Framing doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as two goals: make it look great in your space and keep it safe for as long as you need.

Start with two basics

Ask yourself: What is it? (poster, art print, photo) and Where will it hang? A sunny living room, a hallway with traffic, or a kid’s room each suggests different choices for glass, matting, and frame.

Smart ways to save

You don’t need a huge budget to get a polished look. If the piece isn’t a standard size, add a clean white mat so it fits a standard frame. Choose one versatile frame style—matte black metal or natural oak—and use it across multiple pieces for a cohesive gallery feel. In busy areas or kids’ spaces, acrylic is lighter and safer than glass.

Match frame style to your décor

• Modern: slim black or white frames with generous white mats; a float mount looks great on prints with deckled edges.

• Traditional: warm wood tones or subtle gold, with a single or double mat for portraits and certificates.

• Eclectic: natural woods, mixed metals, or a soft color mat to tie into rugs, pillows, or accent walls.

Glass or acrylic—and when UV matters

Glass is clear and cost-effective for small pieces. Acrylic is lighter, shatter-resistant, and ideal for larger frames or high-traffic areas. If the artwork gets a lot of daylight, choose UV-filtering glazing to slow fading. For bright rooms, anti-glare/anti-reflection glazing keeps the view crisp.

Matting made easy

A mat gives the art breathing room and elevates the look. Most photos and prints feel balanced with 2–3 inches of mat; go wider as the artwork gets bigger. White or off-white is timeless. Want the art’s edges to show? Ask for a float; prefer a tidy border? Choose a window mat.

Tips just for posters

Don’t trim signed or limited posters—keep borders and signatures intact. If the poster arrived rolled, let us flatten it properly and mount it with materials that support the paper without harsh adhesives. For keepers, step up to acid-free backing and UV glazing.

When to invest in conservation framing

Choose conservation (archival) materials when a piece is sentimental, limited, valuable, fragile, or in bright light. That means acid-free mats and backing, reversible hinges, and UV-filtering glazing—so you can enjoy it now and protect it for later.

Size and proportion that just “work”

Slightly larger frames with a bit more mat look calmer on the wall. Keep spacing consistent if you’re doing a gallery wall, and repeat one frame color or profile so the art—not the hardware—steals the show.

DIY or custom?

Use ready-made frames for simple, standard sizes and everyday pieces. Go custom when the size is unusual, the art is valuable, or you want special treatments like floating, shadowboxes, or exact color matches.

Bring your piece to Frame Corner Memphis and we’ll help you choose the right frame, mat, and glazing for your space and budget—then get it on the wall looking its best.