The Framing Guide
Tips and ideas for framing canvas prints.
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Framing can be hard.
I, for one, have ordered a print only to let it sit for months before picking out a frame. Custom framing is always a great option if you are looking for a high quality lasting frame that will protect your print for years to come. BUT it can be pricy. So, here I’ll share some tips and affordable framing options for you to consider.
My prints are printed on durable canvas so they can be framed with or without glass (unlike prints on paper). If you'd like to frame your print without glass to avoid glare all you need to do is use acid-free tape to securely adhere the print to the backing or matte of your frame. I would use tape at the corners and toward the centre of the print to ensure it is supported and remains flat in the frame, as the canvas is not rigid on its own like paper is. Of course, use common sense when deciding whether or not to use glass. The print that hangs above my kitchen sink definitely needs the protection of glass because of all the vigorous dishwashing that goes on ;)
I have linked various frame options throughout this page. I am not being compensated in any way for this, these are just my suggestions based on my own shopping experiences.
Large Frames
Larger frames can be more difficult to find but here are a few great options:
OPPOSITE WALL is a Canadian company offering beautiful oak wood frame in multiple colours for almost every size print I sell. This is a great place to find good quality large square frames, which are generally harder to find (12x12, 16x16, and 20x20). This is also a great place to find an 18x24 frame.
If you’re looking to matte your 16x20 print for a bigger statement I love this real wood IKEA RAMSBORG frame. If you go with no matte, 16x20 frames are very easy to find. I love the IKEA HOVSTA pictured above, which is very affordable and available up to 16x20 (though note it is not real wood or real glass).
Michael's has a huge variety of framing options, even in larger sizes, and remember you can always have them cut a custom matte to fit a smaller painting into a larger frame. If you are in the USA Target is also a great place to look for affordable frames.
This frame is available in pale and dark “wood” styles in the following sizes:
5x7
8x10(ish) matted to 5x7
12x16 matted to 8x10
16x20 matted to 12x16
9x9 matted to 5x5
Be aware that the “glass” in this frame is plastic.
This frame is available in black and white in the following sizes:
5x7
8x10 matted to 5x7
12x16
16x20 matted to 12x16
Be aware that the “glass” in this frame is now plastic (which has changed since I bought RIBBA frames last).
This 9x9 shadowbox frame is available in black and white with a matte that is great for framing 5x5 prints.
8x8 prints can be framed with this option (or HOVSTA 9x9) in a pinch but they would need to be mounted on top of the matte so I would recommend a different option for a cleaner look.
This deep frame looks great on a shelf!
Square Frames
IKEA LERBODA = glass floating frame for small square or vertical rectangle prints
IKEA is not the best for square print options, except for the 5x5 size.
For framing of 8x8 or 12x12 prints I recommend looking at Michael's - the inexpensive 12x12 frame pictured here is from Michaels. Target also has lots of options if you're in the USA. If you’re in Canada, DeSerres has a beautiful unfinished wood frame in 8x8 and 12x12.
11x14 Frames
I have not mentioned 11x14 frames because this option is so widely available and I am not sure where I bought the 11x14 frames I use myself. IKEA does not offer 11x14 sizes but this standard size is available in many places and if you love IKEA frames you can buy a 16x20 frame and pop in an 11x4 matte from Michael's.