Picture frames: how we choose, hang and style them

Why picture frames matter

Frames do more than hold paper or a photograph - they protect, focus attention and help a piece sit comfortably in a room. We treat frames as part of the design, not an afterthought: the right frame preserves the image and makes it read clearly with your furniture and lighting. Over years of helping customers choose wall art and decor, we’ve found simple rules that reduce guesswork and save money without losing personality.

Start with the content, not the frame

Ask what story the piece tells. A family photo, a children's drawing and a vintage print all need different treatments. For photos and delicate prints, acid-free mounts and a sealed frame are non-negotiable; for bold, contemporary posters, a slim profile or clip frame keeps the look modern. We recommend deciding the preservation needs first, then the style.

Materials and finishes: practical choices

• Wood frames: warm and forgiving. Choose oak, walnut or painted pine for traditional rooms; lighter timbers suit airy, coastal looks.
• Metal frames: sleek and slim - great for galleries and compact spaces.
• Floating frames and box frames: add depth for canvases or objects.
• Glass vs acrylic: glass is clearer and scratch-resistant; acrylic is lighter and safer for large pieces or homes with children.

Sizing and matting - the difference that looks intentional

A lopsided margin can make an expensive print feel amateur. When we mount work, we follow two comforting rules: leave more breathing room around smaller images, and use mats to standardise sizes for gallery-style groupings. A 50 mm mat gives a measured, gallery look for small photos; thinner mats (10-20 mm) work when you want the frame to read as subtle. For canvases, a floating frame with a 10-20 mm reveal often looks best.

Practical price expectations

Framing costs vary by size, material and whether you choose conservation-grade supplies. As a rough South African guide: ready-made small frames start around R150-R350; mid-range custom framing for a standard print (including mat and glass) commonly runs R800-R2 000; large conservation framing can be R3 000 and up. These are estimates - whether to invest depends on the piece’s value to you, not its price tag.

Where to look for inspiration and practical how-tos

If you want ideas for layouts and practical how-to steps, our Decor articles collection covers styling, and our Wall Art shows common frame-and-art pairings to try in your own home. We use those examples to help customers visualise scale and finish before ordering.

How to measure, hang and lay out like a pro

Poor hanging is the most common regret. We use a few consistent steps so pieces look intentional, whether it’s a single statement or a grid of memories.

Measure with purpose

• Measure the artwork, then add the visible frame width - that total is what you need for spacing.
• For sight-lines, place the centre of the framed work at about 150-155 cm from the floor in living areas; lower in seating nooks and higher over a mantel depending on furniture height.

Groupings that read well

When we compose a gallery wall, we aim for rhythm: repeat a material or finish, vary sizes modestly, and leave consistent gaps (usually 50-75 mm) between frames. Lay pieces on the floor or photograph a mock-up on your phone first - it saves time and holes in the wall. If the room has a dominant colour or texture, use frames to echo it rather than compete with it.

Hanging hardware and safety

Use wall anchors appropriate to your wall type (plaster, brick or drywall). For heavier frames we recommend two points of suspension and steel D-rings rather than single-wire hanging. In homes with children or pets, choose shatter-resistant acrylic and secure large pieces with anti-tip fittings.

Where frames work beyond walls

Frames placed on shelves, mantelpieces or against a backsplash create layered displays that change with the seasons. For casual displays, lean frames slightly and balance pairs with a sculptural object or plant. For a more curated look, keep a repeating frame material at eye level across the room to lead the eye naturally.

If you’d like step-by-step styling examples, our Home Furnishings pages show common combinations we pair with frames, from cushions and rugs to side tables, helping you imagine a finished room.

Choosing frames for common South African moments

South African homes bring a mix of weather, lifestyles and living layouts - we take practical cues from that. In coastal homes, humidity-friendly materials and corrosion-resistant hardware matter. In inner-city apartments, lightweight acrylic and slim metal frames keep transport and hanging easy. For family homes with children, we prioritise tough glazing and simple, wipeable frames.

Frame styles matched to rooms

• Living room: medium-to-large frames with a clear focal point; consider a statement cluster above the couch.
• Hallways and staircases: a linear arrangement of similarly sized frames helps movement feel intentional.
• Bedrooms: personal photos in warmer timber frames with wider mats for a restful look.
• Kitchen and dining: casual prints or recipe cards in easy-clean frames; avoid heavy conservation glazing where humidity is high.

Maintenance and long-term care

Dust frames regularly and avoid direct sunlight on sensitive prints. For treasured photographs, use UV-filtering glass and change the position seasonally if a window hits the wall in summer. If a frame loosens, check the hanging points and replace wire with D-rings - it's a small fix that prevents big accidents.

Custom vs ready-made: when to choose each

Ready-made frames are fast and economical for standard print sizes and seasonal displays. Choose custom framing when a piece has sentimental or monetary value, when you need conservation-grade materials, or when the artwork has an unusual size or depth. We favour custom framing for heirloom textiles, original watercolours and any item you intend to keep long-term.

A short checklist before you frame

• What's the piece made of and does it need acid-free mounting?
• Where will it hang and what lighting will it receive?
• Do you want the frame to blend in or stand out?
• Is the cost justified by the piece's value - sentimental or financial?

Bringing it together with Bash

We recommend starting small: frame a single shelf display or create a trio above a side table, then expand. Browse curated combinations in our Decor articles or explore ready-made and framed wall art in Wall Art. If you need framing supplies or an idea for a room, these pages are practical next steps that make the process feel manageable.

Sources

• Getty Conservation Institute - guidelines on materials and preservation
• Smithsonian Institution - care and handling of framed works
• National Gallery (UK) - framing and display considerations

We've written this guide from hands-on experience helping South African homes make confident choices. If you'd like practical examples tailored to a room size or a treasured piece, our decor guides above are a good next step - or try assembling a mock-up on the floor and see how the frames change the mood before you commit.