Square Frames For Your Fine Art Prints
So, you brought the beautiful print and absolutely love it, but now you’re faced with the challenge of finding the perfect square frame. This can be a big hurdle and often means your print can stay in the package and never hang proudly in your home. This is such a shame, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is there are now many affordable off the shelf frames available that make the framing process so much easier.
Feeling Peachy. Fine Art Print. Available on paper or canvas.
In this article I am going to share with you my top recommendations for where you can source affordable and presentable square frames in Australia so that you can proudly hang that stunning print up and show it off.
First up though, let’s address two myths when it comes to framing my fine art prints.
1.I need to take my print to a professional framer and get a custom frame. This will be expensive and take up so much time. Plus, I have no idea what to ask for!
Straight up, no you don’t need to get a professional to frame your print. While custom frames are an option, particularly if you want a specific size, style or frame material, they aren’t necessary for the prints I sell.
Now don’t get me wrong, custom frames can be gorgeous, but they are like the Rolls Royce of the framing world. If you’re looking for a frame that’s more affordable and are happy with a tiny bit of DIY, you can frame your print yourself.
2. It’s going to be very hard to find the right sized frame for my print
No, it isn’t and here’s why.
When it comes to sizing my fine art prints for sale, I always pick standard sizes that can easily fit into frames you can buy off the shelf. I want you to get that print hanging up proudly in your home promptly so that you can enjoy it.
Currently I offer square fine art paper prints in the following sizes:
14cm x 14cm
20cm x 20cm
30cm x 30cm
50cm x 50cm
Below I’ll show you exactly where in Australia you can find the right size frame for your print and your budget.
14cm x 14cm Print: Framing Options
First up is the small 14cm x 14cm prints I give away for FREE regularly as a special give back promotion. These are high quality prints on heavy card and are a great way to collect a small piece of my work.
(If you’re like Nat, what are you talking about, I’d love a FREE print click here to get yours!)
Low Cost Option: Kmart Frames
If you’re looking for a frame that’s low cost and don’t mind the odd imperfection here and there, a Kmart frame can do the trick.
Kmart has a 5” x 5” frame available in white, black and oak.
The edges have a curve which is a nice touch, and it comes with a stand.
Details/Cost:
Photo: 13cm (H) x 13cm (W)
Frame: 15cm (H) x 15cm (W)
Material: Medium density fibreboard (MDF), glass, paper and metal
$5.50
Premium Option: Harvey Norman
If you’re wanting something of a higher quality to match the elegance of your print, then a Harvey Norman frame is what you’re after.
Details/Cost:
Features a glass frame with double white bevelled edges, giving it a chic appeal
Comes with an easel and a hang back design, making it easy to setup
MDF wood construction provides long-lasting durability
Available in black and white
Photo: 13cm (H) x 13cm (W)
Frame: 17.78cm (H) x 17.78cm (W)
First Class Frame: Horgans
For a frame that’s slightly edgy and top quality check out the Coco Frame from Horgans. This black and white stripe frame is eye catching and certainly works well with the moody magenta prints for a bit of drama.
Details/Cost:
Striped Frame - Bone & Black Resin. Outer 16 x 16 x 1 cm. Fits image size 5x5"
Colour: Black & White
Size: H16 x L16 x W/D1 cm
$35.95
20cm x 20cm & 30cm x 30cm Print: Framing Options
Second up are my 20cm and 30cm square fine art prints that are printed on gorgeous archival cotton rag paper. These beauties last a lifetime if treated with care and look beautiful in a variety of off-the-shelf frames such as;
Option 1: Matte Fairsons Photo Frames (for 20cm and 30cm prints)
Temple and Webster stock a range of quality frames often with fabulous sales on.
A sharp frame option is the Matte Fairsons Photo Frames which comes in a range of colours including Oak, White and Black. They’re sold in sets of 2 providing fantastic value.
Details/Cost:
Materials: MDF wood
Includes: 2 x photo frames
Colours available white, black, oak
FSC & Rainforest Alliance Certified wooden frames; all wood used in the product & manufacturing process responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, & economically viable
Frame size options for 20cm print
Frame size 30cm x 30cm with photo opening 20cm x 20cm
Frame size options for 30cm print
Frame size 40cm x 40cm with photo opening 30cm x 30cm
Cost for 30cm x 30cm Frame Set of 2 = $34.95
Cost for 40cm x 40cm Frame Set of 2 = $49.95
Option 2: Matte Premium Metallicus Metal Photo Frame (for 20cm prints)
Add a touch of contemporary elegance to your home or office space with this modern aluminium frame. Its sleek and stylish design will complement any decor.
Bonus, they come in GOLD!
Details/Cost:
Materials: metal, glass, MDF
Available in black and gold!
Frame size: 31cm H x 31cm W x 2.6cm D
Photo opening size 20cm x 20cm
Cost for 30cm x 30cm (8” x 8”) Photo opening 20cm x 20cm $29.95
Cost for 40cm x 40cm (12” x 12”) Photo opening 30cm x 30cm $39.95 (Woolworths)
Sannahed Frame: For 30cm and 50cm prints
For a statement frame, the SANNAHED frame from Ikea is fantastic. The large 50cm x 50cm frame has a photo opening for 30cm x 30cm prints. The large white mount around the print really makes the print the star of the show. Finished off with a sharp black frame.
This frame can also be used for my 50cm x 50cm prints without the mount.
Details/Cost:
This frame fits with a picture that has dimensions 30x30 cm if you use it with the mount, and it fits with a picture that has dimensions 50x50 cm if you choose to use the frame without the mount.
Mount included.
The mount will not turn yellow since it is acid-free.
Cost $29
50cm Print: Framing Options
The SANNAHED frame (above) from IKEA is a great option for the 50cm print if you don’t want a mount around the print. An alternative which includes a 10cm mount is;
Decorator Deluxe Square Frames
The Decorator Deluxe Black Square Frame is a solid wooden picture frame featuring a smooth matte black finish.
Details/Cost:
Genuine glass, solid MDF backing and a generous double-layered acid-free matboard in an Ultimate White tone.
Hanging wire includeded
Lifetime guarantee on frame
Cost $119.95
Vossington Thin 24”x24” Picture Frame: Suitable for 50cm prints
If you’re looking for a frame with a bit of glam and don’t mind a little extra effort, the Vossington Thin frame is perfect. The 60cm x 60cm thin frame simply requires you to either DIY yourself a mount for the 50cm x 50cm opening or hop down to your local framer who can do this for you.
Super bonus, this frame is available in a range of colours including GOLD and SILVER!
Details/Cost:
Available in gold, silver, oak wood, oak gold, black, walnut wood, white wood, bronze gold
24x24 frame made of strong and durable aluminum
Safe Plexiglass - Looks just like regular glass but is lighter and safer to hang (shatter resistant)
Cost range $150 - $170 (depending on colour) + mount approx $15 - $25
Romance Me. Fine Art Print. Available on paper or canvas.
Hopefully this guide has helped you find the perfect square frame for your print so that you can hang it up and enjoy it for years to come.
Once you do, I’d love it if you sent me through a photo of your print all framed up. You can send your photos through to me at natalie@natalieparkerartist.com and tag me in @natalieparkerstudio