To frame a photograph, choose a frame and mat that suit the image, measure the print carefully, mount it with acid-free materials and hang it away from direct sun. A mat gives the picture breathing room and keeps it off the glass. Take your time with measuring, since small errors show.
Decide on the Look
- Frame colour: black, white and natural wood suit most prints. Choose a tone that echoes the picture without matching it exactly.
- Frame width: slim frames suit modern or detailed images, while wider ones can add weight to bold pictures.
- Mat colour: white or off-white is a safe option that lets the image lead. A very dark mat can suit moody images.
- Mat width: a wide mat gives a gallery feel. A narrow one can feel cramped.
Measure and Choose Sizes
- Measure the print height and width in the same units.
- Choose a standard frame size that is larger than the print by the width of the mat on each side.
- Decide the mat opening so that it overlaps the print edges by a few millimetres, to hold it in place and hide the borders.
- Many people leave the bottom border of the mat slightly wider than the top and sides, which looks balanced to the eye.
- Check that the frame depth has room for the print, mat and backing.
Assemble Carefully
- Clean the glass on both sides with a lint-free cloth, and work in a clean place.
- Attach the print to the backing board with acid-free tape hinges at the top edge only, so that it can hang freely.
- Lay the mat over the print and check the alignment.
- Place the stack into the frame in order: glass, mat with print, backing.
- Close the retainers, add a dust cover to the back and fit hanging hardware that the maker says suits the frame weight.
Before closing the frame, look again at the whole thing from arm length. Check for dust under the glass, a crooked mat and fingerprints. It is far easier to fix these now than after the back is sealed. For a set of frames, lay them out on the floor first and adjust the spacing before you mark the wall.
Glass and Placement
Standard glass is fine for many rooms. Anti-reflective or UV-filtering glazing can help in bright spaces, and acrylic is lighter for large frames. Prints can fade in strong sunlight, so hang them away from windows. Avoid damp walls, bathrooms and spots over heat sources.
| Choice | Good for |
|---|---|
| Wide mat | A formal, gallery look |
| No mat | Bold or graphic prints |
| Acrylic glazing | Large or lightweight frames |
| Anti-reflective glass | Bright rooms |
FAQ
Should the print touch the glass?
It is better not to. Contact can lead to sticking or marks over time, so a mat or spacer helps keep a small gap.
What height should I hang a frame?
A common habit is to place the centre of the picture around eye level. Adjust for furniture and for groups of frames.
The Short Version
Choose a simple frame and mat, measure carefully, mount with acid-free materials and hang away from sun. Keep the print clear of the glass.
