Sizes of picture frames and what you need to know

If you're a photo aficionado, then it'll be easy to understand the relevance of picture frame sizes. But if you're new to the world of photography and picture frame sizes, then this article will help you get on the right track.

There is a wide variety of picture frame sizes, many of which are standard frame sizes, but many other sizes that are special or non-standard. Standard frame sizes cater to the most common photo dimensions. Photographs that you may have are most likely standard in size, but can be cropped to fit in many special sized frames.

Picture frame sizes are measured in the US by inches and in centimeters for most of the rest of the world. You always measure a frame by its width by height. For instance, if you have a photo size of 4x6 that means its 4 inches wide by 6 inches high.

Picture frame sizes represent the size of the picture and not the outside dimensions of the frame size itself. To get the exact picture frame measurements to see if your photo will fit, measure the frame's interior opening dimension. You can measure the opening by removing the back of the frame and measuring the glass. You can expect that the frame opening will be slightly smaller than the actual image. For instance, a 4x6 frame will usually have a 3-3/4" by 5-3/4" opening because of the ledge that holds the glass and photo in place.

Before buying a picture frame, see whether the frame could be used both vertically and horizontally. There are times where photo frames can only be used one way and few things are worse than realizing you bought the wrong kind of frame. Two examples of this are 6x4 and 10x8 sized frames which can only be used horizontally. If you instead wanted a vertical 6x4 or 10x8 frame you'd simply buy a 4x6 or 8x10 frame.

Frame shapes are also an important consideration. Obviously, a heart-shaped frame can only be used standing up. Frame decorations are also another consideration. An example would be a pewter picture frame with giraffes designed on it. Turning these photo frames on their sides would look strange because the giraffe would be on its side.

Another way to get the right picture frame size is to inspect the back of the frame. If you're planning to display your picture on your work table or on the wall, make sure that the easel on the back of the frame can be used either vertically or horizontally.

Less common frame sizes like 3x3, 3.5x3.5 and 3x4 to name a few, are easy to find, but selections may be limited unless you shop at large frame retailers.

There are also other picture frames with multiple "openings" or "windows." These kinds of frames are quite common and are usually called double frames, triple frames, multi frames or collage picture frames.

Double picture frames usually have identical openings which can fit two 2.5 x 3.5, 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 photos. Triple picture frames have three openings and generally fit three 2.5x3.5, 4X6 or 5x7 photos.

If you're looking to accommodate photos of different sizes then a collage frame may be exactly what you're looking for. Collage picture frames have multiple openings and give you the flexibility to mix and match photos of various sizes in any way you desire.

Armed with the right information you now have what you need to select the right sized picture frame from the large array of picture frame choices.

Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of unique, quality picture frames with free design assistance to help you find the perfect picture frame quickly and easily.