Designing the perfect frame might seem a bit overfacing, but it really comes down to two things: what you are framing, and the look you want to create. Once you are clear on those, the process becomes much easier. A few well-chosen defaults get you most of the way: for prints and photos, a neutral frame with a mount; for a clean modern look, a thin frame with no mount; for valuable or sentimental pieces, a mount plus a protective glazing; and for odd sizes, a mount to balance the proportions. From there you can experiment, relying on our previewer tool to help you visualise what the final effect will be.

Frame style

Frame style affects how your piece feels both in the frame and on the wall. It’s important to remember that there is no “right” way to do it - what’s right for you is what feels right, and what best elevates the things that matter, to you. 

There are some easy rules of thumb however to get you started. Smaller pieces often suit thinner frames, while larger pieces can benefit from slightly wider frames to add weight. Simple (i.e. non-ornate) profiles tend to complement modern interiors, and more detailed frames suit traditional spaces- but sometimes reversing that convention can create an impactful juxtaposition. 

To help make choosing easier we curate a smaller, design-led range grouped into families, with a preview tool that lets you upload your image and see how it looks before you decide.

Mount

The mount has a strong visual impact, and you can adjust its width, placement and layering. A safe default (and our preset) is a neutral off-white 50mm mount, which works for most prints and photographs and gives a balanced, gallery-style finish. A thinner mount creates a more streamlined look, while a wider mount adds weight and presence. Our full guide to picture mounts covers colour, size and double mounts in detail.

Glazing

Glazing protects your artwork from sunlight, which can both fade a piece and create reflections. For sentimental or valuable items, UV protection is recommended. The acrylic glazing we use as standard is favoured by artists, galleries and museums and offers 99% UV protection. Our glazing guide explains the full range of options.

Size and proportions

Here is where it can get really interesting, and some bolder choices can leave you feeling really excited by the designs you’ve created. 

Changing the size of the mount and frame can change the overall proportions of the finished piece in ways that may surprise you. A larger mount can make a small piece feel more substantial and considered on the wall. 

We fix our pricing bands based on the size of the item you’re framing, not the overall size of the frame (unless you opt for some huge mount sizes!), giving you certainty over what you’ll pay in the end. 

Common mistakes to avoid

A few pitfalls often come up. Confusing internal and external dimensions is the first; we only need the size of your artwork and then we calculate the rest. Forgetting the mount or frame overlap is the second; both cover the outer few millimetres of the piece to hold it securely. Choosing a frame that is too thin or too thick for the piece is the third, but the preview tool will help you avoid that. And not thinking about where the piece will hang is the fourth: a bright room opposite a window calls for different glazing and styling than a quiet hallway.

A simple way to design your frame

If you are unsure, start with a neutral frame and a 50mm off-white mount, then refine from there. The preview tool lets you see how your choices look before you order, so you can experiment until it feels right. The best frame is usually the one that supports the artwork rather than competing with it.