When it comes to choosing the perfect photo frame, it’s more than just picking a design that complements the image and your home decor. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure that your cherished memories are displayed just as you envision. Whether you’re looking to frame family portraits, holiday memories, art prints or certificates, getting the frame size right is essential to not only protecting the image but also creating your desired aesthetic.
Getting the right size frame can be tricky, particularly if you have an unconventional-sized photograph, however, in this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key steps in how to measure for photo frames, so you get the perfect fit every time. To help you understand the different frame sizes, mounting options and how to account for frame borders, keep reading for advice that makes the process of choosing frames for your best memories simple.
What size frame do I need?
No matter the image you wish to frame or where you want to display it, the size of the photo frame you need will depend on a few factors that should be taken into consideration in order to get the most accurate fit. These factors include the following:
The size of the image you are framing
Whether you’re framing a standard 4x6” photograph, an A4 certificate or a custom art print, the size of your image and how you wish for it to appear in a frame will determine the type of frame you need. Most standardised frames will fit a variety of photographs, certificates, posters and prints, no matter the size, with the most common sizes being 6x4, 7x5 and 8x10 inches. However, it is always important to measure your image accurately before framing to ensure you get the best fit the first time.
Whether you want to trim the photo or use a photo mount
If you have a specific image and frame combination in mind but the photo is too large for the frame, you can choose to trim the photo to size. Alternatively, you can also choose a larger frame and add a photo mount to create a border around your image. A photo mount is a thin piece of cardboard or paper that surrounds the image in a frame to create visual intrigue or to protect the image from the glass of the frame, helping to preserve it better over time.
If you are framing your image with a photo mount you will need to accommodate for the extra inches and buy a larger frame than the size of your image so that both the photo and mat will fit comfortably. For example, if you have an 8x10” photo and want to add a 2” photo mount on all sides, you will need to add an inch to each side of the image, meaning you should buy a 12x14” frame. However, if you are framing your picture without a mat, stick to buying a frame that matches the exact dimensions of your photo.
Consider the style of the frame and your space
When deciding on which size frame is best for your image, it's also important to consider the style of frame you’re going for and the space it will be displayed. If you are creating a gallery wall, you may wish to have varying frame sizes and widths that work together to create a cohesive feature wall. However, if you are looking to frame one or two images for a specific area of your home, the size of the frame you choose can impact the style that will be best suited to your needs. For example, if you are looking to frame an image to place on a shelf, keep in mind that larger frames, with photo mounts or those with more elaborate designs may take up more visual space in the room.
Depending on the style of the frame, whether it be a sleek modern frame with thin borders or a traditional wooden frame with thick borders, the size of frame you need for your specific image and space will vary. Keep in mind that thin frames keep the focus on the image, while wider, more decorative frames add more visual impact and can add a few extra millimetres to the outer dimensions of your framed piece.
How to measure a picture for a frame
The process of measuring a picture for a frame is laid out into four straightforward steps below, so that you can avoid buying a frame that is too big or too small.
Step one: Lay your image on a flat surface and have a measuring tape or ruler to hand
Step two: Measure the height of the photo vertically down the centre of the image, from the top edge to the bottom. Then measure across the centre of the image horizontally, again from edge to edge. If you wish to trim your image, remember to do so before measuring so that you get the most accurate sizing
Step three: Write down the measurements in a notebook or on your phone to refer back to when picking out your desired photo frame
Step four: Double-check the measurements are accurate. If needed, round up to the nearest millimetre to ensure your image is beautifully framed with precision.
Remember that when measuring for a photo frame, all frames are labelled with measurements from the inside dimensions for the height and width, not the dimensions of the outer edges. All Kenro frames are listed with the photo size dimensions that it fits. For example, if you have a standard 4x6” picture, you will need to order a 4x6” inch frame, however, if the size of your image does not fit standard frame measurements you may need to consider trimming the image or buying a larger frame and using a photo mount to make up the difference in size.
Keep in mind that all photo frames will overlap your images slightly by a few mm on either side to give you a clean edge-to-edge image with no white gaps. However, if you do choose to use a photo mount, ensure you add an inch per side of the image, to both the height and width to get the most precise frame fit.
