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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Functional and stylish, picture frames allow you to personalize your home decor with artwork or photos. There are plenty of ways to get creative when choosing picture frames. “If you are accessorizing a room with a more masculine feel, consider some handsome framing options," says Amy Studebaker, owner and principal designer at Amy Studebaker Design. "Materials like stained wood, burl wood, and brass are always fabulous in an office or bar area. When choosing frames for a more feminine area, lovely polished nickel, white, or lighter, stained wood frames provide an elegant and elevated aesthetic for a space.”
We conducted hours of research on the best picture frames, evaluating each on its design style, quality, mounting options, and value.
Ahead, find the best picture frames to reflect your design aesthetic.
Best Overall
upsimples 11x14 Picture Frame Set of 5
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Amazon
Affordable set
Many size and color options
Included hardware
Plastic covering
The upsimples Frame Set of 5 is quality-made, functional, and affordable. It also includes archival precut mats to make matting streamlined and headache-free. Customers note that the clasps are easy to manipulate, secure, and do not scrape the edges. The frames are lightweight and made with anti-glare plexiglass plastic. Customers note they come carefully packaged for shipping. Choose from a wide variety of sizes and finishes to suit your aesthetic with color choices ranging from neutral to bold, including gold and metallic gray.
Price at time of publish: $31
Sizes: 8x10 inches, 8x12 inches, 9x12 inches, 11x14 inches, 11x17 inches, 12x16 inches, 12x18 inches, 13x19 inches, 16x20 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Plastic
Best Budget
Ikea Ribba Frame
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Ikea
Budget-friendly
Multiple sizes
Two color choices
Plastic covering
Can be difficult to hang
The Ribba line includes both black and white frame options and a variety of sizes all the way up to 24 by 35 3/4 inches (which costs just shy of $20 and is perfect for posters). The front of the frame is a lightweight protective plastic. These affordable frames are budget-friendly while offering a modern aesthetic that clean and sharp.
Note that if you choose to use the included acid-free mat, your photo will have a slightly cropped look, due to the opening size (so for a 4 x 6-inch frame, that would be 2 ¾ x 4 ¼ inches).
Price at time of publish: $3
Sizes: 4x6 inches, 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches, 12x16 inches, 16x20 inches, 19 ¾x27 ½ inches, 11 ¾ x 34 ¾ inches, 24 x 35 ¾ inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Fiberboard, Polystyrene, Polyethylene, Paper
Best Digital
Nixplay 10.1 inch Smart Digital Photo Frame
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Amazon
Collaborative
Multiple colors and finishes
Displays a large ranges of photos in any orientation
Expensive
Requires WiFi
This Nixplay Smart Digital Frame allows you to add photos remotely via WiFi and a compatible app. You can invite multiple users add photos to the digital streaming service. This frame has a nice, sleek finish and comes in multiple colors and finishes, including a wood option. The touch screen makes it easy to use, and the smart sensor turns the screen off when you’re not in the room. Just like a phone or tablet, you can easily flip the frame to display a photo horizontally or vertically. Display on a tabletop or mount it on any wall.
These frames make a great gift for grandparents who aren't tech-savvy.
Price at time of publish: $190
Sizes: 9.7 inches, 10 inches, 10.1 inches, 13.3 inches, 15 inches, 15.6 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Not listed
Best Decorative
Anthropologie Hollywood Frame
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Anthropologie
Beautiful vintage appeal
Sturdy
Great for gifting
One size
Decorative design covers some of the photo
Anthropologie is known for distinctive housewares, and their picture frames have a beautiful retro aesthetic that’s perfectly suited for the modern era, too. The Hollywood frame is made with iron, glass, and engineered hardwood and has a floral and botanical design with vintage appeal. Customers note the frame is only available in a small size.
Price at time of publish: $32
Size: 4x4 inches | Shape: Square | Material: Iron, Glass, Engineered Hardwood
Best Personalized
Waterford Stainless Steel Frame
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Things Remembered
Sophisticated look
Highly customizable
Only one size
Expensive
The Waterford Stainless Steel Frame can be personalized with a text message of up to 40 characters. People can choose from 15 fonts and a wide range of graphics like butterflies, footprints, hearts, and more. Plus, you can orient the text however you wish, left, right, top, bottom, or centered.
Price at time of publish: $135
Size: 11.2 x 13.3 x 1.4 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Stainless Steel
Best Collage
Golden State Art 13.6x19.7 Black Photo Wood Collage Frame
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Amazon
Real glass
Accommodates multiple photos
Can be hung vertically or horizontally
Does not include hardware
Sometimes you want to display more than one photo at once. A collage-style frame, like the Golden State Art model, is an excellent option, allowing you to put nine photos in one hanging piece.
You’ll appreciate the versatility of this particular frame, too, since it holds nine 3.5- by 5.5-inches photos (or one larger photo, if you choose to use the frame without the mat) and comes in your choice of seven materials and finishes. Choose from aluminum options like silver or gold or white options in colors like white and black.
Price at time of publish: $36
Size: 14.5 x 22 x 1 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Glass, wood
Best Custom
Framebridge
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Framebridge
Professional-level framing
Wide array of options
Can frame just about anything
Takes more time and planning than other options
Sending your one-of-a-kind item can be nerve-wrecking
Going custom doesn't mean you have to necessarily pay custom prices. At Framebridge you can frame just about anything at a relatively reasonable price. The company accepts just everything from hand-embroidered canvases, to baby shoes and sports jerseys. Of course, they’ll also frame traditional artwork, like photographs and prints.
You can use their intuitive online tool to select your preferences regarding mat and frame and then send your item to the brand’s Kentucky factory. Framebridge will send you everything you need to package the art so it won’t get damaged in transit. The entire process takes between seven and 10 business days, plus shipping time. But if you want things to move a little faster, you can always use their digital service, which allows you to upload files from a computer, phone, or Instagram feed for framing. This process takes just two to five business days, plus shipping time.
Price at time of publish: $75
Sizes: Up to 32x40 inches | Shape: Varies | Material: Varies
Best Acrylic
Crate & Barrel Acrylic Block Picture Frames
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Crate & Barrel
Stylish
Easy to clean
Accommodates more than photos
Can’t be mounted
Comes in limited sizes
For a clean, crisp presentation that suits more modern, minimal aesthetics, consider an acrylic block picture frame like this one by Crate & Barrel. The two acrylic sides adhere together via a coupling of strong magnets. The result: a frame that stands upright on its own and a photograph that almost appears to be floating.
There’s a nice bonus to this way of framing, which includes the ability to encase other items like ticket stubs, postcards, or other souvenirs and more.
Price at time of publish: $25 for 5 x 7
Sizes: 5.75 x 1 x 7.75 inches; 9 x 1 x 7 inches; 4.75 x 1 x 6.75 inches; 11 x 1 x 9 inches; 4 x 1 inches | Shape: Rectangle, square | Material: Acrylic
Best Metal
Artifact Uprising Metal Tabletop Frames
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Artifact Uprising
Multiple sizes
Two finishes
Includes acid-free mat
No larger sizes available
Plexiglass pane
The Artifact Uprising frames are made with a premium metal finish to look sleek and professional-grade. Each frame has an archival-quality acid-free mat that won’t discolor over time. You can put it on any surface where it’s sure to get noticed or hang it as part of a curated gallery. Each picture frame comes with a removable metal stand, as well as the necessary hardware you need for mounting.
Price at time of publish: $62 for 5 x 7
Sizes: 4x6 inches, 6x4 inches, 5x7 inches, 7x5 inches, 8x8 inches, 8x10 inches, 10x8 inches | Shape: Rectangle, Square | Material: Metal, Paper, Plexiglass
Best Wooden
Belmont by Studio Decor Honey Frame with Mat
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Michaels
Rustic finish
Can be matted or un-matted
Hanging hardware included
Limited size range
If you're looking to add a rustic element to your home decor, this honey-stained wooden picture frame is gently distressed and textured for added dimension in any space. Hanging hardware is already attached, so you don't have to worry about attaching additional pieces to the frame. It can also be oriented vertically or horizontally.
The frame mat offers an elevated edge to display photography, artwork, or family photos. You can also remove the mat for an even larger frame size. Although this frame is available in three size options, we wish there were just a few more sizes on each end of the range to accommodate more types of artwork and photos.
Price at time of publish: $17 for 8 x 10
Size: 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Wood
Best Floating
Room Essentials Thin Gallery Float Frame
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Target
Available in three finishes
High-quality glass panes
Can display multiple photos in it
Not freestanding
A float frame instantly upgrades any gallery wall, but finding one that's durable enough to firmly hold photos in place can be a challenge. This frame from Target's Room Essentials line is available in three finishes—black, white, or natural wood—and has hanging hardware attached for vertical or horizontal orientation.
We also love that this frame could display more than one photo at a time like a mini collage. "I have several of these frames in both white and natural finishes hanging in my apartment, and I love the way they make my artwork standout against the wall, while still being minimalist in design," says Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce. Although these frames are a great option for anyone looking to elevate their gallery wall, they may not be best as freestanding frames because they do not have a folding easel to prop on a table. However, we still think this frame is a stylish option, plus it's incredibly affordable.
Price at time of publish: $12 for 8 x 10
Size: 8 x 10, 9 x 11, 11 x 15, 12 x 12 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Manufactured wood and glass
Best for Gallery Wall
Pottery Barn Wood Gallery Frames in a Box
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Pottery Barn
Multiple finishes
Multiple collections
Can be hung or displayed
Includes archival-quality mat
Expensive
Can’t select sizes
Pottery Barn makes elegant frames with a clean, classic profile that suits any decor style, particularly since they’re available in three different wood finishes including in black, white, and gray. Each one comes with an archival-quality mat that has a bevel (or angled) cut, giving the finished product a professional look.
Choose from a set of six, 10, or 15 wood frames, and display each one either vertically or horizontally. The hanging hardware is included for mounting your display on the wall, but if you change your mind, you can always display these highly-versatile frames on the surface of your choice, too.
Sizes: Set of 6 includes: (1) 9"x11" frame, (2) 11"x13" frames, (1) 14"x17" frame, (1) 11"x15" 2 photo frame, (1) 11"x15" 3 opening frames; Set of 10 includes: (2) 9"x11" frames, (3) 11"x13" frames, (2) 14"x17" frames, (1) 11"x15" 2 opening frame, (2) 11"x15" 3 opening frames; Set of 15 includes: (3) 9"x11" frames, (4) 11"x13" frames, (4) 14"x17" frames, (2) 11"x15" 2 opening frame, (2) 11"x15" 3 opening frames | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Wood
Best Leather
Minted Brown Leather Picture Frame
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Minted
Genuine leather
Makes for a nice gift
Stitching details
Only one size
Can't be hung
Minted makes a classic, attractive frame made from luxe genuine leather, which is available in black, cloud gray, or brown. The leather features saddle stitching that belies the affordable price point. The only downside to this frame option is that it does not have any hanging hardware on it, but it could still possibly be hung on a wall with an adhesive strip.
Price at time of publish: $64
Size: 9 x 11 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Leather
Our best overall pick is the upsimples Picture Frame Set. The set of five strikes the perfect balance of quality, function, and affordability, plus can easily be curated into a gallery wall. For something high-end and custom, try Framebridge. This interactive online service allows you to choose from a wide range of frame styles in custom sizes, and will frame memorabilia and other artwork in addition to photographs.
What to Look for When Buying Picture Frames
Style and Color
Picture frames reflect your design aesthetic. “Accessorizing your home with picture frames is nothing new, but there are a lot of fun ways to display your picture-perfect memories.” says Amy Studebaker, owner and principal designer at Amy Studebaker Design,
Picture frames come in many styles, from gilded and ornate to simple sheets of glass or plexiglass held together with clips. Choose a style that works with your décor, whether that means minimalist black frames or Scandi-style wood. For a gallery wall with an eclectic appeal, choose a multitude of frames in varying styles. For a collection of family photos, consider using the same style of frame to create a sense of cohesion and keep the focus on the subject matter.
Materials and Finishes
Picture frames come in a variety of materials and finishes. Hanging picture frames are frequently fabricated in wood, metal, and plexiglass. Table-top frames may feature decorative finishes such as leather and silver plate, or may be embellished with anything from small mosaic tiles to seashells. Choose the materials and finishes that complement the images and your décor. If gifting a framed photo, choose a frame suited to the recipient’s taste to make it more meaningful.
Format
Picture frames come in tabletop and hanging versions, as well as traditional and digital formats. To help narrow down your choices, figure out if you want your photo to go on your desk, on a wall, or if you’d rather invest in a digital model where you can change out photos remotely. Frames also come in different presentation formats, from those designed so that the entire image runs from edge to edge, to those that are mounted on mats of varying widths that create white space around the image inside the frame.
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How do you hang a picture frame?
The easiest method for hanging a picture frame is to use a dedicated picture-hanging hook, which comes with a nail and can be purchased in varying sizes. Once you have pinpointed where you want to hang the picture, thread the nail through the hole in the hook, hammer it into the wall, and hang the picture using the mounting hardware that is attached to the back of the frame (otherwise you can attach hooks and a wire to hang it). Very heavy or large format photos will require screws ideally inserted into wall studs with a drill.
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How do you measure a picture frame?
A picture frame is measured using its inside dimensions. If you want to measure a picture frame, lay it on a table or other flat surface. Then measure its height and width from the inside of the frame, ignoring the outer frame itself, which will vary in thickness according to style and material.
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How do you know what size picture frame you need?
To determine which picture frame to buy, figure out the size of the photo you want to frame. You can measure its width and height with a ruler or measuring tape. The size picture frame you need refers to the size of the photo, not the frame itself.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has written about office decorations, budget furniture, and nightstands for The Spruce. She is a big fan of the Ikea Ribba frames, which she recommends for those times when you're on a budget but need to fill a giant space. She considered dozens of picture frames for this roundup, evaluating each on its design style, quality, mounting options, and value. We also consulted Amy Studebaker, owner and principal designer at Amy Studebaker Design, for her insight on what makes for a great picture frame.
The article was later updated by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with more than 12 years of experience testing and writing about products for outlets like The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Earley has a large family and displays photos of them all throughout her house with frames, including those from Pottery Barn, Framebridge, and IKEA.
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