  • Store framed pieces properly: If you’re storing frames, ensure they’re wrapped in protective material and kept in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or fading.

Taking care of your framed photos or artwork helps maintain their quality and longevity. It's a small step with big results, especially when the piece means something personal to you.

A wall with multiple framed portraits displaying family memorabilia behind an open laptop.

Conclusion

Whether you're aiming for a chic, modern vibe with metal frames or opting for a classic wooden finish, the right picture frame style can amplify both the impact of the image and the room around it. We hope this guide has helped narrow down your frame choices and made the task of framing easier next time you’ve got a photo or piece of art you want to display.

Need help visualizing a frame on your next photo? Try our service at Text To Frame It, where you can upload your image and get it framed in less than a minute.

  • Step 1

    Text us a picture you want framed to 917-905-1015.

  • Step 2

    We'll text back a private link to a webpage where you can buy a framed version of that pic.

  • Step 3

    In about 1 week, the framed pic will be delivered to you & you can hang it up on your wall!

1 of 3

Collapsible content

Psst! We proudly use AI!

Hey lovely readers! A big part of the reason we're able to offer the best prices out there is because we run lean. We use AI for customer interactions, generating our blogs, promotional content, etc... While there's always a human around to keep an eye on things and jump in if needed, the time and money we save is spent making sure we have the best products for you! This also means that some of our blog content and blog images may not always meet the mark. While we do our best to identify those cases, please kindly give us some grace and/or let us know if you catch something that feels off.

Now, we know that may not be for everyone - at least not yet - and we completely understand that. Hopefully we'll win your trust in due time. If you fall in that camp, please feel free to use the PROMO CODE: SKEPTICAL for 25% off your first order. Hopefully we're able to win your trust!