Framing Made Easy: Simple Tips to Choose Sizes, Mats & Frames

Framing Made Easy: Simple Tips to Choose Sizes, Mats & Frames

If framing ever felt confusing, you’re not alone. I get questions all the time about sizes, mats, and “glass vs. acrylic”—especially when you’re gifting art or styling a specific room. So I pulled my best tips into one simple place.

I created a permanent guide called Framing Made Easy with quick picks, size-and-mat cheat-sheets for both rectangular and square prints, glazing tips, and FAQs. It’s easy to skim and perfect to keep open while you shop frames.

→ Start here: Framing Made Easy

Why this helps

Framing is where art meets your space. The right size (and a simple mat) can turn a whimsical scene into a true conversation piece—above the sofa, in a cozy corner, or wrapped up as a meaningful gift.

When you have a few go-to combinations in mind, the whole process becomes much easier.

Quick size picks I recommend most

Here are some of the combinations I suggest again and again, based on the print sizes I offer:

  • Gifts:
    11" × 9" print in an 11" × 14" frame with an 11" × 9" mat opening.
    (Use a ready-made 11" × 14" frame and ask for a simple custom mat—easy and elegant.)
  • Above a sofa (about 36–48" of wall space):
    A 20" × 16" or 24" × 18" framed print has enough presence to feel intentional without overwhelming the room.
  • Feature wall statement:
    A 24" × 18" rectangular print or a 24" × 24" square print framed as a single focal point creates a bold, joyful moment.
  • Gallery wall:
    Mix 11" × 9", 16" × 12", and a few square prints (10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 24", or 28") with matching mats and frame colors for a cohesive look.

Tip: When you’re torn between two sizes, going just a bit bigger usually feels more immersive and “artful” on the wall.

A quick look at sizes & mats

In the Framing Made Easy guide, I include full tables with suggested frame sizes for each of my prints. Here’s a little preview:

  • Rectangular prints:
    • 11" × 9" → 11" × 14" frame with a custom 11" × 9" mat opening
    • 16" × 12" → 16" × 20" frame with a 16" × 12" mat opening
    • 20" × 16" → 20" × 24" frame with a 20" × 16" mat opening
    • 24" × 18" → 24" × 36" frame with a 24" × 18" mat opening
  • Square prints:
    • 10" × 10" → 12" × 12" frame with a 10" × 10" mat
    • 12" × 12" → 16" × 16" frame with a 12" × 12" mat
    • 14" × 14" → 18" × 18" frame with a 14" × 14" mat
    • 16" × 16" → 20" × 20" frame with a 16" × 16" mat
    • 18" × 18" → 24" × 24" frame with an 18" × 18" mat
    • 20" × 20", 24" × 24", and 28" × 28" can be framed with or without mats, depending on how bold you want the piece to feel.

Mats, glass, and acrylic (in simple language)

Mats

  • Give the artwork breathing room
  • Add a museum-style, finished look
  • Bright white or soft white mats are timeless choices
  • For warmer scenes, an antique white mat adds a gentle glow

Glass vs. Acrylic

  • Glass
    • Crisp and classic
    • Great for small–medium frames
    • Consider UV or non-glare options in bright rooms
  • Acrylic
    • Lighter and shatter-resistant
    • Ideal for larger frames and kids’ rooms
    • UV/non-glare acrylic helps protect color and minimize reflections

I go into more detail on the page, but this is the gist: small/medium pieces can happily live behind glass; larger and high-traffic areas do really well with acrylic.

A few real-life examples from my work

Here are some ways I love seeing my own pieces framed:

  • “Icy Love” (penguin family)
    An 11" × 9" or 16" × 12" print in a white frame with a soft-white mat for a bright, wintery feel.
  • “Forest Feast”
    A 16" × 12" print in a natural wood 16" × 20" frame with a white mat for a cozy, woodland mood.
  • “The Dawning”
    A 20" × 16" rectangle or a large square in a black gallery frame, with or without a mat, for a more cinematic, contemporary read.

You can use these as starting points and adjust the sizes to match your wall.

Hanging tips that make everything look intentional

Three quick guidelines I rely on:

  • Hang so the center of the art is around 57"–60" from the floor (average eye level).
  • Above furniture, keep about 6–8" between the top of the sofa/console and the bottom of the frame.
  • Use two hooks for wider frames so they stay level and don’t drift crooked over time.

Ready to frame yours?

Here are your next, easy steps:

If you’d like help choosing a size or frame for a specific spot, you’re always welcome to message me with a quick photo of your wall and the width of the space. I’m happy to make a suggestion.

Mini FAQ

Do I need a mat?
Not required, but a mat gives breathing room and elevates the piece. For detailed brushwork and whimsical scenes, a mat usually enhances the art.

Glass or acrylic?
Glass is crisp and classic; acrylic is lighter and safer. For 16" × 20" and larger—or for kids’ rooms and busy spaces—acrylic is often my go-to. UV/non-glare versions are excellent upgrades.

Are your print sizes standard?
Yes. All of my prints (rectangular and square) use standard sizes, so you can usually find ready-made frames at hobby and art stores.

What if my frame isn’t an exact match?
A pre-cut or custom-cut mat will bridge the gap so your print fits perfectly. It’s a simple, budget-friendly solution.

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