How to Frame Posters Without Spending Too Much
A great poster looks even better in a frame. But framing can cost a lot. The trick is knowing what matters and what you can skip. This guide helps you frame posters that look great without paying more than you need to.
Affordable Ways to Frame Posters
Framing costs vary based on four main factors:
- Frame material and style
- Mat board (single vs. double, standard vs. custom)
- Glazing type (clear vs. non-glare acrylic)
- Size (larger frames cost more)
The key to budget framing is knowing where you can save and where you shouldn't.
Where to Save: Smart Cost-Cutting Strategies
1. Choose Standard Sizes
Custom sizing is expensive. Standard frame sizes are mass-produced and significantly cheaper.
Common standard sizes:
- 18×24 (fits many posters)
- 24×36 (standard movie poster size)
- 16×20, 20×24, 11×14
How to make it work:
- Buy posters in standard sizes when possible
- Use a mat to adapt odd-sized posters to standard frames
- Trim poster edges if composition allows (not recommended for valuable prints)
Savings: 30-50% compared to custom sizing
2. Skip the Mat (Sometimes)
Mats add depth and professionalism, but they also add cost. For modern, bold posters with full-bleed designs, you can skip the mat entirely.
When to skip mats:
- Bold graphics and typography posters
- Modern prints designed to reach the edges
- Large posters (24×36 or bigger)
- When budget is extremely tight
When not to skip:
- Vintage or antique posters
- Artwork with important edge details
- Small posters (looks unfinished without mat)
- When you want a premium gallery look
Savings: $15-40 per frame
Important: If skipping mats, the artwork sits directly against the glazing, so use a mat or spacer if you want to keep the print off the acrylic.
3. Choose Simple Frame Styles
Ornate frames cost more. Simple, clean profiles in standard finishes are budget-friendly and timeless.
Budget-friendly frame styles:
- Simple wood frames in black, white, or natural finish
- Narrow profiles with a sleek, modern look
- Basic moulding profiles without intricate details
Avoid if budget-conscious:
- Wide, ornate frames with detailed moulding
- Specialty finishes (gold leaf, distressed, hand-painted)
- Extra-thick or extra-wide frame profiles
Savings: 40-60% compared to ornate frames
4. Stick With Clear Acrylic
Non-glare and premium glazing upgrades add cost. For posters (especially mass-produced prints), clear acrylic is perfectly adequate.
Budget glazing options:
- Clear acrylic: Excellent clarity, lightweight, and shatter-resistant
- Non-glare acrylic: Cuts reflections for posters hung across from windows
When to consider upgrade:
- Limited edition prints or signed posters
- Posters displayed in bright rooms (non-glare cuts reflections)
- Valuable or irreplaceable prints
Savings: $30-100+ per frame (compared to premium glazing upgrades)
Where to Splurge: Worth the Investment
Not every cost-cutting measure is wise. These upgrades are worth it:
1. Non-Glare Acrylic for Bright Rooms
If your poster will hang across from a window or under a bright light, non-glare acrylic is worth the upgrade. It cuts the reflections that can make a poster hard to see.
Cost: +$20-40
Value: A clear view of your poster in any light
Posters in dim hallways, basements, or low-light spaces can stick with clear acrylic safely.
2. Acrylic for Large Posters (24×36+)
Large frames are heavy and difficult to hang. Framer's grade acrylic is lighter than glass, safer, and ships without shattering.
Cost: Affordable even at large sizes
Value: Easier hanging, safer, less likely to break in shipping
3. A Mat for Small Posters
Small posters (11×14 or smaller) look unfinished without a mat. Invest in a simple white mat, it makes a huge visual difference.
Cost: +$10-20
Value: Transforms a cheap-looking frame into a professional display
Material Choices for Maximum Value
Frame Materials Ranked by Budget
Most affordable:
- Narrow, simple wood profiles
- Simple pine or basswood frames
Mid-range:
- Standard wood frames (oak, maple)
- Wider wood profiles with a quality finish
Premium (skip if budget-conscious):
- Solid hardwood with intricate moulding
- Hand-finished or specialty frames
Clear vs. Non-Glare Acrylic: The Budget Math
| Size | Clear Acrylic | Non-Glare Acrylic | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (11×14) | $ | $$ | Clear (cheaper, great clarity) |
| Medium (16×20) | $$ | $$ | Clear unless glare is an issue |
| Large (24×36+) | $$ | $$$ | Clear for budget; non-glare if hung in bright light |
DIY Assembly vs. Professional Service
Pre-Made Frames (Big Box Stores)
Pros:
- Extremely affordable ($15-50 for standard sizes)
- Instant availability
- Easy to assemble at home
Cons:
- Limited style selection
- Quality varies (cheap frames can look cheap)
- No customization options
Best for: Temporary displays, dorm rooms, budget decorating
Online Picture Framing
Pros:
- Better quality than big box stores
- Wide selection of styles
- Professional results
- Moderate pricing
Cons:
- Can't see/touch before buying
- Shipping costs and risks
- No instant gratification
Best for: Most budget-conscious picture framing (like CustomPictureFrames.com!)
Local Frame Shop
Pros:
- Expert advice and quality workmanship
- See materials in person
- Support local business
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Longer turnaround times
Best for: Valuable art, complex projects, when budget allows
The Budget Framing Formula
Here's a proven approach for beautiful, affordable poster framing:
For 18×24 or 24×36 poster:
- Choose simple black or white wood frame ($30-50)
- Skip the mat if poster has full-bleed design
- Use clear acrylic glazing ($20-30)
- Upgrade to non-glare acrylic if hung in a bright room (+$15-25)
Total: $50-105 for a professional-looking framed poster
Compare this to a local frame shop quote of $200-300+ for the same project.
Budget-Friendly Poster Frame Ideas
The Minimalist Modern
- Narrow black wood frame
- No mat
- Clear acrylic
- Best suited for: Typography prints, bold graphics, modern art
The Classic Gallery
- Simple white wood frame
- White mat (2.5" width)
- Clear acrylic
- Ideal for: Vintage posters, travel prints, museum reproductions
The Oversized Statement
- Natural wood frame (light oak or pine)
- No mat
- Framer's grade acrylic
- Works great for: Large movie posters, concert prints, oversized art
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the Absolute Cheapest Frame
Rock-bottom frames look cheap. Invest slightly more for better quality, your poster deserves it.
Bad: $10 plastic clipframe
Better: $30-40 simple wood frame
2. Skipping Non-Glare in Bright Rooms
Saving $25 on non-glare acrylic only to fight glare every time you look at your poster is false economy.
3. Using Wrong Size Frame
Forcing a poster into a too-small frame or having huge gaps looks unprofessional. Measure carefully and choose appropriate frame size.
4. Neglecting Hanging Hardware
A beautifully framed poster sitting on the floor because you don't have proper hanging hardware is a wasted investment. Budget for:
- Picture hanging hooks or wire
- Wall anchors (for large frames)
- Level and measuring tape
Free and Low-Cost Display Alternatives
If even budget framing is too expensive right now:
Poster hangers ($8-15): Magnetic or wooden hangers that grip top and bottom edges. Modern, minimalist look without frames.
Clipboards ($3-8): Large decorative clipboards make fun, easy displays. Easily swap posters.
Washi tape mounting (nearly free): Use decorative washi tape to mount posters directly to walls. Removable and renter-friendly.
DIY floating frames: Two pieces of acrylic with clips. About $20-30 in materials.
Getting the Best Value
To maximize your budget:
- Buy in standard sizes: Avoid custom dimensions
- Order online: Lower overhead than retail shops
- Use sales and coupons: Many frame sites offer 15-20% off first orders
- Frame multiple posters at once: Some sellers offer bulk discounts
- Choose simple, timeless styles: Won't look dated as trends change
Build Your Poster Frame
Good framing means spending where it counts and skipping where it does not. Get the right size, pick a clean frame, and use non-glare acrylic if you are hanging in a bright room.
Use our frame designer to type in your poster size and see frame styles at every price. The price updates as you pick options.
Need help? Email us at hello@custompictureframes.com or call 1 (800) 916-8770.