The Basics
Picture Frames Explained: Types, Parts, and What to Look For
A good picture frame does more than hold a photo — it protects your artwork and elevates how it looks on the wall. Before you buy, here's what actually makes up a quality frame.
The parts of a frame
- Moulding: the outer border, the part you see and style around.
- Glazing: the glass or acrylic that shields the artwork from dust and UV.
- Mat (mount board): the bordered card that frames the image inside.
- Backing board: supports the artwork and keeps everything flat.
Common frame types
- Photo frames: small tabletop or wall frames for everyday pictures.
- Poster frames: slim, large-format frames for prints and posters.
- Gallery frames: deeper mouldings with wide mats for a museum look.
- Floating frames: art appears suspended between two panes of glass.
- Canvas frames: open-back frames built for stretched canvas art.
What to look for in quality
Check for sturdy corners, clear glazing, an acid-free mat (so prints don't yellow), and secure hanging hardware. These details separate a frame that lasts from one that warps in a year.
Bottom line: Understanding the moulding, glazing, mat, and backing helps you pick a frame that both protects your art and looks the part on your wall.