Photo Frame Sizes UK: How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Print

Choosing a frame should be the easy part. However, with dimensions listed in centimetres, inches and familiar paper formats, finding the right photo frame size can sometimes feel more complicated than expected.

If you’re framing a family photograph, a favourite art print, a certificate or a new poster, the most important thing is to start with the size of the item you want to display.

From compact 6x4 photographs to statement A2 prints, this guide explains the most popular photo frame sizes in the UK and helps you choose a frame that fits your print and your space beautifully.

Measure your print before choosing a frame

Before looking at different frame sizes, measure the exact height and width of your photograph, print or artwork.

It is best to measure the item itself rather than relying on the size stated when it was ordered. Printers may occasionally trim a small amount from the edges, while older photographs and handmade artwork do not always follow standard dimensions.

Frame measurements usually refer to the size of the print the frame is designed to hold, rather than the total exterior dimensions of the frame.

For example, a 6x4 frame is designed to hold a 6x4-inch photograph. The complete frame will be slightly larger once the width of the surrounding frame profile is included.

What are the standard photo frame sizes in the UK?

Some of the most common picture frame sizes are based on traditional photograph dimensions, while others follow standard UK paper sizes. Understanding the most common photo frame sizes can help you find the right option without needing a custom-made frame.

Popular photograph sizes include:

•    6x4 inches, approximately 15.2 x 10.2cm
•    7x5 inches, approximately 17.8 x 12.7cm
•    8x6 inches, approximately 20.3 x 15.2cm
•    10x8 inches, approximately 25.4 x 20.3cm

Common paper and poster sizes include:

•    A4, measuring 21 x 29.7cm
•    A3, measuring 29.7 x 42cm
•    A2, measuring 42 x 59.4cm

These are among the most widely available standard frame sizes in cm, making it easier to find a frame without ordering a custom-made option.

Choosing a 6x4 photo frame

The 6x4 format is one of the most familiar photo frame sizes. It is commonly used for standard photograph prints and is a lovely choice for holidays, birthdays, weddings, family moments and everyday snapshots.

Because of their compact size, 6x4 frames work particularly well on desks, shelves, bedside tables and mantelpieces. They can also be grouped together to create a personalised gallery wall filled with favourite memories.

Choose a single freestanding frame for a special photograph or combine several matching frames for a clean, coordinated display.

Explore our 6x4 frame collection

Choosing a 10x8 picture frame

A 10x8 frame gives a photograph or print a little more presence without taking over the room. This size is ideal for larger family photographs, school portraits, wedding pictures and professional photography. It also works beautifully for prints that you want to make a feature of on a shelf or wall.

A 10x8 frame can be displayed in either portrait or landscape orientation, depending on the design of the frame and the image you have chosen.

Explore our 10x8 frame collection

 What is the right A4 frame size?

An A4 frame size is designed for a print measuring 21 x 29.7cm. This familiar paper format is often used for certificates, illustrations, photographs, typography prints and smaller posters.

A4 frames are versatile enough to work throughout the home. Use one to display a certificate in a home office, frame a favourite illustration in a child’s bedroom or create a coordinated collection of prints in a hallway.

For a simple modern look, choose a black or white frame. Wooden and wood-effect finishes can add warmth, while colourful frames give artwork and family photographs a more playful finish.

Explore our A4 frame collection

What is the right A3 frame size?

An A3 frame size holds artwork or prints measuring 29.7 x 42cm. It is twice the size of A4 and is a popular option for posters, photography, illustrations and statement prints.

A3 frames are large enough to attract attention while remaining easy to style in most rooms. They work well above a desk, beside a bed or as part of a larger gallery wall.

You could display one A3 frame as a focal point or arrange it alongside smaller frames to create a more varied layout. Keeping the frame colours consistent will help different print sizes feel connected.

Explore our A3 frame collection

When should you choose an A2 frame?

A2 prints measure 42 x 59.4cm, making them a great choice when you want your artwork to become a noticeable part of the room.

This frame size is particularly suited to large posters, photography and bold art prints. An A2 frame can make an impact above a sofa, fireplace, sideboard or bed without requiring a full gallery wall.

Because the finished frame will be larger than the A2 print itself, check the available wall space before ordering. It can help to mark out the approximate dimensions on the wall with removable tape so you can see how the frame will look in the room.

Explore our A2 frame collection

Do you need a mount inside your frame?

A picture mount is the border that sits between your print and the frame. It can give an image more breathing space and create a polished, gallery-style finish.

When using a mount, you will normally need a frame that is larger than the artwork itself. For example, a smaller print may be placed inside an A4 frame using a mount with an aperture cut to suit the image.

As a general guide:

For an A4 print with a border, you would need an A3 frame with an A4 aperture mount.
For an 8x6 photograph with a border, a 10x8 frame works well for freestanding display, with larger wall frames such as 20x20 available depending on where you want to display the photo or artwork.

Always check both the overall frame size and the mount opening before ordering. The aperture is usually slightly smaller than the print so that its edges remain securely hidden behind the mount.

If you want the print to fill the frame without a border, choose a frame that directly matches the dimensions of your artwork.

Consider where the frame will be displayed

The right frame size is not only determined by the print. It should also suit the space where it will be displayed. Comparing different photo frame sizes against the available wall or surface space can help you avoid choosing something that feels too large or too small.

Smaller frames such as 6x4 and 7x5 are ideal for shelves and bedside tables. Medium-sized frames, including A4 and 10x8, are easy to use throughout the home and work well in gallery walls.

Larger A3 and A2 frames are better suited to open wall spaces where the image has room to stand out.

Think about the furniture surrounding the frame too. A very small picture can feel lost above a large sofa, while an oversized frame may overwhelm a narrow wall or compact desk.

Portrait or landscape?

Portrait frames are taller than they are wide, while landscape frames are wider than they are tall.

Many frames can be hung in either direction, and some smaller freestanding designs can also be positioned both ways. Check the product details before ordering, particularly if you already know exactly where the frame will be displayed.

The orientation should follow the image itself. However, when building a gallery wall, combining portrait and landscape frames can create a more natural and interesting arrangement.

Find the right frame for your print

Choosing between different photo frame sizes becomes much easier once you know the exact dimensions of your print.

Start by measuring the item carefully, decide whether you want to include a mount and consider how much space the finished frame will have around it. From there, you can choose a size, colour and finish that complements both the picture and your home.

You may be framing a small everyday memory, a treasured family portrait or a large statement print. Whatever you choose to display, the right frame will protect it, complement it and give it the attention it deserves.

Explore our photo frame collections today and find the perfect size for your favourite photographs, prints and artwork.