How to Choose a Poster Frame

The first question before hanging a poster is usually "Which frame?" The right frame brings out the poster's colours, ties in with the style of the room and protects the artwork. The wrong one can make even the most beautiful design look flat. In this guide we cover everything you need to know about choosing a poster frame: the differences between wood, black and white frames, canvas prints and unframed posters, and which one suits which interior.

Why the frame matters

A frame is like an outfit for your artwork. The same poster looks warm and natural in a wood frame, modern and graphic in a black one, and light and airy in a white one. A frame also protects the poster from dust, moisture and knocks, and makes it easy to hang properly.

Know your options

Wood frame: warm and natural

Natural wood is the most versatile frame. It works with wooden furniture, plants and natural fabrics such as linen and cotton.

Best with: Scandinavian, boho, Japandi, rustic and natural interiors.
Best for: botanical drawings, watercolour illustrations, Japanese art, warm-toned designs and family photos.
If in doubt: a wood frame is a safe choice that suits almost any space.

Browse our wood framed posters.

Black frame: modern and graphic

A black frame draws a crisp line around the poster and gives the design strong contrast. It is the classic choice for galleries and museums.

Best with: modern, minimalist and industrial interiors, and spaces with black metal accents.
Best for: typography posters, black and white photos, high-contrast graphics and bold pop art designs.
Tip: on a light wall, a black frame pulls the eye straight to the artwork.

Browse our black framed posters.

White frame: light and elegant

On a white or light wall, a white frame almost disappears and leaves all the attention to the poster itself. In small or darker rooms it adds a sense of space.

Best with: coastal and Mediterranean-inspired interiors, pastel rooms, kids' rooms and modern-classic spaces.
Best for: light-toned illustrations, sea and summer designs, pastel and minimal drawings.
Tip: on a dark wall, a white frame makes the artwork stand out like a window.

Browse our white framed posters.

Canvas: frameless and artistic

With a canvas print, the image is printed on textured canvas fabric and stretched over a wooden frame. With no visible frame, the image seems to float on the wall, and the textured surface gives it the feel of a painting.

Best with: modern living rooms and contemporary, art-led interiors.
Best for: abstract work, brushstroke designs, landscapes and large-scale images.
Tip: canvas is especially striking in large sizes, which makes it ideal above a sofa or bed.

Browse our canvas prints.

Unframed poster: flexible and affordable

If you already have frames you love, or you like to change your decor often, an unframed poster is the most flexible option. Put it in your own frame, or hang it with a wooden poster hanger or tape.

Browse our unframed posters.

The technical differences at a glance

Framed poster (wood, black, white): 100% wood frame profile, 18 mm deep with a coated finish; 3 mm MDF backing; a 250 micron anti-glare PVC front instead of glass; giclée print on 200 gsm paper; custom-cut hanging fixture.
Canvas: 30 mm deep stretcher frame; 220 gsm canvas fabric; fade-resistant print for indoor and outdoor use; ready to hang with a fixture.
Unframed poster: thick, glossy 300 gsm paper; 11-colour inkjet print; shipped protected in a poster tube.

Unlike glass, the anti-glare PVC front on our framed posters does not shatter and reduces reflections in sunny rooms. That makes framed posters a safe choice for kids' rooms and busy hallways too.

5 practical rules for picking the right frame

Look at the poster's colours. Repeating one of the poster's dominant tones in the frame creates harmony. A warm, earthy illustration blends with wood; black typography blends with a black frame.
Look at the room's materials. In a room full of wooden furniture, a wood frame feels like a natural extension; in a room with black metal tables and lamps, a black frame does.
Think about contrast with the wall. On a white wall a black frame stands out and a white frame recedes. On a dark wall, the opposite is true.
Set a rule for gallery walls. If you are hanging several pieces together, either use the same frame colour throughout or mix deliberately (for example, a balanced spread of wood and black). Random mixes look messy.
Consider the light. On a wall that gets a lot of sun, choose a framed poster with an anti-glare front or a non-reflective canvas.

Frame suggestions by room

Living room: a large canvas above the sofa, or a gallery wall of same-colour frames.
Bedroom: a pair of calm, wood framed posters above the bed.
Kitchen and dining room: wood or white frames for kitchen-themed designs.
Study: black frames for motivational and typography posters.
Kids' room: light white or wood frames with a shatterproof front.
Hallway: small and medium black or wood frames hung at eye level in narrow spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which frame colour is best for a poster?

There is no single right answer; it depends on the poster's colours and the room's style. If in doubt, a natural wood frame suits almost any interior. Choose black for a modern, graphic look and white for a light, airy feel.

Canvas or framed poster?

Choose canvas if you want a textured, painterly surface and a frameless modern look. Choose a framed poster if you want crisp colours, a smooth surface and a classic gallery look.

Do your frames use glass?

No. Our framed posters use a 250 micron anti-glare PVC front instead of glass. It will not shatter, which makes it safer, and it reduces reflections.

Do the frames arrive ready to hang?

Yes. Framed posters come with a custom-cut hanging fixture and canvas prints with a hanging fixture attached, so all you need is a nail or screw.

Once you have picked your frame, the next step is the right size. Our poster size guide explains how to find the best size for your wall. You can find all our designs on the framed prints page.