What to Look for in a Poster Frame Before You Buy

Quick answer

Measure your poster first, then choose a frame that matches its exact size or uses a mount for smaller prints. For most posters, a slim metal or wood frame with a matte finish and a 2–3 mm gap around the print works best. If you plan to reframe often, pick a frame with an easy-open back; if the poster is valuable, add UV-filtering glazing and a mount.

Measure the print, not the wall

Poster sizes are not universal. A print sold as 50x70 cm is exactly that, but a frame sold as “50x70” often has a rebate a few millimetres smaller. Measure your poster’s width and height in millimetres, then look for a frame whose stated size matches or is slightly larger. If the frame is smaller than the print, you will need to trim the poster, which is rarely reversible.

For posters with a white border, decide whether you want the border visible. A frame that fits the paper size will show the border; a frame that fits the printed image will crop it. If you are unsure, choose the paper size and use a mount to create breathing room.

Match the frame size to the poster size

Standard poster sizes include 21x30, 30x40, 40x50, 50x70, 70x100, and 100x140 cm. Frames are usually sold in the same nominal sizes, but the actual opening can vary by brand. Check the frame’s internal dimensions before buying, especially for 70x100 and larger, where a few millimetres of difference is more noticeable.

If your poster is an odd size, you have three options: order a custom frame, use a larger standard frame with a custom mount, or trim the poster. Custom framing costs more but preserves the print. A mount in a larger frame is often the best compromise for odd sizes.

Choose materials based on light and location

Frame material affects weight, durability, and how the frame looks. Aluminium frames are slim, strong, and less likely to warp in humid rooms. Wood frames feel warmer and can be painted or stained, but they may expand and contract with humidity. Composite or plastic frames are lightweight and inexpensive, but they can yellow over time and may not hold larger prints securely.

Glazing matters as much as the frame. Standard glass is scratch-resistant but heavy and can break. Acrylic is lighter and safer but scratches more easily. If the poster will be in direct sunlight, look for UV-filtering glazing to slow fading. For posters with deep colours, anti-reflective glazing reduces glare but can soften contrast.

Decide whether you need a mount

A mount (also called a mat or passe-partout) is a cardboard border between the poster and the frame. It keeps the poster from touching the glazing, which prevents sticking and condensation. It also adds visual space, which helps smaller posters feel more substantial on a large wall.

Use a mount if your poster is smaller than the frame, if you want a gallery look, or if the poster has a signature or edition number near the edge that you want to show. Skip the mount if you want a clean, edge-to-edge look or if the poster is already the exact frame size and you prefer no border.

Plan for hanging and future changes

Check the frame’s hanging hardware. A single sawtooth hanger is fine for small prints, but larger frames need two D-rings and a wire, or a French cleat. The frame’s weight matters: glass and large wood frames can be heavy, so use wall anchors rated for at least twice the frame’s weight.

If you like to rotate posters, choose a frame with an easy-open back or a front-loading design. That way you can swap prints without taking the frame off the wall. If you plan to frame once and leave it, a standard back with turn buttons is fine.

Decision rules for buying a poster frame

• Rule 1: Measure twice, buy once: Measure your poster’s exact width and height in millimetres. Compare that to the frame’s internal opening, not its outer dimensions. If the frame opening is smaller than the poster, the poster will not fit without trimming. If the numbers do not match, choose a larger frame and add a mount.
• Rule 2: Match material to room conditions: Use aluminium in humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. Use wood in dry, temperature-stable rooms. Avoid composite frames for posters larger than 50x70 cm because they can flex. If the poster is large and heavy, prioritise aluminium or solid wood.
• Rule 3: Add a mount for small posters and valuable prints: A mount prevents the poster from touching the glazing and adds visual weight. It is essential for posters with signatures or edition numbers near the edge. If the poster is smaller than the frame, a mount is the easiest way to make it look intentional.
• Rule 4: Choose glazing based on light exposure: Standard glass or acrylic is fine in low-light rooms. In bright rooms or direct sun, choose UV-filtering glazing. For rooms with strong overhead lights, anti-reflective glazing reduces glare. If you cannot control the light, UV glazing is the single best upgrade.
• Rule 5: Check the hanging hardware before you buy: Small frames can use a single sawtooth hanger. Frames larger than 50x70 cm should use two D-rings and a wire or a French cleat. Make sure the frame includes hardware or budget for it. If the frame does not include hanging hardware, add it to your cart before checkout.

Poster examples and frame considerations

• Where you'll find me: Poster with analog photography from the small village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. A colorful photograph where the contrasting colors orange and blue meet in a warm holiday picture. The strong orange and blue contrast benefits from anti-reflective glazing so the colours stay vivid without glare.
• Miami sky: Bring a soft, abstract sky into your space with this poster by Annika Hultgren. The artwork features a light sky in gentle purple shades, created with an abstract spray painting technique. Available sizes: 21x30, 30x40, 40x50, 50x70, 70x100, 100x140 The soft purple tones and multiple size options make it easy to match a standard frame size without custom framing.

Is this frame right for you?

Best for

• Anyone framing a standard-size poster (21x30 to 100x140 cm) who wants a straightforward, affordable solution.
• Renters who want a lightweight frame they can hang with removable adhesive strips.
• People who rotate posters seasonally and need a frame with an easy-open back.

Not for

• Oversized or irregularly shaped posters that require custom framing.
• Museum-grade archival framing for valuable or irreplaceable art.
• Very humid rooms where wood frames may warp unless you choose aluminium.