Ever bought a picture frame online, only to find that your cherished photograph doesn't quite fit? It's a frustrating situation familiar to many! Accurate measurements are the key to perfectly displaying your artwork, photos, or even documents. Whether you're ordering a custom frame, trying to match a replacement, or simply ensuring your picture fits an existing frame, understanding how to measure correctly saves you time, money, and a whole lot of disappointment.
Properly measuring a picture frame isn't as simple as grabbing a ruler and eyeballing it. There are nuances to consider, such as understanding the difference between the frame's overall dimensions and the size of the artwork it can actually hold. Incorrect measurements can lead to gaps, cropping issues, or even the inability to use the frame altogether. Learning the proper techniques will empower you to confidently select the right frame every time, ensuring your treasured items are presented beautifully and securely.
What size picture frame do I *really* need?
How do I measure for the glass/artwork size needed?
To determine the correct size for your glass or artwork within a picture frame, measure the inside dimensions of the frame from the back. Specifically, measure the width and height of the rabbet, which is the recessed area where the glass, artwork, and backing board will sit.
Measuring the rabbet ensures a snug and accurate fit. Don't measure the outside dimensions of the frame; those are irrelevant for determining the size of the artwork or glass. Also, avoid measuring your existing artwork unless you know it perfectly fits the frame already. It's best practice to measure the frame itself to ensure the new components fit properly. When taking your measurements, use a ruler or measuring tape that's accurate to at least 1/16 of an inch. It is better to slightly undersize the glass and artwork (by perhaps 1/32 of an inch) than to have them be too large and not fit within the frame. Consider writing down your measurements immediately to avoid errors. Finally, it’s always a good idea to double-check your measurements before ordering any materials.What's the difference between rabbet depth and frame width?
Rabbet depth refers to the vertical measurement of the recessed groove on the inside back edge of a picture frame, which determines how much of the artwork (including glazing and backing) the frame can hold. Frame width, on the other hand, describes the horizontal measurement of the frame's face, essentially how wide the visible portion of the frame is from the front.
The rabbet is critical for securely holding the artwork within the frame. A rabbet that is too shallow won't be able to accommodate all the layers (artwork, mat board, glazing, backing board), causing the artwork to protrude or the frame to fail. A rabbet that is too deep isn't necessarily a problem, as long as the artwork is secured, but represents wasted space. It's essential to accurately measure the total thickness of everything that will be inserted into the frame and choose a frame with a rabbet depth that equals or exceeds this measurement. The frame width is primarily an aesthetic consideration. A wider frame generally creates a more substantial and visually impactful presentation, while a narrower frame offers a more subtle and minimalist look. The appropriate frame width often depends on the size and style of the artwork, as well as the overall decor of the room where it will be displayed. Ultimately, choosing the right frame width is about creating a visually pleasing balance between the artwork and its surrounding frame.How do I accurately measure an irregularly shaped picture frame?
Measuring an irregularly shaped picture frame accurately involves breaking down the shape into smaller, more manageable segments. Trace the inner and outer perimeters, then use a flexible measuring tape or ruler to measure each section, paying close attention to curves and angles. Finally, add up the individual measurements to get the total dimensions for both the inner and outer edges.
To get a more precise measurement of curved sections, use a flexible measuring tape designed for tailoring or crafting. Gently bend the tape to follow the curve as closely as possible, ensuring it doesn't pull or stretch. For particularly complex shapes, consider using a contour gauge to transfer the shape onto paper. You can then measure the traced shape on the paper with greater ease. If you need to cut a piece of glass or artwork to fit the frame, always measure the *inside* perimeter of the frame. Consider subtracting a very small amount (e.g., 1/16" or 1/8") from the inner dimensions to allow for slight imperfections in the frame or the cutting process. This will ensure that the glass or artwork fits comfortably without being too tight. Alternatively, you can use a piece of string or wire to trace the inner and outer perimeters. Mark the beginning and ending points of the string and then measure the length of the string with a ruler or measuring tape to obtain the dimensions. This method can be especially useful for frames with intricate or very irregular shapes.Should I measure the inside or outside of the frame?
You should measure the inside of the frame to determine the size of the picture, artwork, or mirror it will hold. This is because the inside dimensions dictate the visible area and ensure your artwork fits properly.
The outside dimensions of a frame are only relevant when considering where the frame will hang and ensuring it physically fits on a wall or in a specific space. They don't tell you anything about the size of the artwork it can accommodate. When buying a frame, the stated size almost always refers to the inside dimensions. For example, a "12x16" frame is designed to hold an image that is 12 inches by 16 inches. Therefore, to avoid frustration and ensure a perfect fit, always prioritize measuring the inside dimensions of the frame. Doing so will save you time and money by preventing the purchase of incorrectly sized frames. If you are commissioning a custom frame, clearly specify the dimensions of your artwork so the framer can create a frame that fits perfectly.What's the best way to measure a frame with ornate edges?
The best way to measure a frame with ornate edges is to measure from the inside edge of the rabbet (the recessed area on the back of the frame where the artwork sits). This provides the accurate dimensions for your artwork or picture.
When ornate details are involved, the outside dimensions of the frame become less relevant for determining what size artwork will fit. The rabbet is the crucial measurement. To find it, lay the frame face down. Place your measuring tape or ruler along the inside back edge, spanning from one side of the rabbet to the other. Ensure you are measuring the widest and tallest area the art will occupy, and not obstructed by frame adornments.
It is helpful to measure the rabbet in several places, especially on older frames, to account for slight variations. Take the smallest measurement you find to ensure your artwork fits comfortably. If you are having glass or backing cut, provide the framer with these rabbet dimensions, clearly indicating they are the *inside* measurements of the frame.
How do I account for the mat when measuring a frame?
When measuring a frame to accommodate a mat, you need to determine the visible image size within the mat (the "window") and then add the mat's width to each side to find the required frame's rabbet size (the inside dimension of the frame where the artwork sits). Essentially, the frame's rabbet must be large enough to hold the mat and the artwork behind it.
When calculating for a mat, consider first what portion of your artwork you want visible. If you have a standard-sized print and want a standard mat width (e.g., 2 inches), simply add double the mat width to each dimension of the visible image. For example, if your artwork is 8x10 inches and you want a 2-inch mat, you'll add 4 inches to each dimension (2 inches on each side), resulting in a frame size of 12x14 inches. This 12x14 measurement is the rabbet size you need. Remember that the mat *overlaps* the artwork slightly. This overlap is typically around 1/4 inch on each side. This means if your artwork is exactly 8x10 inches, the visible opening of the mat would be slightly smaller (e.g., 7.5 x 9.5 inches). The overlap ensures the artwork doesn't fall through the mat opening and is securely held. When ordering a custom mat, you’ll specify the exact artwork size so the framer can account for this overlap. The same overlap applies to a piece of glass. Therefore, for existing frames you’d need to measure the opening, and when having things made for you, you need to tell the maker the visible size you would like.How do I measure frame depth for fitting thicker items?
To measure frame depth, also known as rabbet depth, use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the distance from the inside front edge of the frame (where the glass sits) to the back of the frame where the backing board will rest. This measurement indicates the maximum thickness of artwork, matting, and glazing the frame can accommodate.
Accurately measuring rabbet depth is crucial when framing items thicker than a standard photograph or print. Insufficient depth can prevent the backing board from sitting flush, making it impossible to secure the artwork within the frame. Conversely, excessive depth might allow the artwork to shift and move around.
When measuring, ensure you are checking the *usable* depth. Some frames may have decorative elements or lips inside the rabbet that reduce the actual space available for your artwork package. Also, consider the combined thickness of all elements you'll be including: the artwork itself, any matting layers, glazing (glass or acrylic), and the backing board. Add these thicknesses together to ensure they don't exceed the frame's rabbet depth. If your combined thickness is very close to the rabbet depth, it is wise to add 1/8" to 1/4" of space for easy insertion and to prevent bowing.
And that's all there is to it! Measuring for a picture frame doesn't have to be a headache. Hopefully, this guide has made the process a little clearer and less intimidating. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll stop by again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!