Framing Tips for Your Prints

Framing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Every print in this shop comes with a 0.8" white border that works like a built-in mini mat, so you can drop it straight into a frame and still get a polished look, no fancy setup required!

HOWEVER... if you want to go the extra mile (which I highly recommend for pieces you really love), here are a few tips to help you frame your art prints properly, whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional framer.

  • 1. Start with the print itself

    Before you think about frames, look at the vibe of the image:

    • Is it bold neon, moody night, quiet desert, cozy motel?
    • Is it color or black and white?
    • Does it feel minimal or busy?

    As a general rule:

    • The more detailed or colorful the image, the simpler the frame should be.
    • The more minimal the image, the more you can play with frame style or texture.


    Let the photo be the star, and think of the frame as support, not competition.

  • 2. Think about where it’s going

    The best frame depends a lot on the space:

    • Modern / minimal rooms – clean black, white, or light wood frames work really well.
    • Vintage / eclectic spaces – warm woods, brass, or chunkier profiles can lean into the character.
    • Gallery walls – try to keep frames somewhat related (all black, all light wood, or same general style) so everything feels cohesive.


    Don’t be afraid to go BIGGER - Above a sofa, bed, or console, a single piece usually looks best when it’s at least half to two-thirds the width of the furniture below it.

    • For smaller spaces or nooks, think in terms of sets (two or three prints together) rather than one tiny lone frame.
    • If you’re unsure, use painter’s tape or paper cutouts to mark out a size on the wall before ordering—it’s a low-stress way to see what feels right in the room.


    You don’t have to match every piece of furniture in the room, but the frame should feel like it belongs to the same story.

  • 3. Mat or no mat?

    You’ve got two solid options:


    No Mat (super easy):

    That 0.8" white border is doing a lot of work for you, use it to your advantage:

    • It acts like a slim mat, giving the image breathing room.
    • It means you can put the print straight into a same-size frame (for example: a 16x20 print into a 16x20 frame) and it will still look finished.
    • You don’t need to add extra inches for the border—it’s already included in the total print size.

    With a mat (extra elevated):

    Great if you want a gallery-style, airy, or upscale feel.

    • Use a ready-made mat with an opening that fits the image area, or

    • Have a professional framer cut a mat so the opening lines up exactly how you like (showing just the image, or a bit of the white border all around).

      A good framer can help you pick mat width, color, and frame style so everything feels intentional and balanced.
  • 4. Protect it and hang it well

    To keep your print looking good for the long haul:

    • Choose decent glass or acrylic (UV or “museum” options are ideal if you want to go all out).
    • Avoid hanging in direct, harsh sunlight or very damp spaces.
    • Hang at a natural height—around eye level works well in most rooms.
  • 5. Build a collection

    Framing gets really fun when you start thinking beyond a single piece. If you know you’ll want more prints down the road, consider:

    • Using similar frame colors or finishes so different images still feel like they belong together.
    • Mixing sizes but keeping one element consistent (all black frames, all light wood, etc.).
    • Creating mini “stories” – like a motel trio, a neon cluster, or a desert wall.

    This makes it easy to add new prints over time without your wall feeling chaotic.

  • 6. Trust your taste

    At the end of the day, there’s no one “correct” way to frame art. If you love a slightly quirky frame, a bolder color, or a mismatched gallery wall, go for it! As long as the print has room to breathe and is protected, the most important thing is that it makes you happy every time you walk by.