Art comes in many shapes and sizes. But when we’re talking about photographs and art prints, there are certain popular dimensions of art that make it easier to find a way to display it.
If you’re framing your prints without a mat board, finding a frame is easy. The frame size — the measurement of the inside of the frame — is the same as the print, so a 5 x 7 print will fit in a 5 x 7 frame. Photo and art prints are often matted, however, which adds another dimension to your framing project.
Instead of measuring and figuring out the right dimensions of the frame and the mat board yourself, refer to our list of the most common mat opening and frame sizes based on your print or photograph.
Photography: most common print sizes and frames
Fine art photography and other types of professional art — whether bought at an art fair, gallery show or directly from the artist — are often sold in just a few sizes, and there are customary picture frame mats and frame sizes for all of them.
Note that for prints measuring 18 x 24 inches and under, Frame Destination cuts the mat window 1/8 inch smaller than the print, allowing for more of the image to show through. Standard, off-the-shelf frames and other frame shops may cut the mats 1/4 inch smaller. The suggestions listed below use Frame Destination mat cutting standards.
| Photo Print Size | Mat Window Opening | Picture Frame (Inside) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 7 | 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 | 8 x 10, 11 x 14 |
| 8 x 10 | 7-3/4 x 9-3/4 | 11 x 14, 16 x 20 |
| 11 x 14 | 10 3/4 x 13 3/4 | 16 x 20 |
| 12 x 18 | 11 3/4 x 17 3/4 | 16 x 22, 18 x 24, 20 x 26 |
| 13 x 19 | 12 3/4 x 18 3/4 | 18 x 24 |
| 16 x 20 | 15 3/4 x 19 3/4 | 20 x 24 |
| 17 x 22 | 16 3/4 x 21 3/4 | 24 x 28 |
Sizing FAQs
When it comes to choosing a frame size for a print, there is no shortage of options. We've put together a list of the most common questions we see around each one.
What Size Frame for a 5x7 Print?
You would need a 8" x 10" or 11" x 14" size frame.
What Size Frame for a 8x10 Print?
You would need a 11" x 14" or 16" x 20" size frame.
What Size Frame for a 11x14 Print?
You would need a 16" x 20" size frame.
What Size Frame for a 16x20 Print?
You would need a 20" x 24" size frame.
Art prints: most common print sizes and frames
Because art prints are reproductions of original work, the print sizes (like photography prints) are generally similar. If you’re buying art prints from countries other than the United States, you may encounter unfamiliar sizing like A2, A3, A4 and so on.
These print sizes are part of the A series in the ISO 216 standard, which is used extensively around the world. The measurements are listed below, along with conversion to imperial units and corresponding Frame Destination artwork and frame size.
There are no standard U.S. frame sizes that exactly match these ISO 216 paper sizes, so a custom frame is the best way to get a perfect fit. However, there are also “close enough” standard sizes that may work with your artwork. Note that some sizes may still be hard to find or too large for the type of art you’re displaying.
| Artwork Size | Mat Window Opening | Picture Frame (Inside) |
|---|---|---|
| A2 420 mm x 594 mm 16.5 x 23.4 (16 1/2 x 23 7/16) |
16 1/4 x 23 3/16 | 21 1/2 x 29 7/16 Close Enough: 22 x 30 |
| A3 297 mm x 420 mm 11.7 x 16.5 (11 3/4 x 16 1/2) |
11 1/2 x 16 1/4 | 16 3/4 x 22 1/2 Close Enough: 18 x 24 |
| A4 210 x 297 mm 8.3 x 11.7 (8 5/16 x 11 3/4) |
8 1/16 x 11 1/2 | 13 5/16 x 17 3/4 Close Enough: 16 x 20 |
| 16 x 24 | 15 3/4 x 23 3/4 | 20 x 28 24 x 32 |
| 20 x 24 | 19 1/2 x 23 1/2 | 24 x 28 28 x 32 |
| 24 x 36 | 23 1/2 x 35 1/2 | 28 x 40 |
Frames for unique print sizes
When you want to frame artwork with a unique size, order a custom frame to get an exact match for your print. Our website’s custom Build-A-Frame™ allows you to enter your artwork size and, using these dimensions, automatically calculates the recommended mat window opening and frame size. On our site, you can create a frame up to 40 x 60 inches.
If you need help calculating your custom dimensions, there are tools available online that can convert from metric to imperial measurements and vice versa. You can also contact us at 972-479-1188 or at [email protected].
Whether or not you’re working with a common-size photo or art print, we’re here to help make sure the end result is uncommonly beautiful. To find more information about picture frames sizes see our resource page: Guide to Picture Frame Sizes.
Updated March 24, 2022
Art comes in many shapes and sizes. But when we’re talking about photographs and art prints, there are certain popular dimensions of art that make it easier to find a way to display it. If you’re framing your prints without a mat board, finding a frame is easy. The frame size — the measurement of […]
After 4 (or 5) long years and countless hours invested in learning, studying and working towards graduation, it all comes to fruition the moment you hold your college or university diploma in your hands.
That diploma will serve as a memory of all your hard work for years to come so it would make sense that you not only want to take care of it but also want it displayed proudly.
That means no rolling it up or filing it away!
We put together 4 of the best diploma display ideas to showcase your accomplishment whether you have it up in your office, living room, on your work desk or hanging on the wall.
How to Display Your Diploma
Before you decide where you want to put your diploma on display, it's important to make sure it's protected.
These can be done in a few ways:
• Using a High Quality Diploma frame
• Laminated Plaque
• Pressed Glass Frame
It goes without saying that protecting your degree document is very important. All of the methods above protect the diploma from elements such as moisture. They also keep the certificate from morphing by making sure it is flat and pressed.
If you choose to frame your diploma, it is important to know how to mount the diploma inside the frame correctly so that it is not damaged. Excellent mounting tips are explained in our guide Photograph Mounting Techniques. If you’re not sure if a wood or metal frame is going to showcase your achievement best, find tips on how to choose just the right diploma frame or mat here: How to Choose a Diploma Frame.
Learn how to create a super fly “hover” effect by pressing your diploma between two pieces of glass or acrylic with our advanced customization options in our Build-A-Frame ordering section. See more on that in our blog Secret Framing Tricks.
When it comes to displaying your diploma, it's not just about what it is displayed in but where it is displayed. Do you want it as the solo piece on your mantle? Do you want it to be the centerpiece around other accomplishments?
4 Popular Diploma Display Ideas
Hang It
Hanging your diploma is a great idea if you’re limited in the amount of counter or desk space. It’s also one of the more versatile ways you can display your diploma because of the amount of room (usually) that your wall will have.
You can hang your diploma by itself, pair it with a favorite piece of art that you have as part of your existing wall decor or you could even create custom printouts of your favorite photos with friends or from events at your school.
Place it On Your Office or Work Desk
This is probably the most popular place for displaying your degree certificate. Depending on the size of your desk or workspace, it might get a little tricky, but as with anything, less clutter is better. The table top you choose can be one in another part of the office if your primary work desk is small.
You won’t need to add a lot of secondary decor for desk displays due to space; a nice pen holder may do the trick. Also, try to keep your diploma away from any other large items on your desk like a computer monitor. You want it to stand out!
Put It Against a Wall
One of the simplest ways to display your diploma is to put it on a shelf or mantle that is connect to or backs up against a wall. This works great if you have a mantle in your living room or a bookshelf in your house or office. With either of these, you can add decor as you see fit. Complementing your diploma with a few books is a nice add-on.
Showcase it with Other Achievements
This diploma display idea is a bit more flexible and can be used either on the wall or desk depending on your available space.
If you have multiple certificates and they are all laminated or framed, you can try hanging them in a single column with your latest diploma at the top.
As we mentioned, the accomplishments or achievements could be anything you want.
Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration and ideas for showing off that diploma you’ve worked so hard for. If one of these don’t work for your style, don’t be afraid to get creative!
After 4 (or 5) long years and countless hours invested in learning, studying and working towards graduation, it all comes to fruition the moment you hold your college or university diploma in your hands. That diploma will serve as a memory of all your hard work for years to come so it would make sense […]
When it’s time for you or your child to walk across the stage and accept that hard-earned diploma, you don’t want that moment of pride to end. To hold onto that feeling, give your certificate or degree a place of prominence in your home or office in a complete diploma frame that is perfectly suited to your school, degree or personality.
Wood or Metal Diploma Frame
The first decision you’ll make when choosing a diploma or certification frame is whether it will be a wood or metal frame. When choosing between wood or metal frame for your diploma, look at the decor of the room in which your diploma will be displayed as well as how many degrees and certificates will be displayed alongside it.
Wood frames are the more common choice, as degrees are generally formal documents with calligraphy that seems perfectly suited to traditional tastes. Wood frames look best when paired with similarly style spaces, marked by larger upholstered furniture, patterns, knickknacks and curved lines, the latter of which can often be reflected in the style of the frame itself.
Metal frames, with their straight, sleek shapes, add a certain modern sophistication and interesting contrast to formal documents. A metal frame complements chic, modern decor, which is characterized by simple and minimalistic accessories, neutral colors and spaces with clean lines. The choice of black, silver or gold — all of which are available at Frame Destination in readymade diploma frame sets — depends on the other accessories in the room.
If you plan to arrange multiple certificates in the room, choose simpler frames in either wood or metal. Frames with accent colors and more elaborate faces work best when used as a focal point, not when competing with each other for attention. If you are buying the frame to give as a gift, opt for a more neutral frame — a simple black wood frame or metal frame is timeless.
Mat Board for Diploma Frames
When framing your diploma, an important document, it should be protected by mat board. The mat board not only accentuates the diploma but prevents it from coming into contact with the glazing or other parts of the frame. You can often request (and pay and wait for) a replacement diploma if yours is damaged or lost, but it may not feel the same — it’s not the document you received on that special graduation day.
High-quality mat board is used in all of our frames, many of which provide archival protection. Museum-quality archival mat board is available in white and off-white, making it a perfect complement to your degree.
Many colored mat boards are not archival due to the dye used, so if you want to add some color to your frame, you can choose to decorate the mat board with a painted bevel or a ribbon in your school’s colors, or you can even order another mat board cut with a smaller opening to create a double mat. Note, however, that any embellishments or additional non-conservation mat board you add to the frame may damage the diploma in the long-term if the materials are not suitable. If you’d rather not risk damaging your diploma by decorating your mat board, we carry a variety of archival colored mat boards that you can easily add to your frame.
Mount Board
Your diploma should be mounted — preferably using an archival mounting method — to backing board, also called mount board, to stay in place and further protect it from damage. Just like mat board, mounting board is available in archival options; the collection of Frame Destination diploma frames uses acid-free mount board to provide superior protection. If you’re already using archival mat board, it is sensible to also use archival mount board.
Glazing
The glazing is one of the last guards against damage for diplomas in picture frame — and just like the mat board and mount board, it is beneficial to get glazing that offers protection. Diplomas and certificates are generally 8-1/2 x 11 or 11 x 14, making glass an ideal choice (acrylic is often chosen for larger artwork due to its weight and inability to shatter).
The best glass for certificate frames features a UV filter, which prevents fading, discoloration and deterioration due to the sun’s harmful rays. All readymade frames from Frame Destination use Artglass UV-filter glass glazing.
You should be proud of your diploma, degree or certificate, whether you, your child or other family member or friend earned it. Give it the recognition it deserves in an elegant museum-quality degree frame that’s ready to hang.
When it’s time for you or your child to walk across the stage and accept that hard-earned diploma, you don’t want that moment of pride to end. To hold onto that feeling, give your certificate or degree a place of prominence in your home or office in a complete diploma frame that is perfectly suited […]
Almost all photographers today work with digital cameras, from the most casual snapshot-shooter to successful, professional photographers. Many photos taken today are archived in digital form and never printed. However, many individuals have large film photo collections, perhaps stretching back for decades, that pre-date the digital era and need to be managed and preserved.
Modern photographers also continue to print photos for a variety of reasons. In some cases, prints are easier to view and share, and some people simply prefer to look at prints rather than digital photos on screens. Prints are also the best way to formally or permanently display photos. No matter whether photos are freshly printed or years old, proper storage and organization will keep them safe and preserve them in the best condition for future viewing.
Storage Materials
The best storage options for photographs depend on a number of factors, including how frequently it will be viewed and whether it is part of a larger collection that must be organized. No matter what type of storage you choose for your photos, investing in quality is important. A cheap photo album or storage box will be more likely to contain materials or chemicals that can damage photos over time. In order to preserve important photographs, the National Archive recommends using plastic or paper materials that pass the ANSI IT9.16 Photographic Activity Test, or PAT. Materials that qualify under PAT have been shown not to cause staining, fading or discoloration of photos.
Albums vs. Boxes
Photo albums and photo storage boxes are two common and effective ways of archiving photos. The best choice for your photos depends on your needs. Photos that are going to be viewed frequently benefit from being stored in high-quality photo albums. Albums are designed to allow easy viewing without having to touch the photos themselves. Albums are also great for photos that benefit from accompanying notes to explain who is in the photos, when or where they were taken or to provide further information. Notes can be inserted in separate pages or sections so they can be viewed along with the photos. This is beneficial because they still won’t touch the photos, so if there is any acid in the notepaper, it will not harm the photo. It also means notes can be kept with photos without writing on the back of the photo itself, avoiding problems with the ink damaging the photo over time.
Where photo albums are great for viewing photos, they also take up a lot of space relative to the number of photos they can store. Some collections are better suited for photo storage boxes. A box may take up less space than an album but can hold more photos. Boxes are good for photos that need to be preserved but are looked at less frequently as well as photos that are self-explanatory or don’t require extra notes. Archival photo storage boxes are the best way to preserve a large collection of photos, along with associated negatives if they have been kept, while taking up the least amount of space.
Organizing Your Photos
Just as important as preserving your photos is organizing them. Without some system of organization, a large photo collection becomes difficult, if not impossible, to manage. Disorganized photos are less likely to be viewed and enjoyed because of the difficulty of locating a particular photo or set of photos when wanted.
Organizing can be a very personal thing. The best way to organize personal photos is the way that makes sense to the person who owns them. But photos that have interest for a larger group of people, such as extended family photos, benefit from a clear organization system that is easily understood by all.
Basic categories for organizing photos can include the time when they were taken, where they were taken, and who is in them. Photos can be organized around events or around groups of people. Consistency is key to staying organized, no matter what system is chosen. Also, clear labeling of photo albums or boxes, or of the photos themselves, can help to identify a set of photos more quickly. If boxes or albums are labeled with the time the photos were taken, the associated event, and the group of people who are in them (such as “family,” “kids,” “work team,” or so on), then it will be much easier to pick out the right group of photos later.
Another option is to go digital!
Digitally Archiving Your Photos
Almost all photographers today work with digital cameras, from the most casual snapshot-shooter to successful, professional photographers. Many photos taken today are archived in digital form and never printed. However, many individuals have large film photo collections, perhaps stretching back for decades, that pre-date the digital era and need to be managed and preserved. Modern […]
Mat board serves two main purposes: it protects your artwork — keeping your art from touching the glazing — and provides aesthetic interest, as it provides a neat border around the print or photograph. But picture mat board doesn’t just have to be white, off-white or any other solid color. With a bit of creativity, you can decorate mat board to not only make your artwork stand out but personalize it for your home.
Painted Bevel
A painted bevel is one of the more understated ways to decorate a mat board. Mat boards cut with a bevel — a sloped surface around the inner cut edge — provide the perfect surface to add a pop of color.
What You Need:
Mat board
Water-based markers, or
Acrylic paint and brush, thinned with water if needed
Step 1: Place mat board face up.
Step 2: Hold the mat firmly with one hand and bring the marker or brush downwards in a slow but fluid motion.
Step 3: Rotate the mat board to repeat the same downward motion on the remaining three sides.
If you are worried about getting ink or paint on the face of the mat board, there is another method using tape and acrylic paint. Simply apply a 1-inch-wide strip of removable tape — Chris Paschke recommends 3M Removable 811 tape in her tutorial — along the edge of the bevel to protect the face of the mat board. Use a burnishing bone folder to ensure the tape adheres well to the mat, preventing any paint from seeping underneath. Once you have taped each side of the mat, you can follow the steps above.
Credit: Chris Paschke
Wait until the paint has completely dried to remove the tape; once it is dry, slowly lift and pull the tape backwards to remove. If you see a dusty outline of the tape, use an eraser to remove. Note that Paschke recommends that you use a black eraser if you have a dark colored mat board, as a white eraser will leave a white mark.
You don’t only have to use just one color: you can paint each side a different color, paint dots, or decorate it with other patterns. You can even mimic the artwork inside, painting the mat board bevel in the same color and style to “extend” the artwork to the mat board.
Cut-aways and Accent Cuts
Best used on dark or deeply colored mat boards, according to Master Certified Picture Framer Vivian C. Kistler’s book The Basic Guide to Mat Decoration, cut-aways are exactly that – you simply cut away the surface paper on mat board.
What You’ll Need:
Dark colored mat board
Ruler
Hobby knife
Stencil or traceable design
Removable tape
A soft pencil (e.g. #1, B, 2B, or 3B)
A hard pencil (e.g. #3, H or 2H)
Burnishing bone folder
Step 1: If using a stencil, skip to step 5. Trace or draw a design on the tracing paper.
Step 2: Flip the paper over and, using the soft pencil, coat the back side.
Step 3: Flip the paper back over and tape it onto the mat board where you would like the final design.
Step 4: Using the hard pencil, trace the design once again. Make sure to press hard — but not too hard — to ensure the graphite transfers. Remove the tracing paper.
Step 5: Use the hobby knife to carefully cut only the surface paper – the colored portion – of the mat board along the traced design. If using a stencil, secure it with tape before beginning to cut the mat board.
Step 6: Peel the cut-away portion carefully.
Step 7: Using a bone folder or other round item, burnish, or smooth, the cut edges.
Kistler recommends practicing using the knife before committing to cutting the mat board. To get a better chance of clean, straight cut, use sharp blades and hold the knife with one finger against the flat side of the blade.
Rubber Stamping
Using paint and your favorite rubber stamp — shapes, animals, plants, and letters — you can create unique designs on your mat board.
What You’ll Need:
Mat board
Rubber stamp
Scrap piece of glass, acrylic, or flat tile
Acrylic paint, thinned with water if needed
Paintbrush
Spray bottle filled with water
Step 1: Map out the stamped design on your mat board. Use pencil to mark the locations.
Step 2: Deposit a small amount of the acrylic paint onto the glass, acrylic or tile. Use the paintbrush to spread the paint into a thin, even layer. Test the rubber stamp with the acrylic to make sure it is the right consistency.
Step 3: Press the rubber stamp down a few times in the paint to coat it evenly.
Step 4: Press the stamp firmly and evenly down once on the mat board.
You can repeat this process as many times as you want, but be sure to spray the acrylic for the stamp lightly with water to prevent it from drying. It’s also best to practice a few times on a similarly sized scrap paper to ensure you get the pattern or look you want on the final piece.
Decorative Objects
Attach objects that complement your artwork or add personal meaning, such as a pressed leaf from a photograph of a particularly beautiful fall season.
What You’ll Need:
Mat board
Liquid adhesive
Various lightweight objects, e.g. pressed leaves or flowers, feathers, lace or ribbon, pet ID tags, poker chips or tokens, movie or event tickets, and more
Step 1: Map out where you would like to place your objects.
Step 2: Apply a small amount of adhesive to the object.
Step 3: Place the item gently but firmly on the mat board and let dry.
The items listed above are relatively flat objects that are able to fit in most frames. If you would like to use larger or thicker objects, make sure that the frame and mat board can support their weight it and that the frame is deep enough to accommodate the size of the objects.
Mat board serves two main purposes: it protects your artwork — keeping your art from touching the glazing — and provides aesthetic interest, as it provides a neat border around the print or photograph. But picture mat board doesn’t just have to be white, off-white or any other solid color. With a bit of creativity, […]
Seen by most just briefly in the movie theater lobby, movie posters are actually a very popular collectible. Passionate collectors search high and low for vintage movie posters to proudly display – or sometimes keep hidden away safely in storage — taking care not to damage these sometimes valuable pieces. In fact, in October 2018, a rare original poster from the 1932 classic The Mummy was expected to fetch $1 million at auction.
If you’re a new poster collector or would simply like to improve your skills to protect and display your collection, follow our guide for move posters. (For additional tips, check out our guide on How to Frame a Poster)
Examine the Movie Poster
Before you begin, examine the poster carefully, especially if it is a vintage print. Some vintage movie posters – those printed before the mid 1980s – feature a National Screen Service (NSS) number, which represented the year and the order in which the movie was released by the studio. If your poster features this mark, you may have a valuable item on your hands. Be wary, however, as some unscrupulous dealers fake these numbers in order to pass off less valuable posters as the real deal.
If the poster is folded, do not fold in the opposite direction to keep it flat as this will further weaken the paper. If it is a potentially valuable poster in less-than-mint condition, you may need to take it to a restoration professional. They can apply a linen backing to reinforce and support the poster. Linen backings are commonly found on vintage movie posters and, as the method used is reversible, do not devalue the poster.
Linen backings on movie posters can be trimmed – it was actually once common to trim the backing right up until the edge of the poster – but it’s now considered a better practice to leave a border. This allows for safer handling and prevents the poster itself from touching the frame or other items, especially during shipping. Make sure you do not pull on the linen backing; it is not canvas and is not meant to be stretched.
Choose the Framing Materials: Movie Posters
Just as with other prints, the materials you use to frame a movie poster will make a difference in preventing damage and extending its life.
Backing board: Regular foam board can be used with decorative movie posters as it is sturdy and lightweight. For vintage or valuable posters, use an acid-free foam board or, according to research done by framing industry expert Rob Markoff, fluted polypropylene. Some poster collectors framing very valuable posters use this material due to its rigidity and water repellency.
Much like any other valuable artwork, movie posters should not be dry mounted unless it is a replaceable poster you do not mind irreversibly damaging. If you must mount the movie poster, hinging at the top of the backing board using a reversible mounting method is preferred.
Mat board: While it is not commonly used in framing movie posters, adding a mat board helps keep the poster away from the frame and hold the piece in place. If you’d rather not use mat board but are framing very large posters, use picture frame spacers, which will keep the poster from touching the frame.
Glazing: Either acrylic or glass glazing works well in a movie poster frame. For vintage posters, use glazing that protects against UV damage such as Artglass UV-filter glass or UV-filter acrylic.
One other area of concern may be the size. Many movie posters sizes are large, such as 27x40 or 27x41, and glass is heavy and breakable if not handled properly. If you plan to ship or frequently move your poster after it has been framed, acrylic may be the wiser choice.
Frame: Metal or wood frames are both suitable for poster frame options, but if you are particularly concerned about the poster coming into contact with wood, choose a metal frame. Most movie posters are traditionally framed in thinner profiles such as Nielsen profile 117, but the frame’s aesthetics is entirely up to you.
Movie poster collectors can be passionate about their prized possessions — and that kind of passion deserves the right frame. Instead of displaying your posters in cheap, off-the-shelf frames, choose a poster frame that’s made to display your collection with pride.
Seen by most just briefly in the movie theater lobby, movie posters are actually a very popular collectible. Passionate collectors search high and low for vintage movie posters to proudly display – or sometimes keep hidden away safely in storage — taking care not to damage these sometimes valuable pieces. In fact, in October 2018, […]