How to Choose the Perfect Picture Frame for Every Display

Selecting the right picture frame is essential for showcasing artwork, photographs, and posters in the most flattering way possible. At Picture Frames UK, we’ve spent over 22 years providing high-quality MDF frames to retailers, galleries, and professional framers across the UK and Europe. In this post, we’ll share our expert insights to help you choose the perfect frame for every display, ensuring you make informed decisions that benefit your business and your clients.

A gallery wall featuring a collection of black and white photographs in modern black picture frames of various sizes, arranged on a white wall. — A modern gallery of black-and-white photos in sleek black frames

1. Understanding Frame Materials: Why MDF is a Great Choice

When choosing picture frames in bulk, it’s important to consider the material. MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is a durable, cost-effective option that’s perfect for both commercial and professional framing needs. Unlike solid wood, MDF offers:

Consistent Quality: MDF is free from knots and imperfections, ensuring a smooth, uniform finish that enhances the overall look of the frame.
Durability: MDF frames are strong and long-lasting, making them a reliable option for high-traffic environments like retail stores and galleries.
Affordability: Compared to traditional wood frames, MDF provides excellent value without sacrificing quality, making it an ideal choice for wholesale buyers.

Expert Tip: Choose MDF frames with acrylic displays (instead of glass) for added safety and reduced weight—ideal for retail and professional environments where durability matters.

2. Size Guide: Selecting the Right Frame for Your Artwork

The size of the frame is one of the most important factors to consider. Each piece of artwork, print, or photograph requires a frame that complements its dimensions, while also providing enough space for matting or borders if necessary.

A4 Frames: Perfect for certificates, smaller photos, or documents that need to be framed for display in offices or retail settings. These frames are a versatile choice for retailers selling to businesses.
A2 Frames: Ideal for medium-sized artwork, posters, or photos. These frames work well in galleries or for framing promotional material.
50 x 50 cm Frames: This square frame size is a unique option for non-traditional artwork or square-format prints, giving your display a contemporary touch.
50 x 70 cm Frames: A great choice for large posters or artwork, perfect for high-traffic areas like stores and galleries where impactful, eye-catching displays are needed.

Pro Tip: Always measure the artwork first and choose a frame that offers some breathing room between the edge of the image and the frame’s border. This enhances the visual appeal and ensures your artwork isn’t overcrowded.

3. Framing for Different Spaces: Matching Frames to Settings

Where the artwork is displayed can influence the choice of frame. Matching the frame to the setting not only elevates the piece but also complements the environment.

Retail Stores: For retail displays, choose frames that are sleek and modern, like black MDF frames. These provide a clean, professional look without drawing attention away from the products or promotional materials being displayed.
Galleries: In galleries, larger frames (like 50 x 70 cm) are often used to draw attention to prominent artwork. Here, the finish of the frame is important; matte or satin finishes often work best, allowing the artwork to take centre stage.
Offices and Corporate Spaces: Certificates, awards, and professional artwork look great in A4 or A2 frames. In corporate settings, neutral-coloured frames like black or natural wood-effect MDF are perfect for maintaining a professional atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Consider using the same frame style throughout a space to create a cohesive, uniform look. This is particularly effective in offices and galleries, where consistency helps tie the space together.

A modern art gallery with large black-framed artworks displayed symmetrically on both walls. The gallery features a clean, minimalist design with soft lighting from skylights above. — A minimalist art gallery showcasing modern black-framed artwork in a sleek, symmetrical display.

4. Frame Orientation: Portrait vs. Landscape

It’s essential to consider whether the artwork or photograph will be displayed in portrait or landscape orientation. Many MDF frames, like those at Picture Frames UK, come with pre-installed wall mounts that support both orientations, giving you more flexibility in how the artwork is displayed.

Portrait: Ideal for certificates, posters, or vertical artwork. Portrait orientation draws the eye upwards, making it perfect for narrow spaces or areas where height is a consideration.
Landscape: Suitable for wide-format artwork or photographs. Landscape frames work well in galleries or retail spaces where the artwork needs to fill a horizontal space, creating a balanced display.

Expert Tip: When framing larger pieces like 50 x 70 cm posters, consider whether portrait or landscape will best fit the room’s layout. This can make a significant difference in how the artwork is perceived in the space.

5. Finishing Touches: The Benefits of Acrylic Displays

Glass has long been the traditional choice for frame displays, but acrylic offers several advantages that make it more suitable for commercial and professional settings.

Lightweight: Acrylic is much lighter than glass, making frames easier to handle and hang—especially in bulk displays.
Shatterproof: Acrylic is far more resistant to shattering, reducing the risk of damage in busy environments.
Clearer Visibility: High-quality acrylic is clearer than glass, offering better visibility and enhancing the vibrancy of the artwork it protects.

Pro Tip: If you’re displaying artwork in a high-traffic area or in a space where children or customers frequently interact with the frames, opt for acrylic displays for added safety and durability.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect picture frame can have a significant impact on how your artwork, photographs, or posters are perceived. At Picture Frames UK, we’re proud to offer a wide range of MDF frames in various sizes and finishes, designed to meet the needs of trade buyers. By considering the material, size, setting, orientation, and display features, you can ensure that every piece is showcased to its full potential.

Ready to upgrade your framing options? Explore our full range of A4, A2, 50 x 50 cm, and 50 x 70 cm MDF frames, all available for wholesale purchasing, and let us help you elevate your displays today.

About Picture Frames UK

With over 22 years of experience in the industry, Picture Frames UK is a trusted wholesale supplier of high-quality MDF frames across the UK and Europe. We specialise in providing durable, affordable frames that are perfect for retail, galleries, and professional settings. Our frames feature acrylic displays for added safety and clarity, and our fast, reliable delivery ensures you receive your stock on time.