Have you ever excitedly purchased a beautiful new picture frame, only to find that your cherished photograph doesn't quite fit? It's a frustrating experience, and one that can easily be avoided with a little preparation and the right measuring techniques. Properly measuring for a picture frame ensures that your artwork or photograph will be displayed perfectly, protected from damage, and will look its absolute best on your wall. It’s the crucial first step in creating a stunning display for your treasured memories or artistic creations.
Accuracy in measuring is key to a successful framing project. Too small, and your image will be cropped or won't fit at all. Too large, and it will slide around, looking unprofessional and potentially getting damaged. Understanding the nuances of measuring your artwork and the inside dimensions of a frame will save you time, money, and the headache of returns and re-framing. Getting it right the first time guarantees a polished and professional presentation of your prized possessions.
What size frame do I actually need?
How do I measure my artwork to fit properly in a frame?
To accurately measure your artwork for a frame, measure the height and width of the image itself, excluding any borders or excess paper you don't want visible within the frame. These measurements will determine the "size" of the frame you need, representing the inside dimensions where the artwork will sit.
When selecting a frame, it's crucial to understand that frame sizes refer to the *inside* dimensions, which is the area available to display your artwork. Don't measure the outside dimensions of your art. Instead, carefully measure the exact portion of the artwork you want visible. A common mistake is to measure the entire paper or canvas, which often includes a border or area that should be hidden by the frame's lip.
Consider the frame's rabbet, the recessed area on the inside edge where the artwork sits. This rabbet will cover a small portion of your image, typically about ¼ inch on each side. If you have a very important detail near the edge of your artwork, factor this into your measurements to ensure it isn't obscured by the frame. Most framers will account for this slight overlap, but it's always wise to be aware of it. If you are using a mat, measure the opening of the mat which will be smaller than the artwork itself. The frame will then fit to the outside dimensions of the mat.
What's the difference between the picture size and the frame size?
The picture size refers to the actual dimensions of the artwork, photo, or document you intend to frame, while the frame size refers to the *inside* dimensions of the frame itself – the area where the picture will sit. A frame *must* be slightly smaller than the overall dimensions of the picture to hold it securely.
Typically, you'll hear about a "rabbet" dimension when purchasing a frame. The rabbet is the recessed area on the inside back of the frame that holds the picture, glazing (glass or acrylic), and backing board in place. This means the visible portion of your picture will be slightly smaller than its overall dimensions because the edges will be tucked under the frame's lip. This overlap is essential for a secure fit. This rabbet overlap is typically ¼" on all sides. Therefore, when ordering a frame, be exact about the *picture* size that it must hold. Imagine trying to fit a puzzle piece into a space that's exactly the same size - it won't work. The same principle applies to picture framing. The frame's inside dimensions (the frame size) need to be a fraction smaller than the artwork's dimensions to create a secure, visually appealing display. This difference ensures the artwork doesn't slip out and provides a clean, finished look. It is better to slightly overestimate the picture size rather than underestimate. Many professional framers can use creative methods, like adding additional backing layers, to get a proper fit. But if your picture is slightly too big, it may need to be trimmed or it won't fit properly.Should I add any extra allowance when measuring for a frame?
No, you should not add any extra allowance when measuring for a picture frame. You want the frame size to *exactly* match the size of the artwork or photo you intend to frame. Ordering a frame that's larger than your artwork will result in the artwork slipping around and looking unprofessional.
While it might seem counterintuitive, the frame manufacturer will already account for the slight tolerances necessary for the artwork to fit snugly within the frame. The stated dimensions of a picture frame refer to the *inside* dimensions – the area where the artwork will sit. They build in a very slight tolerance (usually a fraction of an inch) to allow for easy insertion and removal of the artwork without it being too tight or too loose. If you measure your artwork and then *add* to that measurement, you will end up with a frame that's too large. Therefore, the golden rule is to measure your artwork accurately (length and width) and order a frame that matches those exact dimensions. Don't round up, don't add an inch, just order the size you measured.How do I measure for a mat board in relation to the frame and picture?
To determine the correct mat board dimensions, you first need the inside dimensions of your frame and the outside dimensions of your picture. The mat board's outside dimensions should match the frame's inside dimensions, ensuring a snug fit. The mat's inside opening, or window, should be slightly smaller than the picture's dimensions, typically overlapping the image by about ¼ inch on each side to prevent it from falling through and to hold it securely in place.
To elaborate, consider the overlap essential for securely holding your artwork. This overlap, often referred to as the "reveal," typically ranges from ¼ to ½ inch on each side. This means your visible image area will be smaller than the actual image size. For example, if your picture is 8x10 inches, you might cut the mat window to 7.5x9.5 inches. This ensures a ¼ inch overlap on all sides. Achieving consistent and accurate cuts is crucial for a professional look. Using a mat cutter with precise measurements is highly recommended. Finally, consider the aesthetic proportions of the mat. While the overlap is critical for securing the artwork, the overall mat width affects the presentation. A wider mat (e.g., 2-3 inches) can create a more dramatic effect, drawing the eye to the artwork, while a narrower mat (e.g., 1.5-2 inches) offers a more subtle and modern look. The bottom mat border is often made slightly wider than the top and side borders. This is an accepted practice and can enhance the aesthetic appeal. There are many online mat calculators that can help determine the perfect measurements.What tools are best for accurately measuring for picture frames?
The best tools for accurately measuring for picture frames are a metal measuring tape, a ruler (preferably metal), and a pencil. These tools, when used carefully, provide the precision needed to ensure your artwork fits perfectly within the frame.
A metal measuring tape is essential for measuring the overall dimensions of your artwork. Unlike cloth tapes, metal tapes are less likely to stretch or bend, providing a more accurate reading over longer distances. When using a measuring tape, make sure it is straight and taut across the artwork, and read the measurement from directly above to avoid parallax error. A metal ruler, especially one with fine graduations, is perfect for making small, precise measurements and checking the squareness of your artwork's corners. This is particularly useful when measuring for the frame's rabbet (the recessed area that holds the artwork).
Finally, a sharp pencil is needed for marking measurements. The finer the point of the pencil, the more accurate your markings will be. Avoid using pens or markers, as their thicker lines can introduce error. Remember to double-check all your measurements before ordering or cutting any frame components. Accuracy in measurement is the key to a professional-looking finished product.
How do I measure an odd-shaped piece of art for framing?
To measure an irregularly shaped artwork for framing, determine the smallest rectangle that will fully enclose the piece; this is known as the circumscribing rectangle. Measure the height and width of this rectangle to find the dimensions needed for your frame.
For oddly shaped art, accuracy is key. Lay your artwork on a flat surface. Using a ruler or measuring tape, identify the widest point from edge to edge. This will be your width measurement. Next, find the tallest point from top to bottom; this will be your height measurement. These measurements define the *inside* dimensions of your frame, ensuring that all parts of your artwork are visible and not obscured by the frame's lip. Consider the amount of "overlap" the frame will have on your artwork. Most frames overlap by approximately 1/4 inch on each side, meaning the visible area of your art will be slightly smaller than the frame's inside dimensions. If you have critical elements near the edges of your artwork, factor this overlap into your measurements. You may need a slightly larger frame or consider a custom-cut mat to prevent crucial details from being hidden. Remember that it's always better to err on the side of a slightly larger frame than one that's too small.What if my measurements are between standard frame sizes?
If your artwork's measurements fall between standard frame sizes, you have two main options: choose a frame that's slightly larger and use a mat to fill the gap, or opt for a custom-sized frame made specifically to your dimensions.
When your artwork isn't a standard size, a custom frame ensures a perfect fit, showcasing your piece flawlessly without any visible gaps or awkward sizing. This is often the best choice for valuable or unique artwork where presentation is paramount. Many framing shops, both local and online, offer custom framing services allowing you to specify the exact dimensions needed. Remember to account for any slight overlap the frame's lip will have onto the image, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per side. Alternatively, using a larger, standard-sized frame with a mat is a more economical and versatile option. The mat board not only fills the space between the artwork and the frame but also adds visual appeal and protects the artwork by creating a buffer between it and the glass. To determine the appropriate mat size, subtract your artwork's dimensions from the frame's inner dimensions, then divide by two. This will give you the width of the mat border on each side. You can experiment with different mat colors and textures to complement your artwork and the surrounding decor.And that's all there is to it! Thanks for taking the time to learn how to measure for your picture frame. We hope this guide helped you find the perfect fit for your treasured memories. Come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!