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Have you ever noticed how a simple frame can make a painting pop or a photo feel like a memory on parade? Frames do more than hold art — they shape atmosphere. The right frame can make a tiny print look polished, anchor a gallery wall, or turn a playful poster into thoughtful decor. Whether you prefer minimalist Scandi lines or bold, eclectic mixes, choosing frames with care transforms your space from “meh” to “memorable.”
When it comes to sourcing frames in the UK, a few names stand out for selection and style. Nordic Nest and Menkind are two stores worth browsing: Nordic Nest leans into Scandinavian simplicity with wooden tones and clean profiles, while Menkind brings playful, tech-forward and novelty options. Both are great starting points depending on whether you want classic understated frames or something with a twist.
Nordic Nest is a solid pick if you love pared-back frames that highlight the artwork. Think walnut and oak finishes, subtle white and black profiles, and sizes that match modern prints. For example, their Stensö walnut and oak frames that measure about 12 by 15.75 inches (30 by 40 cm originally) give photos and prints a warm, natural edge, while their 19.7 by 27.6 inch (50 by 70 cm) options suit larger posters or statement pieces. They also carry slim white and black frames perfect for gallery-style arrangements.
Menkind is where novelty meets practicality. If you want a digital photo frame — their Denver Frameo is a 10.1 inch screen — or a novelty piece like a cricket bat picture frame, Menkind has unique options you won’t always find on the high street. They also offer framed personalised posters that make for fun, distinctive focal points. For those who want to mix tech into home decor, Menkind’s digital frames are an easy way to keep a rotating slideshow of family moments on display.
Nordic Nest and Menkind are great, but the UK market is full of competitors that fit different budgets and tastes. If you want classic department-store reliability, big online marketplaces, or budget-friendly bulk buys, these retailers cover it.
John Lewis often stocks a broad range of frames in traditional and contemporary styles. Expect sturdy wood frames, metal profiles, and some higher-end designer collaborations. It’s a good spot for timeless pieces that match a polished interior.
Dunelm is the place for affordable frames in many finishes and sizes. If you’re building a gallery wall on a budget or need multiple matching frames for a hallway, Dunelm’s range offers practical choices without fuss.
IKEA and Habitat keep things simple and stylish. If you love streamlined frames and modular solutions for display, IKEA’s well-priced frames and Habitat’s slightly more curated selection make styling straightforward. Their frames often work great for prints, photography, or quick seasonal swaps.
Wayfair and Made.com provide a wide array of online-only designs and occasional custom options. For truly bespoke work — museum-quality mats, conservation glazing, or unusual sizes — local independent framers and specialist studios remain unmatched. Don’t overlook small local shops; they often offer craft-level finishing and tailored advice.
Choosing a frame isn’t just about color or cost — it’s about how the piece will live in the room. Ask yourself what role the framed piece will play: an anchor, a supporting actor, or the one doing all the heavy lifting? From there, decisions on scale, material, and finish become easier.
For calm, modern interiors, thin black or white frames and natural oak are winners. Rustic rooms often suit deeper wood tones like walnut, while metal frames add a sleek edge to contemporary spaces. The trick is to either match the frame to existing finishes or to deliberately contrast it to create a focal point.
Scale matters. A large frame on a narrow wall looks awkward; a tiny frame above a sofa disappears. A good rule is that art over furniture should cover about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the piece it sits over. If a sofa is 72 inches wide, aim for artwork roughly 48 to 54 inches across in total. For cluster arrangements, keep the spacing between frames about 2 to 4 inches for a cohesive look.
Wood frames bring warmth, metal offers modern crispness, and the glazing choice affects both look and protection. If you’re framing valuable prints, consider UV protective options; for casual pieces, plexiglass is lighter and less likely to shatter. The finish should echo other hardware in the room — drawer pulls, lamp stands, or picture hooks — to feel intentional.
Gallery walls can be transformative, but they’re easy to overcomplicate. The best ones look effortless, even if you planned them carefully. Want that effortless look? Start with a theme or a dominant piece and build outward.
The golden rule: hang the center of your arrangement at about eye level, which is roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Keep spacing between frames tight enough to read as a set — 2 to 3 inches usually works — unless you’re after a more airy, salon-style layout with larger gaps of 4 to 6 inches.
Sketch a layout on paper or use brown kraft paper templates stuck to the wall. Start with the largest piece in the center and arrange smaller frames around it like puzzle pieces. Alternatively, create a row of uniform frames for a sleek, linear look. Mixing sizes and orientations lends a casual charm; keep the color palette limited for cohesion.
Choosing glazing is about balancing clarity, weight, and protection. Real glass gives great clarity and scratch resistance but can be heavy and breakable. Plexiglass or acrylic is lighter and safer — perfect for large frames, kids’ rooms, or digital frames — but it scratches more easily.
If you’re framing original artwork, delicate photos, or pieces that will hang in sunlit rooms, opt for UV-protective glazing. It reduces fading over time and preserves pigments. For everyday prints, regular glazing is usually fine, but always consider longevity if the piece has sentimental or monetary value.
Different items need different approaches. A photograph benefits from archival paper and a mat; a print might look best with a clean, narrow frame; a three-dimensional object needs depth and support inside the frame.
For treasured photos, use acid-free mats and backing, and consider UV glazing. This protects the image and keeps colors vivid for years. Matting also gives breathing space, which makes the photo feel like an event rather than an afterthought.
Large prints need space, so don’t be afraid of a wide mat; it adds drama. When framing prints with borders, avoid covering manufacturer margins unless you want a borderless, edge-to-edge look. Always match the mat width to the piece’s scale — small prints look lost under a huge mat.
From medals to a child’s tiny shoes, three-dimensional objects require depth. Shadow boxes or deep-set frames allow these items to be displayed securely while creating visual interest. Be sure to anchor heavier items inside the frame to prevent shifting.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a polished result. With a few clever choices, your frames can look designer without the designer price tag.
Pick one statement frame — maybe a beautiful large walnut piece — and pair it with a selection of simpler, budget frames. This creates hierarchy and prevents your room from feeling cheap. Alternating splurge items with economical ones keeps the eye moving and the budget intact.
Learning to cut a simple mat can save money and add craft charm. Thrift shops and charity stores are also goldmines for frames that can be refreshed with paint. A quick coat of matte black or soft white spray paint can modernise an older frame in minutes.
Maintenance is simple but makes a big difference. Keep framed pieces out of direct sunlight when possible, dust frames with a soft cloth, and clean glazing with a gentle cleaner sprayed onto a cloth (not directly on the glazing) to avoid seepage. For heirlooms, re-evaluate framing materials every few years to prevent degradation.
If you have an unusual size, a priceless original, or a sentimental piece that needs special attention, bespoke framers and local studios are the way to go. Many high-street stores provide ready-made frames, but independent framers offer specialist advice, museum-grade materials, and the craftsmanship needed for archival-quality presentation. Online services also exist that combine convenience with professional finishing if you prefer to ship items for framing.
Think of frames as the punctuation marks of your room. Repetition creates rhythm — repeat a finish or color to tie a space together. Contrast creates interest — pair a sleek metal frame with rustic wood. And remember: the art is the star; the frame is the supporting actor designed to make that star shine.
Conclusion: With the right mix of store choices, smart sizing, careful glazing, and a dash of creativity, you can build a curated, stylish display that reflects your personality and protects your pieces. Whether you gravitate toward Nordic Nest natural oak frames, Menkind quirky digital options, or a budget-hack from Dunelm or IKEA, there’s a frame out there to make your walls sing.
