Picture frames do more than hold an image. They define how a room feels and how long a print stays in good condition. For UK buyers, choosing the right frame means deciding between made-to-measure custom work and standard ready-made sizes, while also weighing materials, cost, and long-term protection.
The UK picture frame market has grown alongside home decor trends, with gallery walls and large-format prints becoming common in living spaces. Whether you are framing a family photo or a limited-edition poster, the right choice depends on understanding dimensions, materials, and where to buy.
This guide covers standard sizes, material comparisons, customisation options, and practical buying advice based on current UK retail offerings.
What Are the Standard Picture Frame Sizes?
Sizing is the most critical factor when buying a picture frame. The UK market follows both metric and imperial measurements, with ready-made frames catering to common print sizes and custom options offering exact dimensions.
Picture Frames at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Sizes | 6×4″, A4, A3, 30×40 cm, 50×70 cm, custom dimensions |
| Materials | Wood, metal, plastic (acrylic/glass), bamboo |
| Average Price | £2–£20 (standard), £15–£100+ (custom) |
| Top Retailers | Dunelm, Frames.co.uk, Habitat, eFrame, Desenio |
Key Insights for Buyers
- Most buyers search for specific dimensions first, such as 50×70 cm or A3, before considering style.
- Custom and made-to-measure frames are the key differentiator for specialist framing retailers.
- Wooden frames dominate the premium segment, while metal and plastic offer more affordable entry points.
- Gallery walls are trending, driving demand for multi-aperture frames and matching sets.
- Price varies significantly by material, size, and whether you choose standard or custom options.
Essential Sizing Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard photo sizes | 6×4″, 7×5″, A4, A3, 20×20 cm, 30×40 cm, 50×70 cm, 70×100 cm |
| Custom frame capability | Any dimension up to 200 cm, with mount bevelling and glazing options |
| Premium materials | Solid hardwoods, aluminium, and shaped wooden profiles |
| Online configurators | Allow input in millimetres, centimetres, or inches for precision ordering |
Wooden vs Metal Picture Frames: Which Is Better for Your Art?
The material of a frame affects its durability, weight, and aesthetic. Each material suits different types of artwork and room settings.
Wooden Frames
Wood offers a classic look and strong structural integrity. Solid hardwood frames, such as oak or walnut, provide a high-end finish that complements traditional and contemporary art. Custom frame makers often use beautifully shaped wooden profiles that avoid the cheap appearance of plastic. Wood is heavier than metal but provides excellent longevity.
Metal Frames
Aluminium frames are lightweight, modern, and available in a range of finishes including silver, black, and gold. They work well for posters and large prints where weight is a concern. Metal frames are generally more affordable than solid wood but may not suit classic or ornate decor styles.
Plastic and Other Materials
MDF and plastic frames are budget-friendly options often found in ready-made ranges. They are suitable for temporary displays or rooms where cost is the primary concern. Manufacturers also offer eco-friendly bamboo frames as a sustainable alternative, combining light weight with natural aesthetics.
For valuable or sentimental artwork, look for frames with UV-protective glass and acid-free mats. These features help prevent fading and discolouration over time, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term display.
Where Can I Buy Made-to-Measure Picture Frames?
Custom framing has become more accessible through specialist UK retailers who offer online configurators and workshop production.
Top UK Retailers for Custom Frames
Specialist framers such as Frames.co.uk and eFrame offer hundreds of moulding styles, mount colours, and glazing options. HALBE Rahmen and Picture Frames Direct provide hand-built, made-to-measure services with millimetre precision and over 25 years of experience. These services allow you to enter width and height in MM, CM, or INCH for exact matching.
The Customisation Process
Ordering a custom frame typically involves selecting a profile, entering your artwork dimensions, and choosing mount and glazing options. Popular custom formats in millimetres include 24×30, 30×40, 40×50, 50×70, 60×80, and 70×100. Square sizes from 21×21 to 100×100 are also available, along with standard DIN formats like A4, A3, and A0.
When ordering a made-to-measure frame, enter widths and heights that are 5 mm smaller than your picture. This prevents unattractive white gaps from appearing around the edge of the artwork once it is fitted.
Pricing for custom frames can range from £15 for small sizes to over £100 for large wooden frames with museum glass. Additional costs may apply for bevelled mounts, non-standard depths, or rush orders. Always confirm the total price before finalising your order.
How to Choose the Perfect Picture Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the right frame involves measurement, material choice, style matching, and understanding where to buy.
Step 1: Measure Your Artwork Accurately
Use a ruler or tape measure to record the exact width and height of your print or photo. For irregular sizes, measure at the widest points. Online configurators accept millimetres, centimetres, or inches. Always double-check your numbers before ordering, especially for custom frames.
Step 2: Choose Your Material
For a classic, durable finish, solid hardwood is the best option. If you need a lightweight, modern look that is easy to hang, choose aluminium. For budget-friendly or temporary projects, MDF or plastic will suffice.
Step 3: Select the Style and Colour
Consider the room where the frame will hang. Dark wood suits traditional interiors, while white or black metal works in modern spaces. For a gallery wall, consider matching sets or consistent colours across frames to maintain visual cohesion.
Step 4: Consider Display and Protection
In sunlit rooms, choose matte coatings to reduce glare and improve visibility. Wall spacing is also important: aim for artwork to span 60–75 percent of the wall’s width to maximise visual impact.
Evolution of Picture Frames
Picture frames have evolved significantly over the centuries, reflecting changes in art, technology, and home decor.
- 17th–19th Century: Ornate, gilded frames were hand-carved from wood and finished with gold leaf. These were designed for oil paintings in grand settings.
- 20th Century: Standardisation of photographic print sizes led to mass-produced frames in plastic and metal. Frames became more accessible to the average household.
- 2000s: The rise of online custom framing changed the market, allowing buyers to order made-to-measure frames without visiting a workshop. Digital printing also increased poster art production.
- 2020s: A surge in home decor interest, particularly gallery walls and large-format prints, has driven demand for sustainable materials and high-quality custom options.
How Much Do Picture Frames Cost?
Pricing depends on size, material, and whether the frame is custom or ready-made. The table below separates established information from areas that remain less clear.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Ready-made frames in standard sizes cost between £2 and £20. | Exact pricing for custom frames varies significantly by retailer, profile complexity, and glazing choices. |
| Wooden and metal are the standard materials for quality frames. | Availability of specialist features like float frames or deep rebates is not guaranteed at all retailers. |
| Common sizes such as 6×4″, A3, and 50×70 cm are widely available. | Trends such as eco-friendly bamboo frames may only be offered by select manufacturers. |
What Is the Difference Between a Photo Frame and a Picture Frame?
In everyday use, the terms are often interchangeable. However, subtle distinctions exist. Photo frames typically refer to smaller frames designed for standard photographic prints, such as 6×4″ or 7×5″, and are often found in high street retailers or as part of multipacks.
Picture frames is a broader term that encompasses all types of framed artwork, including posters, prints, canvases, and photographs. A picture frame can range from a simple A4 clip frame to a large, ornate custom piece designed for a museum-quality print. This distinction matters when searching online, as using the correct term can lead to more relevant results for your specific artwork size.
The UK picture frame market is largely driven by home-decor trends and the increasing popularity of wall art e-commerce. Consumers prioritise accurate sizing, material quality, and straightforward ordering processes.
Where to Buy Picture Frames Online?
Several UK retailers offer a wide range of frames, from budget-friendly ready-made options to fully customisable made-to-measure services.
“Photo & Picture Frames from £2 to £20, 5 colours.”
— Dunelm
“Made to measure picture frames – hundreds of styles, mounts, and glazing options.”
“Shop picture frames professionally made in our UK framing studio.”
— eFrame
Other notable retailers include Habitat and Desenio, both offering curated collections that suit contemporary interiors.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Perfect Frame
Finding the right picture frame for your artwork means knowing your exact measurements, choosing a material that fits your style and budget, and deciding between the convenience of ready-made options and the precision of custom frames. Whether you are updating a single photo or building an entire gallery wall, the UK retail market offers strong choices across all price points. For more home improvement buying advice, check out our guide on Kitchen Cabinets – Complete UK Buying Guide for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Picture Frames
How much do custom picture frames cost?
Custom frames typically range from £15 for small, simple designs to over £100 for larger wooden frames with mounts and museum-grade glass. The final price depends on size, material profile, and glazing selection.
Can I get picture frames with mounts?
Yes. Most custom frame retailers offer mount (mat) options in various colours and cut-out sizes. A mount helps preserve artwork by keeping it away from the glass and improves the overall presentation.
What is the difference between a photo frame and a picture frame?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but photo frame generally refers to smaller frames for standard photographic prints (e.g., 6×4″), while picture frame can refer to larger frames for posters, art prints, and custom sizes.
Are there ready-made frames for 50×70 cm prints?
Yes. Many retailers, such as Desenio and IKEA, offer ready-made frames in 50×70 cm. However, colour and style choices may be more limited compared to custom options.
Is it cheaper to buy a ready-made frame or a custom frame?
Ready-made frames are almost always cheaper upfront, with standard sizes starting as low as £2. Custom frames cost more due to handcrafted production and premium materials, starting around £15 and rising with complexity.
What is the best material for a picture frame?
For durability and classic aesthetics, solid hardwood is best. For a modern, lightweight look, choose aluminium. For budget or temporary projects, MDF or plastic frames are adequate.
How should I measure my artwork for a custom frame?
Measure the exact width and height of your artwork in millimetres. When entering dimensions into a configurator, subtract 5 mm from each measurement to ensure a snug fit without white edges showing.
Where can I buy picture frames online in the UK?
Popular UK online retailers include Dunelm, Frames.co.uk, Habitat, eFrame, and Desenio. Each offers a mix of ready-made and custom options to suit different budgets and styles.
What size frame do I need for an A3 print?
An A3 print measures 29.7 x 42.0 cm. A standard A3 ready-made frame will fit this exactly. If you want a mount, choose a frame labelled for A3 with a mount, or order a custom frame sized to accommodate both.
Can I get picture frames delivered quickly?
Yes. Many retailers offer standard or express delivery. Ready-made frames are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days. Custom frames require production time, usually 5–14 days depending on the workshop.
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Sarah Mills is Managing Editor at Southampton Wire, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.