So, you’ve found the perfect piece of art print that speaks to you—ahem, maybe it’s one of our Formula 1 track posters, a kitchen print, or something from our New Zealand art collection? It doesn't matter what it is, you know it’ll look amazing on your wall. But now comes the big question: What frame size should you go for?

It might seem like a small decision, but trust me, the right frame can take your art from “meh” to “mwah.” But don’t worry, I'm not about to hit you with any pretentious art gallery jargon or overcomplicate things. This is framing made easy! Let’s break it down with some simple, stress-free tips so you can pick the perfect frame and make your walls pop.

 

Start with the Artwork Size

First thing’s first—what size is your art print? This is obviously a big factor in picking a frame (shocking, I know). Here’s a quick guide:

Small Prints (up to A4/8x10 inches): These beauties need a little extra love to make a statement. The secret? Pair them with a large mat and a bigger frame. Not only does this give your small print more breathing room, but it also makes it stand out more on your wall. Think of it like giving your art a little stage to shine on. It’s simple: the smaller the print, the bigger the mat.

Pro Tip: A thick border of 2-4 inches around your print is a solid choice for small pieces. Our cocktail posters can work well for this. 

Medium Prints (A3/11x14 inches): These are your middle-of-the-road prints that can be the star of the show or team up with others for a gallery wall. You’ve got some flexibility here. Go for a frame that’s slightly larger than the print, or if you want a cleaner, modern look, skip the mat and go with a slim, minimal frame. Our kitchen art and travel posters are perfect for medium-sized frames.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, a thin black or white frame can keep things sleek and let the art do the talking.

Large Prints (A2/16x20 inches and above): These are the pieces that make a statement just by showing up. They don’t need a mat to stand out, but a subtle one-inch border can add some extra polish if you want to keep things classy. Our Formula 1 posters and golf course prints fit this category, and a bold frame will give them the spotlight they deserve.

Pro Tip: Go for a wider frame or something with texture—think wood grain or metallic finishes. Large art deserves a frame that’s just as bold.

 

Mat or No Mat? That Is the Question.

We touched on this already, but let’s dive a little deeper. Adding a mat (that white or coloured border between the art and the frame) can make a world of difference. For smaller pieces, it adds presence. For larger ones, it can make the whole thing feel more refined.

But how do you know when to mat or not to mat? Here’s an easy rule of thumb:

Mat for impact: If your artwork is on the smaller side or it has lots of negative space (like a minimalist design), a mat can help centre the piece and draw the eye in. For example, our St Andrews golf print with a thick mat will instantly draw attention to the details.

No mat for simplicity: If you’re going for a more modern, streamlined vibe, or if the print is already large enough to speak for itself, skip the mat and let the artwork fill the frame.

Think About the Room

Where is your art going? Is it in a cosy bedroom, a bright and airy living room, or maybe an office? The frame should complement the vibe of the room. For instance:

Light and bright spaces: Natural wood frames or white frames can keep things feeling fresh and modern. Our fluid art landscape prints look amazing in a light frame for that airy, relaxed look.

Moody, dark interiors: Black or deep-toned frames create contrast and drama (in a good way). Pair these with our bold New Zealand landscape prints to add a touch of elegance and depth.

And don’t forget about scale. If your print is going in a small room, you might want to avoid an overly chunky frame that could overwhelm the space. Similarly, in a large room with high ceilings, you can afford to go bigger and bolder with your frame choice.

Gallery Wall Goals

If you’re creating a gallery wall (which, by the way, is a choice way to display multiple pieces of art), you don’t have to stick to one frame size or style. In fact, mixing it up can add some serious style to your space. The trick is to keep the spacing consistent, so even if the frames are different, the layout looks cohesive. 

Pro Tip: Start by laying your pieces out on the floor before committing to hammering nails into your wall. Trust me, your walls will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right frame size doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to let the art lead the way—small prints need a little help with larger mats, medium prints have all the flexibility, and large pieces can go big and bold on their own. At the end of the day, it’s your space and your story. So, whether you’re keeping it sleek and modern or adding a bit of drama, have fun with it!

Ready to frame your next piece? Check out our collection of art prints at  and let’s turn those blank walls into something unforgettable. 🖼✨