Orders placed today will be processed on Thursday 2nd January 2025 - Frame express wish you a happy Christmas and a happy New Year!  

Basket is empty

Grand total: £0.00 Ex. VAT
Checkout

Information Centre

If you have a question about picture framing...

Picture Frames

Q
Do photos look better with a mount?
A

Many people feel that photo mounts give their pictures a sleeker, more professional look. Although this is generally true, there are instances where photo mounts can actually reduce the overall impact of your artwork. In most cases, off-white or lightly coloured mount boards will enhance the quality of a framed piece, with double mounting useful in complementing specific colours. Use your judgement to decide which works best.
Q
How big should a mount be for a picture?
A

Generally speaking, the size of a photo mount should be at least 1.5 times wider than its frame. This will ensure that the impact of the picture or photo is not lost. Techniques such as weighting, which involves creating mounts that are wider at the bottom, may also be used to help emphasise a picture’s main features.
Q
What colour goes with gold frames?
A

Gold picture frames can bring out the best in many colours, including greens, whites and blacks. This versatility makes them perfect for use with natural subject matter, landscape photography and monochrome prints. You should also consider a gold frame’s undertones when making your selection. Warmer tones can complement reds and oranges, whereas cooler tones are better suited to blues and greens.
Q
Do Picture Frames Express sell wooden frames?
A

Wooden photo frames are one of our best-selling products at Picture Frames Express. We offer wooden frames in several colours and finishes and even have a selection of beautiful natural wood picture frames in our vast range. Varieties of wood used in our products include ash, oak, walnut and mahogany.
Q
What are standard square frame sizes?
A

Square picture frames come in various sizes, starting at 5″ x 5″ and usually travelling up to 30″ x 30″. Picture Frames Express customers can customise square frames to their requirements and use these items to create eye-catching gallery walls or vinyl record displays.
Q
What is the difference between a box frame and a shadow box frame?
A

Shadow box frames and box frames, sometimes known as deep box frames, can be used to display keepsakes and mementoes. Although similar, there are some differences between the two. The biggest of these differences is how shadow box frames use raised window mats to cast a shadow over the items within. Box frames also tend to be deeper than shadow box frames, although this will differ between manufacturers.
Q
What are ornate frames?
A

Ornate picture frames are notable for their sophisticated design and detailed carved styling. Despite originating in the homes of the rich, they are now much more accessible and are frequently used in galleries and homes to highlight the importance of a particular piece of art. Traditional ornate frames combine wooden profiles with gold or silver embellishments. These designs are still popular today.
Q
Are swept frames a good alternative for ornate picture frames?
A

A swept frame is a popular type of ornate picture frame. This design is suitable for modern and traditional homes and is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to take your frame game to the next level. Made from wood and intricately carved plaster, swept frames are highly decorative and a suitable alternative to other types of ornate picture frames.
Q
What kind of paint can you use on picture frames?
A

Painting picture frames is an easy way of adding something new to your display. Acrylic, latex, spray and chalk paint can be used to achieve this goal, although it is best to find out which of these paint varieties is best for your wooden, metal or plastic frame before you start painting. Prior to painting, you may also need to prepare your frame by sanding it down or applying a coat of primer. Be sure to research each type of paint carefully to ensure the best results.
Q
Does acrylic paint work on picture frames?
A

Acrylic paint works on several types of picture frames. It is an ideal choice for wood because this does not need to be prepared prior to painting. Acrylic paint is also suitable for frames made from metal or plastic, providing they receive a coat of primer and are sanded down before paint application begins.
Q
What is the ideal frame to display paintings?
A

Although choosing a frame for your paintings has a lot to do with personal preference, there are some things to be aware of before making your decision. A frame’s colour, style and material can enhance or detract from how your painting looks when displayed, so it’s always best to plan your purchase carefully. You should also assess how potential colours and styles will work alongside your existing décor and factor this into your decision-making process.
Q
Which photo frame is best for my home?
A

The photo frames you select for your home can be influenced by many factors, from the colours used in your photographs to the area in which they are going to be displayed. Consider these things when deciding on your photo frames and choose what you think will look best. If you’re struggling, find the answer you’re looking for in our information centre.
Q
Is it cheaper to frame your own pictures?
A

In a word, yes. If you do your research, it is generally much cheaper to frame your pictures without the help of a framing specialist. That said, seeking professional advice could actually save you time and money in the long run. Online framing experts like ourselves can give you the best of both worlds. As we’re a remote service, there’s no need to book in with us for a face-to-face consultation, and we have plenty of guides to help you to choose the most suitable photo frames for your requirements. Simply take your measurements, select your style, and we’ll do the rest.
Q
How do I frame multiple pictures?
A

When framing multiple pictures, you have two options: a gallery wall or a multi-aperture frame. Gallery walls allow you to display several photo frames alongside each other in a designated space, whereas multi-photo frames will unite several pieces of art within the same design. There are no rules regarding framing more than one photo. You just need to pick the display method that works best for you.
Q
Do Picture Frames Express offer cheap frames?
A

Picture Frames Express offers frames suited to any budget. What you can expect to pay will be influenced by the size and material of your chosen design. Explore our product range today to find cheap picture frames in various styles and finishes. You can also keep costs down by designing your photo frame from scratch.
Q
What cheap frames do we have to choose from?
A

Within our product range, we have many affordable options. Cheap picture frames are available in several styles and materials, including wood, metal and coloured designs. You can take greater control over your budget by using our custom frame designer to create your product from scratch. The choice is yours.
Q
How do you use black picture frames best?
A

Finding the perfect frame for your artwork can really take it to the next level. Black picture frames are ideal as they complement most colour schemes and have a contemporary look. You can use black frames to highlight the beauty of black and white photos or emphasise the darker features of any other piece of art.
Q
Should a dark picture have a dark frame?
A

Black picture frames draw out an artwork’s darker features and provide a welcome contrast to lighter tones. That’s why they are best suited to pictures with light and dark elements, such as black and white photos. Pairing a black frame with a mount can make these pictures stand out even more.
Q
Do Picture Frames Express offer black picture frames?
A

Picture Frames Express offers black picture frames in several styles and finishes. Our stunning range comprises pre-made and customisable products, so you are guaranteed to find the perfect companion for your picture. Explore our black picture frames today and put together the design of your dreams.
Q
Do white frames look good?
A

White picture frames are well-suited to most settings and can lend a casual, contemporary feel to your photos. Like black picture frames, they can highlight dark colours whilst contrasting lighter tones. This trait makes white frames perfect for framing candid moments, monochrome photographs and so much more.
Q
Do white frames become dirty?
A

It’s not uncommon for white picture frames to accumulate dust and dirt over time, but cleaning them is easier than you might think. In most cases, a damp cloth and gentle cleaning materials are all you need to remove grime and finger marks from wooden and metal frames. Ornate designs are a little trickier and may require a toothbrush to complete the job. You should test cleaning products first to ensure that you don’t cause any damage to your frame.
Q
How do I choose the right style of photo frame?
A

When choosing a photo frame, you should consider the colours featured in your picture and your home’s existing décor. Black picture frames and white picture frames are popular choices here because of how easily they can match up with a variety of colours. If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, wooden frames are perfect for complementing the light and dark tones that appear throughout your picture and your living space. Ornate and rustic frames are pieces of artwork in themselves, so choose these if you really want to make an impact.
Q
Do colourful prints work with a black frame?
A

The beauty of black photo frames is how they can enhance the quality of almost any image. Yet using them to frame colourful prints may not work out as expected. As black frames tend to emphasise darker colours, brighter tones can end up being overwhelmed and may therefore be more suited to something lighter. The only way to know what a framed picture looks like for sure is to experiment with various styles until you find what works best for you.
Q
Do black and white photos work with a black frame?
A

Yes, black photo frames are perfect for black and white photos. This is because they can highlight a picture’s darker tones whilst contrasting against its lighter elements. Black frames are also well-suited to almost any décor or interior colour scheme, so whatever you choose is sure to grab the attention of all your guests.
Q
Do white frames look good?
A

The versatility of white photo frames makes them a popular choice for those looking to display their pictures. Although simple in design, they can lend a casual, contemporary feel to all of your photos, as well as provide the perfect setting for a monochrome print. Explore our range of white frames today.
Q
Do white frames become dirty?
A

Although white frames can collect dust and dirt, they are easily cleaned with the help of a damp cloth and non-abrasive cleaning products. Avoid unwanted damaged by testing your cleaning materials on a small section of your frame first. A toothbrush is recommended to help clean more ornate designs.
Q
What is an ideal size for a picture frame?
A

Although 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 rank highly among picture frame sizes, there’s no definitive answer regarding a picture frame’s ideal size. At Picture Frames Express, we have options in all the most popular metric and imperial sizes, from 3 x 4 to 36 x 48. You can even choose your own dimensions using our online frame designer.
Q
What is the biggest/smallest frame size I can get?
A

At Picture Frames Express, we cover the full spectrum of photo frame sizes. The largest size we offer is 36 x 48 and the smallest is 3 x 4. It may also be possible to create a frame bigger than 36 x 48 with the help of our custom frame designer. Design your dream frame today.
Q
What are the benefits of a multi-photo frame?
A

Collage photo frames are perfect for displaying multiple photos at the same time. They often feature apertures in several shapes and sizes to give you full control over your display. Many people use collage frames to showcase treasured memories and bring together pictures linked by theme or occasion. Create your own collage frame with Picture Frames Express today.
Q
What is the purpose of a box frame?
A

Box frames enable you to frame 3D objects, including football shirts, baby shoes, holiday mementoes and more. Many people use them to preserve precious memories and they are also a popular gift for loved ones. Our box frames come in depths of up to 60mm, so you’ll have more than enough space to put your perfect 3D design together.
Q
What colour frames to use for pictures?
A

Choosing the right photo frame colour is an important task, regardless of whether you want to emphasise your artwork’s features or complement your room’s existing decor. Select a frame that shares something in common with your picture or living space and the resulting display will be guaranteed to draw the eye of every visitor. If you’re feeling brave, there’s also nothing wrong with choosing a photo frame that completely contrasts your artwork. Wildly different colours can create a dramatic effect to really get your guests talking.

Back to List