How to Frame Art Prints - An Artist's Secrets

How to Frame Art Prints: A Whimsical Guide to Elevating Your Walls

There’s something magical about the perfect frame. It’s like the finishing touch on a couture gown, or the sweet icing atop a decadent cake. When it comes to art prints, framing adds punctuation, a completed statement that breathes life into your home. So, let’s transform prints into heirlooms, walls into galleries, and homes into sanctuaries of beauty.

Choose the Right Frame – The Jewelry for Your Art

Pearls are the perfect complement to a little black dress, and the right frame enhances an art print’s beauty without overpowering it. For grandmillennial, chinoiserie, and maximalist interiors, opt for gilded gold frames, delicate wood moldings, or even a lacquered bamboo design for a touch of old-world charm. Want a modern twist? A sleek gold or white frame provides a chic contrast to intricate, classical prints.

My Favorite Art Prints For Art Print Sizes: 

8x10
-With a Mat: Love this SET OF 4.
-Full Bleed: Order 8x10 frames. LOVE THESE!

11x14:
-With a Mat: LOVE THIS SET
-Full Bleed: LOVE THESE! 

16x20:
-With a Mat: Order 20x24 frames. LOVE THESE! Or you can order PRE-CUT MATS & THIS 16x20 FRAME.
-Full Bleed: Love THIS SET OF 4 frames. I also love a DARK BAMBOO FRAME.

Matting – The Breathing Room of Art

Matting is like the white space in a poem—allowing each stroke of the artwork to shine. My rule of thumb is the more detailed a print is, the less matte you need. I prefer full bleed on more detailed prints, so, most of my prints look best full bleed for a more dramatic statement. If you're bringing a print to Michael's or Hobby Lobby, consider asking for a double mat in complementary tones. Things like marbled paper, linen, or grasscloth make for amazing matting. Hobby Lobby always has 50% off framing, which is a great resource! And every other week, you can find their frames at 50% off - they have some gorgeous options!

Glass or No Glass? That Is the Question

Glass is the protective guardian of your print, shielding it from dust, humidity, and curious fingertips. Opt for UV-protected, anti-glare museum glass to preserve colors and prevent reflections from stealing the show. If you prefer a softer, matte look, acrylic glazing offers lightweight durability without sacrificing clarity. If you want to photograph your space and prints, consider placing the glass farther back in the frame altogether. My art prints are UV protected and museum quality, so they never fade. This is a great option with my art prints if you're planning on taking photos in your space. If you do, please tag me in your photos! 

Placement – The Grand Unveiling

Where your framed art lives is just as important as how you frame it. Here’s a quick guide to placement perfection:

  • Above a Mantel: Position the frame so the bottom edge sits 4–6 inches above the mantel. I love the idea of taking my chinoiserie Le Jardín panels with sconces on either side, or my triptych with coordinating sets of blue and white plates on either sides. 
  • Gallery Wall Magic: Mix and match frame styles for a collected-over-time look. Start with the largest piece at eye level and build outward. My set of 6 prints would be an amazing statement, or the set of 3 bamboo en fleur panels would truly shine. 
  • Lean, Don’t Hang: For an effortlessly chic vibe, lean framed prints against a wall on a console or bookshelf.
  • Bedroom: I love my set of 4 or set of 6 above a headboard. Above the bedside tables, you could split up a set and hang 2 on top of each other, or hang one chinoiserie panel above each bedside table for a truly decadent retreat. For a crib, I've seen amazing decorators take my panels, make a bed canopy (within which the nanny cam lives) and then hang the prints on either side of the upholstered bed canopy. 

Step 5: Make It Personal – The Final Flourish

The most important part of framing is the emotion it evokes. Whether your print is a delicate chinoiserie floral, or a swirling abstract, the frame should complement its soul. Select materials that feel like an extension of your personal style, and don’t be afraid to go bold—after all, art is meant to be seen, adored, and celebrated.

And just like that, with a bit of thoughtfulness and a sprinkle of whimsy, you’ve transformed a simple print into a treasured masterpiece. Happy framing!

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