How to Size a Frame Border

When framing artwork or a photograph, the space between the actual print and the frame is referred to as a border. While there are no rules for choosing the size of the border, you will want to pick one that allows for a visually pleasing presentation. For example, a small photo about 4 inches square may look peculiar when set in a border that is 8 inches wide. Allow the border to enhance the art or photo rather than distract from it.

Artwork or photo
Ruler
Mats
Frame

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your piece of artwork or photograph. Allow for one-eighth inch of the print, on all sides, to be covered by the border.
- 2
  Place your print inside several different mats, to determine which border size is the most visually pleasing to you. While there’s no rule, the framers at Metroframe recommend at least a 2-inch border for smaller prints and 2.5 to 5 inches for prints larger than 16 by 20 inches.
- 3
  Calculate the sides and top of the border to be equal dimensions, such as 2 inches. Make the bottom border one-half to 1 inch larger than the other three sides. When all four sides are the same, the bottom border can actually appear to be smaller, but this trick can help make the borders look even.

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