Posters and art prints can bring color, personality, and visual interest to any room. Framing them gives each piece an intentional display while protecting it from dust, creases, fading, and wear.
Learning how to frame a poster starts with more than just choosing a frame design you like. You should also measure the artwork, determine the correct frame size, select suitable materials for hanging, and decide whether a mat will improve the presentation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to frame a poster or print step by step. You’ll also learn how to select the frame size and securely hang your finished display.
How to Frame a Poster or Print: Step by Step
A successful poster display begins with careful planning. Before ordering your frame or mounting anything to the wall, take a few minutes to assess the size, condition, and style of your artwork.
Step 1: Measure Your Poster or Print
Begin by using a ruler or tape measure to determine the exact width and height of your poster.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Measure from edge to edge.
- Record the width first, followed by the height.
- Decide whether the artwork will be displayed vertically or horizontally.
- Do not assume that your poster matches a standard poster size.
If your poster has a white border you want to keep visible, include that border in your measurements. If you plan to cover part of the poster’s border with a mat, measure both the portion of the artwork you want to display and the complete sheet.
A tightly rolled poster should also be flattened before it’s placed inside a frame. Unroll it carefully on a clean surface, weigh down the corners with clean objects that won’t harm the print, and give the paper time to relax. Avoid folding the poster in the opposite direction, since this can create new creases.
Step 2: Choose Between an Exact-Fit Frame and a Matted Frame
Next, decide how much space you want around the artwork.
An exact-fit frame is designed to hold a poster with little or no visible matting around it. This creates an edge-to-edge presentation that works particularly well for large movie posters, concert posters, and bold artwork.
A matted frame adds a decorative border between the artwork and the wood moulding. Matting creates visual breathing room and helps draw attention toward the image. It can also make a smaller print feel more substantial on the wall.
Consider the overall effect you want to create:
- Choose an exact-fit frame for a clean and contemporary display.
- Add a mat for a more polished, gallery-inspired presentation.
- Use a neutral mat when the artwork contains several colors.
- Select an accent mat to highlight a subtle color within the print.
- Skip the mat if the poster has an important printed border or edge-to-edge design.
Neither approach is automatically better. The right choice depends on the artwork, its size, and the room where you’ll display it.
Step 3: Determine What Size Poster Frame You Need
The frame size should be based on the exact dimensions of the artwork it will hold.
For example, an 18×24-inch poster generally requires a frame with an opening designed for an 18×24-inch piece. The exterior dimensions of the finished frame will be larger because the wood moulding surrounds the artwork.
Matting changes the calculation and overall size. If you add a mat around an 18×24-inch print, the frame itself must be large enough to accommodate both the artwork and the mat border. Always review the product’s listed artwork or document size rather than relying only on the frame’s exterior measurements.
Before ordering, confirm:
- The width and height of the artwork
- The display orientation
- Whether the frame includes a mat
- The dimensions of the mat opening
- The approximate exterior frame size
We’ll explore standard poster sizes in more detail later in this guide.
Step 4: Select a Frame Style That Complements Your Artwork
A frame should support the artwork rather than compete with it. Consider the colors, subject matter, and visual weight of the poster you’re framing when selecting a moulding.
A sleek black frame is a versatile choice for movie posters, photography, graphic artwork, and colorful prints. It creates definition without introducing another dominant color.
Natural wood finishes can bring warmth to botanical art, landscape photography, vintage prints, and artwork with earthy tones. White or light wood mouldings create a brighter appearance and often complement modern, coastal, or minimalist interiors.
The width of the moulding also changes the finished look. Thin profiles feel clean and contemporary, while wider profiles give the display more visual presence. Larger posters often benefit from a moulding substantial enough to balance the scale of the artwork.
You should also consider the surrounding room where it’ll be displayed. Your frame does not need to match every piece of furniture, but its wood finish should feel connected to the broader color palette and materials in the space.
Step 5: Choose Protective Framing Materials
The visible design is only one part of a poster frame. The materials behind and in front of the artwork also affect how well the piece is protected.
When shopping for poster frames, look for the following components:
- UV-protective glazing: Posters and prints can fade after prolonged exposure to light. UV-protective acrylic or glazing helps reduce damaging exposure while keeping the artwork visible.
- Acid-free matting: Low-quality paper products may yellow or discolor over time. Conservation-quality mats are designed to provide a safer border around artwork.
- Protective backing: A sturdy, acid-free backing helps support the poster and keep it flat within the frame.
- Durable moulding: The frame should be strong enough to support the complete display without bowing or separating at the corners.
- Secure mounting materials: Archival-quality mounting materials like the Level-Lock® Hanging System securely hold the frame in place while keeping it straight and secure on the wall.
Customframes.com poster frames are made to order with sustainable wood moulding options, conservation-quality mats, UV-protective acrylic, and premium mounting materials. Available designs include matted 11×17-inch and 18×24-inch frames as well as a standard 24×36-inch option for large poster displays.
Step 6: Position the Poster Safely Inside the Frame
Once you have selected your frame, prepare a clean, flat work area. Wash and dry your hands before handling the poster, particularly if the paper has a glossy or easily marked surface.
Place a soft cloth or clean sheet of paper beneath the frame to protect the outside of the wood moulding. Open the back carefully and remove the backing materials according to the included instructions.
Before securing the poster:
- Confirm that the artwork is facing the correct direction.
- Center it within the frame or mat opening.
- Check that the edges are straight.
- Remove any dust from the glass or acrylic glazing.
Avoid using standard household tape, glue, staples, or adhesive directly on the poster. These materials may stain the paper, leave residue, or make future removal difficult. Use the mounting materials provided with the frame or choose an archival method designed for paper artwork.
After positioning the poster, replace the backing and secure all fasteners. Turn the frame over and inspect the front before moving it to the wall.
Step 7: Inspect the Finished Display
Small alignment issues are much easier to correct before the frame is hung.
Check the following before hanging:
- Is the poster centered?
- Are the visible edges even?
- Is the artwork facing the correct direction?
- Is there any dust beneath the glazing?
- Are the mat borders straight?
- Is the backing completely secure?
- Is the hanging hardware firmly attached?
Once everything looks balanced and secure, your poster is ready to display.
What Size Poster Frame Do I Need?
One of the most common framing questions is, “What size poster frame do I need?” The answer depends on the size of your artwork and whether you plan to display it with a mat.
Match the Frame to the Poster Size
Frame sizes generally describe the dimensions of the artwork that the frame is designed to hold.
A frame labeled 11×17 inches should accommodate an 11×17-inch poster or print. It does not mean the exterior edges of the complete frame measure 11×17 inches. Once the moulding and matting are added, the full frame size will be larger.
This distinction is especially important when planning a wall layout. Measure both the artwork and the available wall space so that the finished frame fits comfortably.
Common Poster and Print Frame Sizes
Posters and prints are produced in many dimensions, but the following sizes are the most common:
Poster / Print Size | Common Uses | Suggested Presentation |
11″ x 17″ | Event posters, small art prints, promotional designs | Single or double mat |
18″ x 24″ | Art prints, photography, medium-sized posters | Single or double mat |
24″ x 36″ | Movie posters, concert posters, large statement art | Exact-fit or mat-free frame |
Customframes.com currently offers made-to-order poster frame options in each of these popular sizes.
What If Your Poster Is an Unusual Size?
Not every print fits neatly into a standard frame. Limited-edition artwork, international posters, screen prints, vintage pieces, and independently produced designs may have uncommon dimensions.
Custom framing is a practical option when:
- The poster does not match a standard size.
- The artwork has an unusual orientation.
- You want a specific mat width or color combination.
- You need a frame that fits a particular wall space size.
- You want the moulding to coordinate with other frames in the room.
A made-to-order frame allows the design to be built around the artwork instead of forcing the artwork into a frame that is too large, too small, or poorly proportioned. If you can’t find the perfect option in our online poster frames store, reach out to our friendly customer service team, and we’ll help you design a one-of-a-kind frame that meets your needs.
Should You Add a Mat to a Poster or Print?
Matting is optional, but it can significantly change the way a poster looks on the wall.
Benefits of Matting
A mat creates space between the artwork and the surrounding moulding. This helps define the boundaries of the image and guides attention toward the center of the display.
Matting can also:
- Give a small print more presence
- Create a formal or gallery-inspired appearance
- Add contrast between the artwork and the frame
- Introduce a subtle accent color
- Make several differently sized prints feel more cohesive
- Help keep delicate artwork separated from the acrylic glazing
White and ivory mats are versatile choices because they create a neutral border without distracting from the image. Dark mats can add drama to light-colored artwork, while colored accent mats can highlight a specific detail within the design.
How to Hang a Poster Frame
Once your artwork is framed, careful placement will help the finished display look balanced and stay securely attached to the wall.
Choose the Right Location
Start by looking at the wall space and the surrounding furniture.
Consider:
- The width and height of the available wall space
- The size of the complete frame
- The position of nearby furniture
- The primary viewing angle
- Natural and artificial lighting
- Doors, windows, vents, and other architectural features
Avoid placing valuable or delicate prints in prolonged direct sunlight. UV-protective acrylic glazing can help reduce exposure, but thoughtful placement provides another layer of protection.
A large poster can serve as a focal point above a sofa, bed, console, or desk. Smaller prints can stand alone in compact spaces or become part of a larger gallery wall.
Select Hardware for the Frame’s Weight
The correct hanging hardware depends on the weight and size of the frame, as well as the wall material.
Lightweight frames may typically be supported by picture hooks or properly rated nails. Larger frames may require wall anchors, screws, or hardware attached to a wall stud.
Check the weight rating before using any adhesive strips. Not every adhesive product is designed for large wood frames, and incorrect installation could damage the artwork, frame, or wall.
For a wider frame, two hanging points can provide greater stability and help prevent shifting.
Each customframes.com poster frame includes a Level-Lock® Hanging System, which is designed to simplify the hanging process and keep the finished frame straight and secure on the wall for years to come.
Measure and Mark the Placement
Before making a hole in the wall, determine where the center of the frame should sit.
Follow these basic steps:
- Measure the complete width and height of the frame.
- Identify the desired center point on the wall.
- Measure the distance from the top of the frame to its hanging hardware.
- Transfer that measurement to the wall.
- Mark the hanging point lightly with a pencil.
- Install the appropriate hook, anchor, or hanging system.
- Hang the frame and check it with a level.
For larger frames, ask another person to help hold the artwork while you assess the position. This makes it easier to see how the scale relates to the room before committing to the placement.
Check the Height and Alignment
As a general rule, position the center of the artwork near eye level. However, the ideal height may change when the frame is placed above furniture.
Leave enough room between the frame and furniture for the display to feel comfortable rather than crowded. The artwork should appear visually connected to the sofa, desk, or console beneath it without looking like it rests directly on top of the furniture.
After hanging the frame, step back and view it from several angles. Use a level to make final adjustments and try adding felt bumpers to the lower corners if needed to protect the wall and keep the frame stable.
For additional installation advice, read our guide on how to hang a frame like a pro.
Common Poster-Framing Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-designed frame can fall short if the poster is measured, mounted, or displayed incorrectly. Avoid these common mistakes when planning your project.
Ordering Before Measuring
Do not select a frame based only on a poster’s description or packaging. Measure the actual artwork first. Product dimensions are not always exact, particularly for vintage or independently printed pieces.
Confusing Artwork Size with Exterior Frame Size
A frame designed for an 18×24-inch print will be larger than 18×24 inches once the moulding and matting are included. Be sure to check the overall frame dimensions when planning your wall placement.
Using Permanent Adhesives
Household tape, glue, and other permanent adhesives may damage the paper or leave residue. Choose archival mounting materials that can support the print without permanently altering it.
Framing a Rolled or Wrinkled Poster
Placing a tightly curled poster directly into a frame may create waves, lifted corners, or uneven positioning. Take the time to allow the paper to flatten before mounting it.
Choosing a Frame That Competes With the Artwork
An ornate or heavily colored frame may overpower a detailed poster. When the artwork already contains strong colors, typography, or patterns, a restrained, classic moulding often creates a more balanced presentation.
Overlooking Protective Materials
A frame should do more than surround the artwork. UV-protective glazing, acid-free matting, archival mounting materials, and supportive backing can all contribute to a safer display.
Using Insufficient Hanging Hardware
Large frames need hardware rated for their complete weight. Do not assume that a standard nail or adhesive strip can safely support an oversized poster frame.
Hanging the Frame Too High
Artwork that is positioned far above eye level can feel disconnected from the rest of the room. Consider the frame, furniture, and wall as one complete composition.
Create an Impressive Display for Your Posters and Prints
The right frame can turn a favorite poster or print into an intentional part of your room. Begin by measuring the artwork carefully, then choose a frame size, moulding, mat, and display method that support its style.
A bold concert poster may look strongest in a simple black frame, while an art print may benefit from natural wood and a neutral mat. There is no single combination that works for every piece. The goal is to create a display that gives the artwork room to stand out while fitting comfortably within the surrounding space.
At customframes.com, our customizable poster frames are handcrafted in the USA using premium materials. Choose from popular poster sizes, wood moulding finishes, and single- or double-mat designs to create a clean, professional display. Each made-to-order frame includes protective acrylic glazing and an easy-to-use hanging system for a seamless framing experience. Whether you are displaying artwork, photography, a movie poster, or a print from a memorable event, thoughtful framing helps give your piece the attention it deserves.
By Brynn Van Beek
