Sizing and Framing Advice

A comprehensive guide to choosing sizes, frame colours, mat boards and glass quality. Additionally, you'll find information on hanging and lighting, plus some styling tips. 

Print Size Examples with Logo



Size Guide

It's best practice to select your print size based on your hanging location, thought, the age old saying 'bigger is better' rings true for prints. 

  • Above a two-seater lounge:
    120cm x 80cm / 48"x 32"
  • Above a three-seater lounge:
    150cm x 100cm / 60"x 40"
  • Above a queen-sized bed:
    150cm x 100cm / 60"x 40"

If you're on a budget, even the smaller prints look lovely as their vibrancy helps to prevent them becoming 'lost' or 'dwarfed' on larger walls.

Styling Tips

Large wall space

  • Large prints leave a lasting impression.
  • Small prints can work well when displayed as a collection.
  • Consider pairing a print with a hanging object for an eclectic aesthetic.

High ceilings

  • Vertical prints are very flattering as they accentuate the height of your ceiling by guiding the eye upwards.
  • If you have a high ceiling with a very wide wall space, consider a collection of vertical images side by side.

Minimal wall space

  • Smaller or square prints are perfect for small spaces.
  • Alternatively, a strip or gallery display can transform a small space into a feature wall, e.g.

      

  

    Frame Guide

    Frame Colour

    When selecting your frame colour there are two key aspects to keep in mind: the colours in your print and the colours of your furniture, decor and on the walls.

    Choosing a frame based on the colours in your print:

    • Prints comprised of mostly warm colours (such as yellow, orange and red) look lovely framed in timber or mocha.
    • Prints comprised of mostly cool colours and pastels (such as blue, green, pink, purple and white) look lovely framed in black or white.

    Choosing a frame based on the colours in your furniture, decor and walls:

    • Timber frames compliment coastal aesthetics.
    • Mocha frames compliment country aesthetics.
    • White and black frames compliment contemporary décor.

    Bring home samples where you can and use your best judgement, if in doubt, sleep on it!

    Glass Quality

    It's absolutely worth investing in quality glass. Standard or low-quality glass will soften crisp detail, while quality glass will maintain the crisp clarity. 

    When purchasing glass, consider the environment your print will hang in, prioritize the features most essential to this environment. Ideally, you want them all!

    Features to look for:

    • High transparency
      Clear, high-quality glass maintains the clarity we see with our eyes. Whereas standard glass can be likened to looking through a slightly fuzzy lens.

    • Low reflection
      This reduces reflections on the glass. You’ll want to see your print not the reflection of your surroundings.

    • 99% UV protection
      UV protection keeps your print brighter for longer, preventing the discoloration and fading caused be long term exposure to bright light. 

    Most framers provide four variations of glass: Museum Glass, Conservation Glass, Non-Reflective Glass and Standard Glass. Different companies may call them by different names but it’s the features you’re looking for.

    Mat Board

    Mat Board is a thick piece of cardboard that sits on top of a print providing a small lift to prevent the glass from sticking.

      

    Mat Board comes in a rainbow of colours and textures. Even white comes in upwards of six variations, so be sure to view their full selection to best match your print. The amount of mat board visible between the artwork and the frame is referred to as the width. Width can be calculated by your framer. 

    When deciding on a width consider the other framed works in your home; do they have Mat Board? What are their widths? You may want to match these to maintain a flow within your home.

    Hanging and Lighting Guide

    Hanging

    Consider the surface you’ll be securing the hangers too, e.g. plaster, timber, concrete, metal. Each surface requires different hardware. For more details consult with your local hardware store.

    For professional picture hanging systems, that allow for versatility and minimal wall damage, you could consider a supplier such as Artiteq.

    Lighting

    It isn't essential to install spotlighting, however, if your goal is drama, proper lighting will enhance the atmosphere and vibrancy. Direct the light evenly around your artwork to prevent glare on the glass or acrylic surface. A dimmer can be installed for mood lighting.

    For professional picture lighting systems, you could consider a supplier such as 3S Lighting.

    Number of spotlights:

    • One spotlight:
      30cm x 20cm / 12"x 8"  to        60cm x 40cm / 24"x 16"
    • Two spotlights:
      90cm x 60cm / 36"x 24"
    • Two to three spotlights:
      120cm x 80cm / 48"x 32"
    • Three spotlights:
      150cm x 100cm / 60"x 40"