If you’re looking for a way to enhance your living space or office, framed pictures and art are a great choice! If it is a big open space, then you may need to look at larger picture frame sizes to decorate that bare wall. You can use a stunning frame to display treasured photos of family and friends, hang posters of your favorite band, or even elevate your own artwork to masterpiece status as wall art! While finding the right piece to hang can be difficult, choosing the appropriate picture frame dimensions is harder than you think.
How to Choose Extra Large Picture Frames
Choosing the right large frame sizes can be an even more confusing process. You have to balance the size of your space with the size of the piece you’re hanging, and then you need perfect positioning of those large frame sizes on the wall. If you’re ready to learn more about what it takes to choose the best extra-large picture frame sizes for your space, FrameStore is here to help. Check out our guide today to get started.
A Review of Standard Sizes
Just to make sure you understand the concept of large frame sizes, it’s important to compare them to standard sizes. There are several different “standard” sizes. They’re the standard for framing because they’re the most popular for office and home decor.
| Common Small Frames | Common Medium Frames | Common Large Frames |
|---|---|---|
| 4″ x 4″ | 5” x 7” | 40” x 60” |
| 4″ x 6″ | 8” x 10” | |
| 4″ x 10″ | 11” x 14” | |
| 20” x 24” |
While these sizes tend to be very popular, it can be difficult to find large frames at a big box craft store. The advantage of working with a custom framing store like FrameStore is that we’ll craft a frame exactly the right size for your art that is also designed specifically to suit your decor preferences, and the picture frame dimensions will make just the right impact.
Types of Artwork for Large Frames
If you are planning on hanging attention-grabbing wall art, like concert or movie posters, collages, musical instruments, sports memorabilia, or other large fine art pieces, it makes sense to explore larger picture frame sizes. We recommend using these bigger items as a centerpiece or focal point in your space. The large picture frame sizes on the wall can make a huge statement, so choosing the right frame sizes needs careful consideration.
Practical Advice for Framing
Whether you choose to find a frame in a store or design a custom frame with the experts, there are a few pieces of practical advice to keep in mind.
Measuring Is EVERYTHING!
The old adage is true: measure twice, cut once. Before you even go out looking for large picture frame sizes, you need to measure your walls and make at least a rough draft of what you plan to hang in the space. Once you’re ready to start shopping, you’ll need to measure your art as well as the frame (all the way to the outer edges) to ensure the picture frame dimensions fit just right with everything else.
Remember that the outer edges of your frame will be larger than your artwork, so don’t assume that your 24” x 36” poster will fit in a spot on the wall of the exact same size! The large frame sizes on the wall also need some breathing room so they don’t look jammed into an area.
Picture frame sizes are given for the inside dimensions of the frame and often overlap your artwork by up to 5 mm to prevent it from falling out (unless they’re floating frames, in which case the frame is larger than the artwork by a significant degree).
Think About Matting
Matting for artwork is a great choice for anyone who wants to ensure the entire piece is visible. It prevents overlap, even with larger picture frame dimensions, offers additional protection for your piece, and adds color and texture to enhance the aesthetics of your artwork. Because FrameStore provides customization for all our framing services, you can be as precise as you want when exploring different hues and textures for different picture frame sizes.
Make Mockups
Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision exactly how your artwork will look once you hang it. In order to ensure you don’t clutter your space with wide, aggressive frames, you might want to create paper mockups of the frame sizes to get a feel for the final design. Cut some frames out of paper and tack those large frame sizes on the wall! You can play around with size and spacing ideas to see what feels best.
Consider the Type of Art
Regardless of size, the type of frame you choose should be based on the photo or wall art it’s for. Frames range from simple, sleek designs to ornate, three-dimensional pieces that are practically artwork in and of themselves! Make sure the picture frame and sizes you choose enhance the art instead of obscuring it.
Consider the Style of the Frame
The style of the frame is just as important as the picture frame dimensions. Large modern works may look sleek with a slim frame, while classic artwork should be complemented with something more ornate. Do you want the sizes and styles of the frame to blend into your current decor, or would you prefer them to make a bold statement?
Talk to the Experts
Figuring out the perfect picture frame sizes shouldn’t delay your interior design. If you want to get a jump start on decorating, reach out to a Los Angeles FrameStore location near you for the expert advice and support of our framing specialists!