Most of my prints are offered with an easy option to order pre-framed with a Black or White contemporary style, 1” wide wood frame, and a 2.5" mat. If you want to explore framing it yourself in a different color or material, this information will help get you started in the right direction.
To get a pretty affordable custom frame and mat, I recommend using a service like Frame It Easy. I can’t gush about them enough. For example, if you want a blue metal frame, a double mat with white outer color and light blue inner color, all you do is input your print size, pick the product details that you fancy, and done – no mathery required.
The suggestions below are geared towards the DIY-er.
Confirm the opening
First and foremost, when searching for a frame online, confirm the opening dimensions! Some sellers describe the frame based on the size print size it will accommodate, others on the outside frame dimensions. Yes this is a pain in the toot, but a necessary evil to get clear on.
Frame size vs viewable area
Let’s say you order a 12x18” print. If you order a 12x18 frame with a mat, this means the mat will reduce the viewable area of the print. For example, a 12x18 frame with a 1” mat means the viewable area of the print will be approximately 11x17” (removing ½” viewable area from all sides). If you want pretty much the full viewable area of the print, order a frame without a mat. (For DIY-style frame orders, even if it comes with a mat, you can simply not use it and place your print in the full, non-mat area.)
Mat
The mat has to have something to stick to. Assume approx ¼” coverage on each side, unless the product says differently. Some frame+mat combos utilize ½” coverage on each side.
Frame size ideas
Framing 12x18” prints
18x24” frame with 12x18” mat - sample product
17x23” frame with 12x18”mat - sample product
Framing 16x24” prints
Frame size: 20x28” frame with 16x24” mat - sample product
Framing 20x30” prints
Frame size: 24x36” with 20x30” mat - sample product
Framing 24x36” prints
Frame size: 28x40” with 24x36” mat - sample product
These thin gold poster frames look nice too depending on your decor. Poster frames do not have a mat.