Picture Frame Guide: Types, Sizes, and Where to Buy in Ireland

Few things in a home pull together a room quite like a well-chosen picture frame. It’s the final touch that turns a print or a photo into a focal point.

Households with at least one picture frame: 90% ·
Standard photo frame sizes: 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 inches ·
Most common frame materials: Wood, metal, plastic, resin ·
Average price range for readymade frames: $10 – $100

Four key facts, one pattern: the market is stable but personalization is rising.

The implication: whether you choose ready‑made or custom, knowing the base measurements keeps you from buying a frame that’s too small or too large for your print.

What are the different types of picture frames?

Standard photo frames

• Single opening, usually with a backing and glass or acrylic. Material options: wood, metal, plastic, resin. According to IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer), wood frames add warmth and a classic feel, while metal offers a sleek modern look.

Gallery frames

• Designed for horizontal or vertical display, often with a wider mat and a more ornate moulding. Common in larger sizes such as 16×20 inches (Elaine Watters Art (Irish art and framing specialist)).

Shadow box frames

• Deep frames (usually 1‑2 inches deep) that hold three‑dimensional objects. Heavins (Irish department store) stocks shadow boxes in various depths; they protect memorabilia but require extra wall space.

Floating frames

• Create the illusion that the photo or canvas is suspended inside the frame. Typically made of wood or metal and used for modern decor (IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer)).

Collage frames

• Multi‑opening frames that display several photos at once. Heavins (Irish department store) offers multi‑picture frames in standard sizes such as 4×6 and 5×7.

The catch: the best frame style depends on what you’re displaying – a shadow box works for medals, a floating frame for canvas prints, and a collage frame for family memories on a single wall.

How to choose the right picture frame size?

Measuring your photo or artwork

• Measure the height and width of the photo, not the paper it sits on. Elaine Watters Art (Irish art and framing specialist) notes that the most common print size is 4×6 inches.

Understanding image size vs. frame opening

• Frame dimensions refer to the size of the opening that holds the photo. BGASTORE.IE (Irish framing and craft supplier) explains: total frame size = photo size + (rail width × 2). For a 40×60 cm photo with a 1.3 cm rail, the total width becomes 42.6 cm.

Standard size charts (inches/cm)

• Common sizes: 4×6 (10×15 cm), 5×7 (13×18 cm), 8×10 (20×25 cm), and 11×14 (28×36 cm) (Heavins (Irish department store)). Elaine Watters Art (Irish art and framing specialist) adds that A4, A3, and A2 are widely used in Ireland.

Matting considerations

• Adding a mount (mat) enlarges the frame needed. Elaine Watters Art (Irish art and framing specialist) recommends a 4×6 frame without a mount, or a 6×8 or 8×10 frame with a mount for a 4×6 print.

Why this matters: buying the wrong size means returns or re‑cutting mats – a common frustration that a simple measurement before purchase avoids.

The pattern: a tape measure is the cheapest framing tool you own – use it before you buy.

Where to buy picture frames in Ireland?

1. Measure your artwork in inches and centimetres before browsing
2. Check which frame material suits your room style – wood, metal, or plastic
3. Compare prices across online retailers and high-street stores
4. Verify return policies, especially for custom frames
5. Order from a trusted Irish retailer or visit a local framer

Online retailers

• Heavins (Irish department store) offers fast delivery across Ireland and a selection of single, digital, and multi‑picture frames. BGASTORE.IE (Irish framing and craft supplier) specialises in custom sizes with detailed size guides. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) provides affordable wood and metal frames with in‑store and online ordering.

High‑street stores

• Dunnes Stores and Homestore and More carry readymade frames in popular sizes and can be browsed in person. Heavins (Irish department store) also has physical locations for hands‑on browsing.

Custom framers and local shops

• Custom framing shops (such as Strand Framing in Dublin) provide bespoke sizing, matting, and glass choices. BGASTORE.IE (Irish framing and craft supplier) offers made‑to‑order frames with a lead time of 7–14 days.

The trade‑off: online gives wider choice and convenience; local framers offer personal advice and instant gratification.

How to hang a picture frame properly?

Choosing the right hanging hardware

• Use wall anchors for plaster or drywall; picture wire should be rated for the frame’s weight. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) advises using appropriate hardware to avoid damaging walls.

Measuring and marking the wall

• Standard gallery hanging height: 57–60 inches to the centre of the frame. Measure twice, mark light pencil points. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) recommends considering the display location (mantelpiece, hallway, etc.) when choosing size and shape.

Using a level for alignment

• A spirit level ensures the frame hangs straight. For multiple frames on one wall, use a laser level or string line to keep the tops aligned.

Safety tips for heavy frames

• IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) stresses protecting frames from dust, sunlight, and humidity – that includes the wall behind the frame being dry and clean.

The pattern: a properly hung frame lasts for decades; a rushed job can lead to crooked displays or, worse, a fallen frame.

“Choosing the right frame material is like picking the right wallpaper – it needs to match the room’s mood. A heavy oak frame in a minimalist space can feel oppressive, while a slim metal frame adds lightness.”

– Interior designer from Dublin

How to clean and maintain picture frames?

Dusting techniques for wood, metal, and resin

• Use a dry microfiber cloth. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) recommends cleaning with a soft, dry cloth to avoid scratching the glass.

Avoiding moisture and direct sunlight

• Place frames away from radiators and south‑facing windows. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) advises protecting photos from humidity and sunlight to prevent fading and warping.

Glass cleaning without streaks

• Never spray cleaner directly on the glass – apply to a cloth first. For acrylic, avoid ammonia‑based cleaners. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishings retailer) recommends a damp cloth followed by a dry polish.

Repairing minor damage

• Wood frames can be touched up with furniture polish or matching stain. Metal frames may be smoothed with fine‑grit sandpaper. Plastic scratches often require replacement.

The implication: routine care doubles the life of your frame and the photo inside – a small habit for long‑term preservation.

“I always advise customers to measure twice and bring the photo with them when coming into the shop. The frame is supposed to highlight the image, not fight it.”

– Owner of a local custom framing shop in Dublin

“A frame is an investment in your home’s story – it’s worth spending a little extra to get the right mat and backing.”

– Interior designer from Dublin

For the Irish shopper, the choice is clear: measure your artwork, pick the material that suits your room, and buy from a trusted local retailer or established online store. Do it right the first time, and your frame will serve you for years – not just a holder, but a statement piece that protects your memories.