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Choose a picture frame by image and mount opening

Choose a picture frame by the size of the artwork and the visible opening you want, then check the frame's outside dimensions. A size printed on the box may describe the picture it holds rather than the wall space it occupies. Mounts add another measurement that needs checking before you order.

Measure the actual print or artwork, including any border you want to keep visible. Don't trim it to match a sale frame unless you are certain that is appropriate. Valuable, fragile or irreplaceable work needs specialist framing advice. An ordinary ready-made frame guide cannot establish suitable conservation treatment for every material.

Tailored Deals · Researched guidance · 23 October 2026 · 3 min read

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Separate the relevant measurements

Write down the artwork's full width and height. If a mount is involved, record the opening size and the amount of image it will cover. Check the manufacturer's diagram to see how the print is retained behind that opening.

Then record the frame's outside dimensions. Those decide whether it fits a shelf or wall arrangement. A broad frame can take considerably more space than the stated picture size suggests. Use a paper outline to compare positions without drilling. Keep the outline away from heat and remove it after planning. If a size description is ambiguous, ask the retailer what the measurement refers to before paying.

Check depth and the type of artwork

A flat print and a thicker mounted piece need different internal clearances. Check the frame's usable depth and backing arrangement. Don't force a thick item under clips or remove required parts to make it close. That can leave the frame insecure or damage the work.

Read whether glazing is supplied and what material it uses. Handle it under the manufacturer's instructions and inspect for damage before assembly. Some artwork may be unsuitable for direct contact with glazing. If you are unsure about the material or its value, consult a framer rather than treating a ready-made product photograph as evidence that the arrangement will be safe for your piece.

Choose display and fixing separately

Confirm whether the frame is intended to stand, hang or support both orientations. A rear stand may need more shelf depth than the frame's body alone. Check stability on the intended surface and keep it away from a position where it can be knocked.

For wall display, follow the frame and fixing instructions for the wall type and complete weight. Get permission where required. Don't assume a supplied hook is suitable for every wall or that several adhesive strips can be combined without approval. Keep heavy frames away from unsuitable positions and use competent help if the fixing task goes beyond your knowledge.

Inspect before adding the artwork

On delivery, check the frame, glazing and backing on a clear surface. Follow the opening instructions and keep small fittings secure. Verify the mount opening with the artwork before making any alteration. If the fit is wrong, preserve the packaging and use the retailer's process rather than trimming in haste.

Compare complete frame prices, including a required mount or appropriate fixings sold separately. Keep the product reference for matching frames later, while recognising that finishes may vary between batches. A useful frame fits the actual artwork and the intended display position. Coordinating several frames can come after you know the first one holds and displays its contents as intended.

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IKEA: example of separate picture and mount-opening measurements (further reading) · Consulted 23 October 2026

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