How to Frame an Art Print: A Simple Guide

Your print has arrived. It looks good. Now comes the part that trips people up: framing it.

Framing does not have to be complicated or expensive. But a few decisions made well will make the difference between a print that looks like it belongs and one that looks like an afterthought. Here is what you need to know.

The Mountboard Is Already Doing Work

Every Lone Howler Studio print ships with a 2mm natural white mountboard — the same presentation used in galleries. This means your print already has a clean, professional border around it before you add a frame. You are not starting from zero.

The mountboard serves two purposes: it creates visual breathing room around the image, and it keeps the print surface from touching the glass in a frame, which prevents moisture damage and sticking over time.

Choosing a Frame

The frame should support the print, not compete with it. For nature and landscape photography, a few styles work consistently well:

• Thin black frame — Clean, modern, and versatile. Works in almost any interior and lets the photograph do the talking. This is the safest choice for most spaces.
• Natural wood frame — Warm and organic. Pairs beautifully with earthy, rustic, or Scandinavian interiors. Particularly good for prints with warm tones — golden hour landscapes, horse photography, autumn subjects.
• Dark walnut frame — Rich and dramatic. Works well with moody, high-contrast prints like fire photography or night sky images. Adds weight and presence.
• White or off-white frame — Bright and gallery-like. Good for lighter spaces and prints with cool tones.

Avoid ornate or heavily decorative frames for photography prints. They pull attention away from the image.

Frame Size

Because our prints ship with a mountboard, you need a frame that fits the outer dimensions of the mountboard, not just the print itself.

• For an 11×14" print: you need a frame sized for the mountboard dimensions (check your specific print — the mountboard adds approximately 1.5–2 inches on each side)
• For a 16×20" print: same principle applies

Standard frame sizes are widely available at IKEA, Target, and most home goods stores. The IKEA RIBBA frame in particular is a popular, affordable option that works well with mountboard prints.

Glass vs. Acrylic

If your frame comes with a choice, opt for UV-protective acrylic over standard glass where possible. It is lighter, shatter-resistant, and filters UV light that can fade prints over time. For prints hung in rooms with significant natural light, this matters.

Hanging It

Use a level. This sounds obvious. It is consistently the step people skip, and it is consistently the reason prints look slightly off. A small bubble level costs a few dollars and takes thirty seconds to use.

For heavier frames, use two hanging points rather than one — it distributes weight and keeps the frame from tilting over time.

The Simple Version

If you want to skip the research: buy a thin black frame in the right size, hang it with a level, and step back. It will look good. The photograph will do the rest.

Browse the Lone Howler Studio collection and find the print that belongs on your wall →