Best Frames for Art Prints: A No-Nonsense, Slightly Witty Guide

Introduction

Let’s be honest – picking the right frame for your art print is like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans. You want it to fit just right, enhance what you’ve got, and not make everything look weird and out of place. Whether you’ve got a colourful abstract piece, a moody black-and-white photograph, or a print of a dog wearing a bow tie (classy choice, by the way), the frame can make or break the whole look.

And yet, the world of frames is a minefield. Do you go chunky or slim? Black, white, oak, or neon pink? Modern and sleek or something that screams “I live in a National Trust property”? And, of course, the one you decide on will inevitably be out of stock. So, grab a cuppa, maybe a biscuit (or five), and let’s break it all down so you can frame your art like a pro in our Best Frames for Art Prints: A No-Nonsense, Slightly Witty Guide.

Table Of Contents

Introduction
Why Bother With a Frame?
Types of Frames for Art Prints (And Which One’s Right for You)
Where to Buy Frames in the UK (Without Losing Your Mind)
Conclusion
- Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!
FAQ
FURTHER READING….
A Few of Our Products…

'Chop Fucking Chop' print. Yellow with pink and black 'hazard' style markers to the top and bottom. 'Chop' is written in block pink, yellow, pink tri-tone text, 'fucking' in pink and black script. Colour combo 5. Framed on shelf. MaadWeb.

Why Bother With a Frame?

Aside from making your print look all fancy, a frame does some pretty important jobs:

Protects your print from dust, damp, and any mishaps involving kids, pets, or rogue flying objects.
Gives your art a finished look – a great print in a bad frame is like a Michelin-star meal served on a paper plate.
Ties everything together – frames help your print blend with your décor rather than looking like it was plonked on the wall in a rush.
Stops your art from curling at the edges – because no one wants to see their print slowly morph into a scroll.

Types of Frames for Art Prints (And Which One’s Right for You)

1. Wooden Frames: The Timeless Classic

Wooden frames are like a good Sunday roast – reliable, warm, and never out of style. They suit almost anything and work well whether you live in a cosy cottage or a sleek city apartment.

Best for: Classic artworks, vintage posters, or if you want that “I read by candlelight” aesthetic.

Pros:

Sturdy and long-lasting – won’t bend or break easily.
Comes in loads of finishes – oak, walnut, painted, distressed, you name it.
Adds warmth and character to your space.

Cons:

Can be a bit heavy, so maybe don’t try hanging a giant one with Blu Tack.
Some woods don’t love humidity – so if your bathroom steams up like a sauna, maybe rethink.

'Believe It or Not' print. The words 'Believe It or Not I'd Hit the Bottom For You' in black block capitals in a wavy style, on off-white background. The Royston Club inspired indie music wall art. Colour combo 1. Against tiled wall. MaadWeb.

'Craft Gin Wanker' Print. Yellow background with brown banner reading 'Craft Gin' in yellow above the word 'Wanker' in an old fashioned font in orange and brown, Colour Combo 1. On apartment wall with furniture. MaadWeb

2. Metal Frames: Sleek, Cool, and a Bit Edgy

Metal frames are like the effortlessly stylish friend who somehow always looks put together. They’re minimal, modern, and let your print do the talking.

Best for: Photography, contemporary art, and anything you want to look a bit fancy.

Pros:

Lightweight but durable, so they won’t warp or sag over time.
Sleek and simple – great for making art look gallery-ready.
Often more affordable than wood, especially in larger sizes.

Cons:

Doesn’t come in as many colour options – mostly black, silver, gold, or white.
Can feel a bit cold in a very homely, rustic space.

'Feeling Good As Hell' Print. Pink with a distorted blue grid and the words 'Feeling Good As Hell' in script and bubble font in blue and yellow. Lizzo inspired pop music wall art. On blue apartment wall. Colour Combo 6. MaadWeb.

3. Acrylic Frames: The Ultra-Modern Choice

Acrylic frames are all about letting the artwork shine without adding distractions. They’re clear, frameless, and great for a “floating” look.

Best for: Ultra-modern homes, minimalist art, and pieces that already have enough going on visually.

Pros:

Super lightweight – great if you’re renting and don’t want to drill 50 holes.
Gives a clean, contemporary look.
Shatterproof, so safe around kids and pets.

Cons:

Prone to scratching – so maybe don’t clean it with your sleeve.
Doesn’t add any contrast – if your wall is also white, it might disappear entirely.

'Ta-Ra A Bit' Print. Off white with 'Ta-Ra a Bit' in multi colour block capital letters with a black shadow in a cartoon-y comic book font. Birmingham, West Midlands wall art. Colour combo 1. On apartment wall. MaadWeb.

4. Floating Frames: The Art-Show Favourite

These give your print a bit of breathing room by making it look like it’s suspended inside the frame. Fancy, right?

Best for: Canvas prints, contemporary pieces, and anything that deserves a little drama.

Pros:

Adds depth and makes the artwork pop.
Gives a gallery-style finish – people might assume you know about art.
Works with a range of styles.

Cons:

More expensive than standard frames.
Might not be the best choice for very delicate prints.

5. Shadow Box Frames: For When Your Art Needs Some Space

Shadow boxes are deep frames that let you mount prints, objects, and other memorabilia inside, adding a cool 3D effect.

Best for: Pressed flowers, signed gig tickets, sports memorabilia, or mixed-media pieces.

Pros:

Makes your art look extra special.
Adds depth and dimension.
Great for displaying keepsakes, not just prints.

Cons:

Can be bulky – needs a bit more space than a standard frame.
Might require some fiddly mounting.

'Ay Up Me Duck' print. Yellow with pink text and black shadows and an illustration of a cute duck with crosses for eyes. Regional dialect wall art. Yorkshire. Colour combo 3. On green apartment. MaadWeb.

Where to Buy Frames in the UK (Without Losing Your Mind)

1. Online Custom Framing Services
If you want the perfect fit and don’t fancy hunting around in shops, places like eFrame, Frames.co.uk, and The Picture Gallery offer custom sizes and finishes. You pick, they ship, and your walls get a makeover.
2. High Street & Home Décor Stores
For standard-size prints, IKEA, Dunelm, John Lewis, and Habitat all have stylish frames that won’t break the bank. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the exact size you need without having to trim your print (or cry).
3. Local Framing Shops
For a proper job, head to your local framer. Yes, it’s pricier, but the quality and advice you’ll get is worth it. Plus, you’ll be supporting a small business – bonus points.
4. Maybe……
Direct from MaadWeb. We currently offer framed prints on some of our designs and we’re adding more to the range every day. Keep an eye out for updates in our shop.
4. DIY Framing Hacks
If you’re feeling crafty, you can save money by doing it yourself:
- Buy standard-size frames and add a mount to make your print fit perfectly.
- Use acid-free tape to stop yellowing over time.
- If you’re framing something extra special, go for non-reflective glass so you can actually see your art without a glare.

Conclusion

A good frame takes your art from “oh, that’s nice” to “wow, that looks amazing.” Whether you’re going for sleek metal, classic wood, or something a bit more unusual, take your time and pick something that enhances the artwork and fits your space.

And remember: framing should be fun. It’s a way to show off your style, personality, and good taste. So get that print out of its sad little poster tube, stick it in a frame, and enjoy it properly – your walls (and visitors) will thank you.

Thanks for reading our Best Frames for Art Prints: A No-Nonsense, Slightly Witty Guide. Now, where’s that spirit level?

Shop now and give your room the glow-up it deserves!

FAQ

What size frame do I need for my print?

Measure your print and decide if you want a mount (that white border inside the frame). If yes, go for a larger frame to fit the mount. If no, get a frame that matches the print size exactly.

Can I frame a print without glass?

Yes! Canvas prints and some textured paper prints can work well without glass. But if you want protection from dust, moisture, and accidental coffee spills, glass or acrylic is your best bet.

Should all my frames match?

Not necessarily. A mix of frame styles can add character to a gallery wall. But if you prefer a sleek, uniform look, matching frames will keep things neat.

Where should I hang my framed prints?

Eye level is usually best, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Try above the sofa, in a hallway, or even in the bathroom (just make sure the frame can handle humidity).

What’s the best way to hang a frame without damaging the wall?

Command strips are your friend if you’re renting or indecisive. Otherwise, proper picture hooks and a spirit level will keep everything straight and secure.

So, that’s my guide to the Best Frames for Art Prints! Now you’re fully equipped to give your prints (and style) the life they deserve – have fun decorating!