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If you love photography, prints, or creating gallery walls, mounting your photos well is the difference between "meh" and "wow." A good mount and frame protect your image, make colours pop, and give the whole piece a polished finish. Think of framing like putting your photo on stage — the right set, lighting, and props help the star shine.
Looking for quality mounts, frames, or tools? The UK has plenty of retailers that cater to both hobbyists and professionals. Below I list popular options where you can find everything from budget foamboard to designer frames.
Nordic Nest is known for its Scandinavian design sensibility and carries tasteful framing solutions such as the Ferm Living Gravel Frame A5 Antique and Scandi Essentials Skälby Frame Black. If you're after minimalist lines and natural finishes, Nordic Nest is a smart place to start — especially for smaller prints like A5 (about 5.8" x 8.3") and larger statement sizes around 15.7" x 19.7".
John Lewis offers a wide range of picture frames, mounts, and hanging kits that suit most tastes and budgets. Its selection includes classic wooden frames, modern metal options, and ready-made mounts in common sizes. If you want a balance of style and reliability, John Lewis is a dependable stop.
For DIYers, Hobbycraft stocks mount board, double-sided tapes, picture rails, and adhesive corners. They often carry specialist items like acid-free mounting board and foamcore that are great for preserving prints. Hobbycraft is ideal if you plan to get hands-on and enjoy the creative process.
Dunelm is a go-to for budget-friendly picture frames and coordinated home décor. Their picture frames come in sizes suitable for standard photo prints and larger wall art. If you want something that looks smart without spending a fortune, Dunelm is worth checking out.
Paperchase is perfect for smaller, quirky frames and gift-sized mounts, while The Range carries a broad selection of frames and mounting boards at competitive prices. Both retailers are good for quick finds and mixed-style gallery compositions.
If you prefer online shopping, Amazon UK and eBay provide convenient access to an enormous variety of mounting supplies, including specialist adhesives, custom-sized mounts, and mount cutters. Be sure to read seller reviews and check product specifications to avoid surprises.
Mounting a photo requires more than just a frame. Here’s a quick guide to the core items you’ll see in stores and why they matter.
Frames are the most visible element and come in wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. Wood frames give warmth and depth, metal frames offer a sleek, modern look, and painted frames let you match décor. Measure your print size first — for example, a Scandi Essentials Skälby frame marketed as 40x50 cm fits roughly 15.7" x 19.7" prints — and always allow for mount overlap when choosing a frame.
Mount board (also called matboard) is placed between the frame and the print to give breathing space and enhance presentation. Acid-free boards are best for longevity because they prevent yellowing. Backing board protects the rear of the print and gives structural support, especially for larger pieces.
Foamboard is lightweight and rigid, ideal for mounting photos that need a bit of structural stiffness. It’s commonly used for exhibition displays and home gallery walls where the artwork should sit flat without warping.
Choose adhesives carefully. Acid-free photo corners allow you to mount without permanent contact, preserving the original print. Double-sided archival tape and pH-neutral spray adhesives give stronger bonds for permanent mounting. If you aren’t sure, start with non-permanent options — you can always go permanent later.
A mount cutter or mat cutter lets you create clean, bevelled openings in mount board for a professional finish. Rulers, a cutting mat, and a level are also must-haves. Tools make the difference between a messy job and a piece that looks gallery-ready.
Don’t forget the hanging kit: D-rings, wire, sawtooth hangers, and picture rail hooks. For heavier pieces, use wall anchors or picture hooks rated for the weight. Proper hardware ensures your framed work hangs straight and stays secure.
Choosing a frame is part aesthetics and part practicality. Ask yourself what mood you want to create. Do you want your photo to be bold and dominant or quiet and contemplative? Consider colour contrast: a white mount makes bright prints pop, while a black mount deepens tones.
Proportion matters. A large mount around a small photo can make the image feel delicate and curated, while a slim mount keeps focus tight. As a rule, a 2" to 4" mount border is common for medium prints; scale up for larger walls so the mount doesn't look swallowed by the frame.
If you’re framing archival prints, opt for acid-free boards and UV-protective glazing. Glazing is the glass or acrylic that covers the frame; acrylic is lighter and less fragile, while glass offers better scratch resistance. For valuable prints, choose UV-filtering glazing to reduce fading over time.
Ready to mount your first photo? Here’s a straightforward workflow that mimics what pros use.
Measure the print carefully and decide the mount border width. Mark the center points on both mount board and print to align accurately.
Use a mount cutter to score and remove the opening for your image. Take your time — a slow, clean cut beats sanding or patching later.
Use archival corners or a small, reversible tape along the top edge so the print can expand and contract with humidity. If you prefer a permanent fix, apply acid-free tape along the backing corners.
Place your assembled mount into the frame, add the backing board, and secure with frame clips or framers’ points. Check alignment and clean the glazing from the inside before sealing to avoid trapped dust.
You don’t need a pro budget to achieve great results. With a few savvy choices, your pics can look high-end for less.
Ready-made frames are far cheaper and available in standard sizes. If your print fits a standard size, save money here. Custom framing is worth the extra cost for odd sizes or sentimental pieces that deserve bespoke treatment.
Foamboard is affordable and lightweight for big pieces. Mount on foamboard and use a simple frame — you get a gallery feel without the expense of a thick mat and custom framing.
Retailers like John Lewis, Dunelm, and online stores often run seasonal sales on home décor where frames are discounted. Buying a hanging kit and a few frames together often reduces per-piece cost.
If you want to make framing part of your home’s statement, seek out designer lines. The Ferm Living Gravel Frame A5 Antique is a great example of how material finish and subtle detailing can elevate a tiny print into an artful vignette. Nordic Nest curates pieces from brands that mix craft with modern design, ideal for curated interiors.
For photographers and collectors, archival framing protects prints for decades. This includes acid-free mats, UV-filtering glazing, and non-reactive spacers. Specialist framers and certain online shops can provide custom archival services when permanence matters most.
Setting up a small framing station at home is simpler than you might think. A clear work surface, a cutting mat, a set square, a mount cutter, and a clean cloth will handle most projects. Keep items like tweezers and a blower brush for dust control; small particles trapped under glazing are a common frustration that’s easy to avoid.
Work in a dust-free area with good lighting. Lay pieces flat during assembly and avoid touching the photo surface with bare fingers; natural oils can leave marks. Use nitrile gloves if you’re handling expensive prints.
Prices vary widely by material, brand, and whether you choose custom services. Expect to pay anywhere from single digits for basic ready-made frames to several hundreds for custom archival framing. For example, simple pre-made frames often fall in the £5–£50 range, foamboard sheets might be £3–£10 each depending on size, and professional custom framing can run from £75 upward. Shop around and compare specifications so you’re paying for UV glazing or acid-free board only when you really need it.
Measure twice and buy once. Always check the listed picture size vs. the frame opening, and account for mount overlap. If your print is valuable or irreplaceable, prioritise archival-grade materials and get advice from a specialist framer. Otherwise, experiment — a small framed print can transform a shelf or corridor into a personal gallery.
Mounting photos is both a craft and an art. With the right supplies — from frames at Nordic Nest to cheaper ready-made options at Dunelm or Hobbycraft — you can protect and present your images beautifully. Whether you’re creating a family gallery wall, preparing prints for sale, or framing a cherished snapshot, understanding mounts, adhesives, and framing techniques will make your photos sing. Grab a mount cutter, pick an archival board if needed, and have fun turning your prints into display-ready pieces.
| Photo Mounting Supplies | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Scandi Essentials Skälby Frame Black 40x50 Cm | £ 16,70 |
