Ever bought a frame online, only to find your artwork swimming inside or, worse, refusing to fit? Measuring picture frames seems simple, but a few key details can make all the difference between a perfect presentation and a frustrating return. Whether you're showcasing a cherished photograph, a piece of original art, or a limited-edition print, a properly sized frame enhances the piece and protects it for years to come. Investing a few moments to learn the correct measuring techniques ensures your artwork always looks its best and saves you time and money in the long run.
Accurate frame measurements are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, you need to determine the correct size of the artwork that will fit comfortably and securely within the frame. Secondly, if you are buying a frame online or ordering a custom frame, providing precise measurements is essential for ensuring a perfect fit. Incorrect measurements can lead to wasted materials, delays, and ultimately, a less-than-satisfactory result. Taking the time to understand the nuances of measuring both your artwork and potential frames is a worthwhile investment.
What measurements do I really need to know?
How do I measure a picture frame for the correct size artwork?
To determine the correct artwork size for a picture frame, measure the inside dimensions of the frame (the rabbet) where the artwork will sit. This is the most crucial measurement, as it dictates the visible area. Measure both the height and width of this inner recess precisely, and that will be the ideal size for your artwork.
When measuring, it's important to be accurate. Use a metal measuring tape, not a flexible cloth one, for the most precise results. Measure from inside edge to inside edge, making sure the tape measure is flush against the rabbet. Consider taking multiple measurements across the height and width, especially on older frames, as they might not be perfectly square. Use the smallest measurement you find as your guide to ensure your artwork fits comfortably without being too tight. Keep in mind that the "size" of a picture frame often refers to the artwork size it's *intended* to hold, but variations in manufacturing can occur. Therefore, relying solely on a frame's label or stated size is risky. Always measure the rabbet yourself to confirm. If you plan to use a mat, the opening in the mat should match the artwork size, and the outer dimensions of the mat should match the rabbet dimensions of the frame.What's the best way to measure the rabbet depth of a frame?
The best way to measure the rabbet depth of a frame is to use a specialized rabbet depth gauge, but if you don't have one, you can use a ruler or a set of calipers along with a straight edge. Place the straight edge across the back of the frame, spanning the rabbet. Then, measure the distance from the straight edge down to the bottom of the rabbet using the ruler or calipers. This measurement represents the rabbet depth.
Accuracy is crucial when measuring rabbet depth because it determines the maximum thickness of the artwork and backing board that the frame can accommodate. If the rabbet is too shallow, the contents will not fit properly and may protrude from the back, preventing proper closure. If it's too deep, the artwork may shift around inside the frame unless appropriately secured with shims or spacers.
To ensure the most accurate measurement, take several readings at different points along the rabbet. Frame rabbets are not always perfectly uniform, especially in older or hand-crafted frames. Note the shallowest measurement as the critical depth to ensure everything fits correctly. You can also use a small stack of coins to fill the gap between the straight edge and the rabbet bottom if a ruler or caliper is difficult to maneuver in the space. Then, measure the height of the coin stack.
How do I measure an existing picture to find the right frame size?
To determine the correct frame size for your picture, measure the height and width of the image itself, *excluding* any borders or the mat. The frame size you need will match these dimensions. For example, if your picture is 8 inches tall and 10 inches wide, you need an 8x10 frame.
It's crucial to measure the actual image, not any existing frame or matting around it. If the image is already matted, you can either measure the entire matted piece to find a frame that fits the whole assembly, or you can remove the matting to measure just the picture. Removing the matting allows you to select a frame that perfectly showcases the artwork itself, and you can always add new matting later to suit the new frame.
Consider the "rabbet" depth of the frame you choose. The rabbet is the recess on the back of the frame that holds the picture, matting, and glazing (glass or acrylic). Make sure the rabbet is deep enough to accommodate all these layers without the backing board sticking out. For pictures with thick mats or mounted on board, you may need a frame with a deeper rabbet.
What's the difference between measuring the inside and outside of a frame?
The key difference lies in what each measurement represents: the inside measurement determines the size of artwork or object that will fit *within* the frame, while the outside measurement indicates the frame's overall dimensions and how much space it will occupy on your wall.
Think of it this way: the inside measurement, also known as the "sight size," is crucial for ensuring your picture, photo, or canvas isn't too big to fit inside the frame's opening. This is the dimension you need when ordering a frame to accommodate a specific piece of art. The rabbet, which is the recessed area on the inside back of the frame, is what holds the artwork in place. The inside measurement accounts for this.
Conversely, the outside measurement is important for space planning. Knowing the frame's overall width and height helps you visualize how it will look on your wall and ensures it won't clash with other décor or furniture. This measurement includes the frame's moulding itself, so a wider frame will have a significantly larger outside dimension than its inside dimension. When considering where to hang your framed art, always factor in these external dimensions.
How do I account for matting when measuring a picture frame?
To account for matting when measuring a picture frame, determine the visible area of your artwork *with* the matting included, and use those dimensions to find a frame that will properly showcase the matted piece. The frame's rabbet (the recessed area that holds the artwork) needs to be slightly larger than the outer dimensions of your matted artwork.
When ordering a frame, it's crucial to specify the 'artwork size' as the overall dimensions of the matted piece, not just the artwork itself. The frame manufacturer or retailer will then ensure the rabbet depth and width are adequate to accommodate the mat board and artwork thickness. Remember that the matting adds to the overall size of what needs to fit within the frame. Measure the outside dimensions of your mat, including the window where your artwork sits. Consider the “overlap” of the mat onto your artwork. Typically, a mat will overlap the artwork by about 1/4 inch on each side. This overlap is crucial for holding the artwork in place behind the mat. So, when calculating the visible artwork area *with* the mat, be mindful of this overlap. If you are creating the mat yourself, ensure consistent overlaps on all sides for a professional look. Finally, double-check all measurements before ordering your frame. It’s always a good idea to add an extra 1/8 inch to both the width and height to allow for slight variations in materials and easier fitting. This small allowance prevents the artwork from being too tightly squeezed into the frame.How accurately do I need to measure for a good fit?
For a good fit in a picture frame, aim for accuracy within 1/16 of an inch (approximately 1.5mm). This level of precision ensures your artwork or photo sits snugly within the frame without being too tight or having unsightly gaps. Anything less accurate than this can lead to fitting problems, requiring adjustments or even rendering the frame unusable.
The key is to measure both the artwork and the inside dimensions of the frame meticulously. For the artwork, measure the exact height and width of the visible area you want to display. Don't assume standard paper sizes are always precise; always double-check with a ruler or measuring tape. For the frame, measure the rabbet depth (the recessed area where the artwork sits) and the exact width and height of the opening. A slightly tighter fit is often preferable as it can prevent the artwork from shifting, but avoid measurements that are too tight as this can damage the artwork or make it impossible to insert into the frame.
Different types of artwork may necessitate slightly different considerations. For instance, if you're framing canvas art, which can have some give, a slightly less precise measurement might be acceptable. However, for rigid materials like photographs or prints mounted on boards, the 1/16 inch accuracy remains crucial. Finally, remember to account for any matting you plan to use. The matting will reduce the visible area of your artwork, so you will need to measure the mat opening accurately in relation to the artwork size to achieve your desired visual aesthetic.
What units of measurement are typically used for picture frames?
The units of measurement most commonly used for picture frames are inches in the United States and centimeters or millimeters in most other parts of the world. These units are used to describe both the frame's dimensions and the artwork it is intended to hold.
While inches are the standard in the US, it's important to be aware that some manufacturers, even those within the US, may also provide measurements in centimeters, especially for imported frames or materials. Knowing conversions can be useful, as 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Understanding the specific unit being used is crucial for accurate ordering and fitting of artwork, mats, and the frame itself. Using the wrong unit can lead to significant errors in size and fit. The frame size usually refers to the inside dimensions of the frame, which is the size of the artwork or photograph it's designed to hold. The outside dimensions, which refer to the overall size of the frame, including the width of the frame moulding, are also important, especially when considering wall space and arrangement. When purchasing, it's crucial to confirm whether the listed dimensions refer to the inside (artwork size) or outside (overall size) of the frame.And that's all there is to it! Measuring picture frames might seem a little fiddly at first, but with a little practice, you'll be framing like a pro in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helped you out. Come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!