How to Choose the Perfect Frame for Your Print

The frame is the last decision and often the most overlooked. A print that has been living on a dining room table for three months waiting for the right frame is a print that is not doing what it was made for. The good news is that framing a fine art photography print is simpler than most people think, and getting it right does not require spending a lot of money.

We do not offer framing at Chamonix Prints. Not because we do not care about it, but because shipping frames internationally is expensive, the risk of damage in transit is high, and a frame sourced locally will always fit better, cost less, and get there faster. This guide exists to make that process as straightforward as possible.

Why We Recommend Framing Locally

International frame shipping is genuinely problematic. Frames are bulky, fragile, and expensive to ship. A frame that costs €40 can easily cost €25 to ship, arrives with a significant risk of damage, and if it does not fit you have a returns process across borders to deal with.

Sourcing locally solves all of this. IKEA, local frame shops, and online domestic retailers stock a wide range of standard sizes at competitive prices. A good frame from IKEA will protect and display your print just as well as one shipped from overseas, and you can walk out with it the same day.

Choosing the Right Frame Size

This is the most important decision. Your frame must match the print size exactly, or be slightly larger if you plan to use a mat board. Here are the standard sizes we offer and the frames they correspond to.

Frame Styles and What Works With Alpine Photography

Frame style is personal, but some combinations work better than others with fine art mountain photography. Here is what we have seen work well across different interior styles.

Natural Wood and Light Oak

The most versatile choice for alpine and landscape photography. The warmth of wood complements the natural tones in mountain images without competing with them. Light oak frames work particularly well with colour prints. Dark walnut frames suit black and white prints and add a more dramatic, editorial feel.

Thin Black Metal or Matte Black Wood

The go-to choice for black and white prints. A thin black frame disappears at the edges and draws the eye directly to the image. It suits modern, minimalist interiors and works well on white or light grey walls. This is also one of the most affordable options.

White or Off-White

Works well in Scandinavian and light-filled interiors. White frames can make a print feel lighter and more airy, which suits landscape photography well. Be careful with bright white frames against off-white walls as the contrast can look jarring.

Thin Gold or Brass

A more considered choice that works very well if done right. A thin gold frame adds warmth and a sense of occasion to alpine photography without feeling overly decorative. It suits the amber tones in golden-hour mountain shots particularly well.

Wood, Metal, or Acrylic?

The three main frame materials each have genuine advantages. The right choice depends on your budget, your interior, and how long you want the frame to last.

Glass and Glazing Options

The glass in your frame affects how the print looks and how long it lasts. For a fine art giclée print on 200gsm matte paper, the right glazing makes a real difference.

Standard Clear Glass

Adequate for most uses and included with most off-the-shelf frames. Produces some glare in bright rooms. Fine for prints in low to medium light environments.

Anti-Glare or Non-Reflective Glass

Worth the small additional cost if your print will hang opposite a window or in a brightly lit room. Reduces reflections significantly. Some anti-glare glass slightly softens the image, so look for "clarity" or "museum" versions if sharpness matters.

UV-Protective Glass

Recommended for any print you are serious about preserving. Blocks UV radiation that fades ink and paper over time. Our giclée prints are already made to last, but UV glass extends that significantly. Worth the investment for large or prominent pieces.

Acrylic Glazing

Lighter than glass and shatter-resistant. Good for large frames or homes with children. Available with UV protection. Scratches more easily than glass so handle carefully during fitting.

To Mat or Not to Mat

A mat board is the border of card that sits between the print and the glass, creating a visual buffer around the image. It is not essential but it changes how a print feels considerably.

A white or off-white mat adds breathing room around the image and makes it feel more like a gallery presentation. It also protects the print from touching the glass, which matters for long-term preservation. For fine art photography prints, a simple white or cream mat in the 4 to 6 centimetre range tends to work well.

If you use a mat, order a frame one size up from your print. An A4 print with a mat fits into an A3 frame. A 50x70 cm print with a mat fits into a 60x80 cm frame.

Budget Guide

Frame costs vary widely. Here is a realistic guide to what you can expect to spend at each level.

Where to Buy Frames

IKEA

The best starting point for most people. IKEA stocks a wide range of standard sizes, the quality is reliable, and the prices are hard to beat. The RIBBA, LOMVIKEN, and SILVERHÖJDEN ranges cover most standard print sizes. Check the measurements carefully as some IKEA frames are designed for prints with a mat rather than full-bleed images.

Local Frame Shops

For larger prints, unusual sizes, or if you want proper custom framing, a local frame shop is the right choice. They can cut mats to size, advise on glass options, and the result will be noticeably better than a mass-market frame. Ask for quotes on the specific size before committing.

Online Retailers

Domestically-shipped frames from online retailers offer a good middle ground. Prices are competitive, the range is wide, and delivery is fast. Look for retailers that show frame profiles in detail so you know what you are buying. Check return policies in case the size or finish is not right.