Types of Picture Frames

They say the first impression is the last impression. The saying holds true in many aspects of life, from business to personal relationships. And when it comes to displaying your photos or artworks on your walls, the frame you choose can make all the difference.

After all, a picture frame is an integral part of the image you're trying to create. It helps instill a sense of harmony and cohesiveness in your home or office. So, it's important to choose a frame that complements the picture inside it and completes the overall effect you're trying to achieve.

To help you make the right choice, we've put together a comprehensive guide that introduces you to the different types of picture frames and guides you through the process of choosing the right one for your needs.

Standard Frame

Let's begin with the obvious —the standard frame. As the name suggests, this is the most common type of picture frame. It's usually made from a combination of wood and glass and has a simple, classic design that works well with any decor style. The standard frame comes in a variety of sizes—from small (4x6 inches) to large (24x36 inches), but it's the medium-sized frame that makes up the bulk of the market.

The standard frame is a great choice if your main objective is to protect your precious photos and keep them safe from damage. It's also quite versatile—you can use it in any setting, whether it's a home or office environment.

Gallery Frames

These are a bit more specialized than standard picture frames, but they're still very common. Gallery frames usually feature a very simple design—a rectangular shape with rounded corners and no ornamentation—and they're made from either wood or metal (usually aluminum). The main advantage of this type of frame is that it gives your photos an artistic feel by displaying them on plain white walls.

Now unlike standard frames with standard size, gallery frames come in a variety of different sizes. This means that you can choose the one that best suits your needs—whether it's a large piece of art or a small photo, there's always an option for you to choose from.

Further boasting a rather minimalistic and clean design, gallery frames help draw attention to the art instead of distracting from it. So, if you're looking for a frame that will showcase your work in the best way possible, then a gallery frame is definitely something worth considering.

Floating Frames

Known for their ability to create an optical, floating frame are a great choice for anyone looking to add some visual interest to their space. Featuring an open design without any defined frame to bound the artwork, floating frames help create an open and airy feel that's perfect for rooms where you want to make sure there's plenty of breathing room.

They're also great for displaying large pieces of art or photos so that they can be easily viewed from all angles without detracting from their beauty. With many different styles available, ranging from classic to modern, it's easy to find a floating frame that fits your décor perfectly.

Deep-Set Frames

These frames are also known as inset frames because they're set back into the wall a little bit. They're great for larger pieces of artwork or photos, as they allow you to save space on your walls without sacrificing style. Deep-set frames can be placed anywhere in a room, from above windows to behind beds and couches—almost anywhere where you need something visually appealing but don't want it taking up too much room!

Decorative Frames

Now, these are the frames you want to use if you're looking for something that's a bit more than just a simple piece of art. Decorative frames come in all kinds of styles, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary.

Some are even made out of metal or wood, so they can provide an extra touch of elegance to any room in your home. Further engraved with intricate designs or carved with beautiful patterns, decorative frames can be the perfect way to accentuate your favorite piece of artwork or just add some flair to your space.

Collage Frames

A collage is an art form that allows you to combine various images together into one larger picture. The result is a work of art that tells a story and can be used as a way to express your creativity. If you want to create a collage frame for your next project, there are many different types available on the market today. Some come with pre-cut pieces, so all you have to do is place them together in the right order.

Other types come with blank space for you to create your own design. The best thing about making a collage is that it can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, so feel free to let your imagination run wild!

Poster Frames

If you have a poster that you want to frame, there are many different types of frames available. Poster frames come in many different sizes, so it's important to choose one that will fit your artwork perfectly. If you're looking for something simple and elegant, try a black metal frame with a beveled edge.

This type of frame works well for displaying posters that feature portraits or landscapes because it helps highlight the subject matter without distracting from it.

Document Frames

There are some documents that you want to display proudly on your walls, such as a diploma or award. If you're looking for a way to showcase these documents without making them look cheap or tacky, consider using a document frame.

This type of frame is designed specifically for displaying important papers, and it's available in a wide range of styles. If you're not sure what design would work best with your document, ask the salesperson at your local framing store for advice before you make your purchase.

Tabletop Frames

Your tabletop is one of the most visible spaces in your home, so it's important to make a good impression. If you're looking for a way to add some style and flair to this area, try using tabletop frames. These frames come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that works well with any table or desk.

Often adorned with simple and elegant embellishments, tabletop frames are a great way to showcase your photos, paintings, and other artwork. You can also use tabletop frames to display awards or certificates that mean a lot to you or your family.

Modern Frame

Keep your photos looking crisp and clean by using a modern frame. These frames come in a variety of styles, including simple rounded corners and geometric shapes. Some also feature transparent glass or acrylic so you can see what's inside without having to remove the picture from its frame. Modern frames are perfect for displaying artwork that has an abstract quality, such as paintings done in bold colors and lines that evoke emotion.

How To Know What Size Picture Frame You Need?

When choosing a picture frame, it's important to take into account the size of your picture and how much space you have available on your wall. If you're putting up a small photo or painting, then you can use a smaller frame that won't dominate the room. However, if you want to display an object like a diploma or trophy with its accompanying certificate, then you'll need something larger in order for everything to fit inside.

Beyond the size, the style and material of the frame will also affect how it looks on your wall. If it's the art you're displaying, then you may want to go with a simple black frame in order to let the artwork shine. On the other hand, if you have a family portrait or photo of your kids as infants that you want to display prominently, then it might be better to choose a more ornate frame with lots of detail. In essence, the style of the frame will reflect how you want your object to be viewed by others.

What's The Difference Between a Poster Frame and A Picture Frame?

Poster frames and picture frames are both used to display art, but they serve very different purposes. A poster frame is designed specifically for posters, which are large-format pieces of paper that you can hang on a wall. Poster frames come in various sizes, ranging from extra small all the way up to super extra-large, so you can find the perfect fit for any poster.

Picture frames, on the other hand, are traditionally smaller (though "small" is relative here—they're still quite large!) and are designed to hold a single piece of art. Picture frames are usually made from wood or plastic, and they can be hung on the wall or placed on a shelf.

They come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any taste— you can find them in everything from simple black and white to gaudy gold-plated. You can also get picture frames that have glass inserts, which allow you to display your artwork without having to worry about damaging it.

Written by Mark Rogers

Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.