Tips for Framing Art Prints for Home Decor: Examples with Frames, Matting, and Various Sizes

Selecting artwork is the fun part, but framing can get overwhelming. This helpful guide will help you navigate the world of frame selection.

The easiest method is to purchase a frame with a pre-cut mat that’s already sized to fit your artwork or photograph. Not only does this simplify things for you, but ordering frames with pre-cut mats, you will reduce the chances of making a simple measuring mistake.

 

When it comes to purchasing frames with pre-cut mats, I prefer to order from ArtToFrames for several reasons:

  • The framing quality is superb.

  • The frame options seem endless.

  • It’s simple: Once you’re on their website, you input the size of your artwork and the mat option you prefer (none, single, double). Then, the frame sizing and mat window are automatically generated. Easy!

  • Frames arrive in the mail undamaged and well-secured in the packaging.

Please note: This page contains some affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 😊

 
 

 

How to secure your artwork against the mat window:

Step 1: Align the artwork.

Flip the frame around and lay your artwork against the mat window. Secure the corners with masking tape.

Step 2: Tape all edges.

Tape all edges to prevent any bends or folds within your artwork.

Step 3: Clean the inside of the frame.

Examine the front of your frame to make sure there is no debris between your artwork and the glass.

 

 
 

8” x 10” Art Prints / Photos

For smaller pieces like 8” x 10” artwork, I recommend adding a mat to give more prominence to your artwork. By adding a mat, your artwork has some breathing room between the frame, which is ideal for smaller artwork sizes.

 

Artwork: Sunflower Blooms
Artwork size: 8” x 10”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: Distressed Turquoise
Frame dimensions: 13.5” x 15.5”
Frame available here

Artwork: Retro Florals
Artwork size: 8” x 10”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: Satin White
Frame dimensions: 14” x 16”
Frame available here

Artwork: Peacock Feather
Artwork size: 8” x 10”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: Distressed Turquoise
Frame dimensions: 13.5” x 15.5”
Frame available here

 

Frame Details:

Frame style: Distressed Turquoise available here

Frame style: Satin White available here

 

 
 

12” x 16” Art Prints / Photos

If you’re framing a 12” x 16” art print or photograph, I recommend an 18” x 22” frame. The mat will give your artwork several inches of whitespace between art and frame, which creates a more sophisticated look.

 

Artwork: Rainbow Paint Rolls
Artwork size: 12” x 16”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: European Beech
Frame dimensions: 18” x 22”
Frame available here

Artwork: Tattooed Butterflies
Artwork size: 12” x 16”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: Satin White
Frame dimensions: 18” x 22”
Frame available here

Artwork: Mountain Range Silhouette
Artwork size: 12” x 16”
Prints available here
• • •
Frame style: European Beech
Frame dimensions: 18” x 22”
Frame available here

 

 
 

11” x 14” Art Prints / Photos

For 11” x 14” prints, a frame measuring 17” x 20” will give you a comfortable mat border. In these examples, the golden frame highlights the gold ink within the artwork.

 

Artwork: Ad Astra Per Aspera
Artwork size: 11” x 14”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Gold Foil on Pine
Frame dimensions: 17” x 20”
Frame available here

Artwork: American Bison
Artwork size: 11” x 14”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Gold Foil on Pine
Frame dimensions: 17” x 20”
Frame available here

 

Frame Details:

Frame style: Gold Foil on Pine available here

 

 
 

12” x 12” Art Prints / Photos

Here are two options for framing 12” x 12” prints: One with a mat border and the other with no mat. The mat gives a more refined vibe to your artwork, but if you are working with limited wall real estate, you can reduce space by opting for no mat.

 

Artwork: Starburst Mosaic
Artwork size: 12” x 12”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Classic Gold
Frame dimensions: 18” x 18”
Frame available here

Artwork: Disco Ball
Artwork size: 12” x 12”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Satin White
Frame dimensions: 12” x 12”
Frame available here

 

 
 

10” x 10” Art Prints / Photos

When artwork gets fairly small, like these 10-inch square prints, a mat border is especially beneficial. By adding just a few inches of border between the artwork and frame, your wall art looks more polished and deliberate.

 

Artwork: Moth Collection
Artwork size: 10” x 10”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Satin White
Frame dimensions: 16” x 16”
Frame available here

Artwork: Butterfly Symmetry
Artwork size: 10” x 10”
Prints available in various sizes here
• • •
Frame style: Satin White
Frame dimensions: 16” x 16”
Frame available here

 

Want to dive even deeper into framing best practices?

Check out this article: