We conducted hours of research on the best picture frames, evaluating each on its design style, quality, mounting options, and value. Our best overall pick is the upsimples Picture Frame Set which is a quality-made frame set that’s easy to mount and comes in a variety of stylish finishes that will suit practically any aesthetic. Ahead, find the best picture frames to reflect your design aesthetic. The upsimples Frame Set of 5 is quality-made, functional, and affordable. It also includes archival precut mats to make matting streamlined and headache-free. Customers note that the clasps are easy to manipulate, secure, and do not scrape the edges. The frames are lightweight and made with anti-glare plexiglass plastic. Customers note they come carefully packaged for shipping. Choose from a wide variety of sizes and finishes to suit your aesthetic with color choices ranging from neutral to bold, including gold and metallic gray. Price at time of publish: $31
Note that if you choose to use the included acid-free mat, your photo will have a slightly cropped look, due to the opening size (so for a 4 x 6-inch frame, that would be 2 ¾ x 4 ¼ inches). Price at time of publish: $3 These frames make a great gift for grandparents who aren’t tech-savvy. Price at time of publish: $190 Price at time of publish: $32
Price at time of publish: $135 You’ll appreciate the versatility of this particular frame, too, since it holds nine 3.5- by 5.5-inches photos (or one larger photo, if you choose to use the frame without the mat) and comes in your choice of seven materials and finishes. Choose from aluminum options like silver or gold or white options in colors like white and black. Price at time of publish: $36 You can use their intuitive online tool to select your preferences regarding mat and frame and then send your item to the brand’s Kentucky factory. Framebridge will send you everything you need to package the art so it won’t get damaged in transit. The entire process takes between seven and 10 business days, plus shipping time. But if you want things to move a little faster, you can always use their digital service, which allows you to upload files from a computer, phone, or Instagram feed for framing. This process takes just two to five business days, plus shipping time. Price at time of publish: $75
There’s a nice bonus to this way of framing, which includes the ability to encase other items like ticket stubs, postcards, or other souvenirs and more. Price at time of publish: $25 for 5 x 7 Price at time of publish: $62 for 5 x 7 The frame mat offers an elevated edge to display photography, artwork, or family photos. You can also remove the mat for an even larger frame size. Although this frame is available in three size options, we wish there were just a few more sizes on each end of the range to accommodate more types of artwork and photos. Price at time of publish: $17 for 8 x 10 We also love that this frame could display more than one photo at a time like a mini collage. “I have several of these frames in both white and natural finishes hanging in my apartment, and I love the way they make my artwork standout against the wall, while still being minimalist in design,” says Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce. Although these frames are a great option for anyone looking to elevate their gallery wall, they may not be best as freestanding frames because they do not have a folding easel to prop on a table. However, we still think this frame is a stylish option, plus it’s incredibly affordable. Price at time of publish: $12 for 8 x 10 Choose from a set of six, 10, or 15 wood frames, and display each one either vertically or horizontally. The hanging hardware is included for mounting your display on the wall, but if you change your mind, you can always display these highly-versatile frames on the surface of your choice, too.
Price at time of publish: $64 Picture frames come in many styles, from gilded and ornate to simple sheets of glass or plexiglass held together with clips. Choose a style that works with your décor, whether that means minimalist black frames or Scandi-style wood. For a gallery wall with an eclectic appeal, choose a multitude of frames in varying styles. For a collection of family photos, consider using the same style of frame to create a sense of cohesion and keep the focus on the subject matter.
Materials and Finishes
Picture frames come in a variety of materials and finishes. Hanging picture frames are frequently fabricated in wood, metal, and plexiglass. Table-top frames may feature decorative finishes such as leather and silver plate, or may be embellished with anything from small mosaic tiles to seashells. Choose the materials and finishes that complement the images and your décor. If gifting a framed photo, choose a frame suited to the recipient’s taste to make it more meaningful.
Format
Picture frames come in tabletop and hanging versions, as well as traditional and digital formats. To help narrow down your choices, figure out if you want your photo to go on your desk, on a wall, or if you’d rather invest in a digital model where you can change out photos remotely. Frames also come in different presentation formats, from those designed so that the entire image runs from edge to edge, to those that are mounted on mats of varying widths that create white space around the image inside the frame.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has written about office decorations, budget furniture, and nightstands for The Spruce. She is a big fan of the Ikea Ribba frames, which she recommends for those times when you’re on a budget but need to fill a giant space. She considered dozens of picture frames for this roundup, evaluating each on its design style, quality, mounting options, and value. The article was later updated by Brigitt Ealey, a freelance writer with more than 12 years experience testing and writing about products for outlets like The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Brigitt has a large family and displays photos of them all throughout her house with frames, including those from Pottery Barn, Framebridge, and IKEA.
