How to Choose the Best Frame for Your Art Print

Tips, Real-Life Examples & A Sisterly Framing Adventure

“If you're looking for the best frame for your botanical or nature-inspired art print, you’re in the right place.”

Just the other day, my sister asked for help choosing frames for the art prints she had ordered from my shop, Serenata Paper Co. At first, I thought—easy! Just head to Hobby Lobby and grab a frame you like. But she looked uncertain... and I simply can’t pass up an opportunity for some girl time, so I offered to tag along. She happily agreed.

Little did I know that that quick trip would send me tumbling down a rabbit hole of art print framing ideas—and I’m so glad it did.

Framing Adventure: Hobby Lobby & Real-Life Inspiration

If you’re lucky enough to live near a Hobby Lobby, you know what I mean when I say their frame aisle is the frame hall of fame. In addition to a great custom frame service with tons of style options, they also carry a solid variety of ready-made art print frames—which often go on sale. You can score amazing deals if you time it right!

As we strolled past shelf after shelf of frames, I kept imagining how different prints from my shop would look in each one. Rustic wood? Cottagecore dream. Gold and glass? Soft vintage elegance. My sister, however, had a clear vision:

"Thin, simple frames only, please."

She wanted something sleek for her home office decor—a space where her art could inspire without overwhelming the room. So, we skipped over the chunkier wooden frames (which would look stunning in a cozy cottagecore gallery wall, by the way) and went straight for the poster frames.

Poster Frames vs Glass Frames: What's the Difference?

Poster frames are typically made of lightweight plastic instead of glass. That makes them more practical for larger art prints—think 16x20" or 20x24"—since they’re easier to hang and less likely to fall or warp on taller walls.

Step 1: Know the Size of Your Art Print

The first thing you need to know is the size of your print. Is it a smaller piece like an 8x10" (great for a gallery wall) or a larger one like a 16x20” or 20x24” that’s meant to be the focal point of the space?

Having this info helps you narrow down your frame search right away. And remember—if you're planning to use a mat, you'll need a frame that's even larger to account for it.

Pro tip: If you're not sure about mats, they tend to work best with smaller, minimalistic artwork. A clean white mat can elevate the simplicity of your piece and give it breathing room on the wall.

Step 2: Think About the Style

If your print is full of color, texture, or intricate linework—like many of my botanical or nature-inspired art prints—then a neutral frame will help your art shine without competing for attention.

Here are a few easy framing ideas:

Black thin frame – Sleek and modern
Natural wood – Warm, rustic, and perfect for cottagecore or nature-inspired spaces
Simple gold – Adds a soft, elevated touch of elegance

We’ll go deeper into cottagecore gallery wall styling in another post, but for now, just know: chunky vintage frames, distressed wood, and soft muted tones all pair beautifully with my floral and seasonal print collections.

Step 3: Consider the Room & Wall Space

The size and height of your wall matter just as much as the size of your art print.

Standard 8-foot ceilings? Stick with smaller or medium pieces. Overcrowding can make the space feel tight.
Tall walls (10 feet or more)? Go bold with larger statement pieces—they’ll look dramatic in the best way.

In my sister’s office, she wanted to feature all three pieces from my She Followed Her Truth Collection. Her favorite—“Flower Vendor”—deserved the spotlight. So, she went big with a 20x24” print, but found an 18x24” poster frame and trimmed an inch from both sides. It worked beautifully.

She used 16x20” frames for the two side pieces and centered Flower Vendor to anchor the trio.

Final Thoughts: The Frame Should Highlight the Art

At the end of the day, choosing the best frame for your art print is about balance. Let the art be the star—and let the frame support it in style, size, and feeling. It always come down to what you like best and what feelings the final results brings out every time you walk into the room.

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