10 Framing Mistakes That Waste Money (and How to Fix Them)
Most framing problems come from a few simple mistakes. Wrong measurements, bad glazing picks, and mats that are too wide or too narrow cause most returns. Every one of these is easy to avoid. This guide shows the mistakes we see most and how to fix them.
Picture Framing Mistakes That Cost You Money
The problem: You measure 8×10, order an 8×10 frame, and your artwork doesn't fit, or worse, rattles around loosely inside the frame.
Why it happens:
- Measuring the artwork plus the border/margin
- Using a flexible fabric tape instead of rigid ruler
- Measuring at an angle instead of straight
- Assuming printed paper size matches actual image size
- Rounding measurements instead of being precise
How to fix it:
Measure the Visible Image Area Only
If you're using a mat, measure only what you want visible through the mat opening, not the full paper size.
Example:
- Your photo is printed on 8.5×11 paper
- But the actual image is 8×10 with white borders
- Order mat with 8×10 opening (not 8.5×11)
Use a Metal Ruler or Tape Measure
Flexible fabric tapes can stretch and give inaccurate readings. Use a metal ruler for best results.
Measure Twice (at Minimum)
Measure your artwork's height and width at least twice. Check measurements at different spots on each edge to ensure artwork is perfectly rectangular (not skewed).
Add 1/8" for Wiggle Room (When Appropriate)
If ordering a mat, the mat opening should be your exact artwork size or 1/8" larger, no more. Too much space and your artwork will slip; too little and it won't fit.
Full guide: See our how to measure guide for step-by-step instructions.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Mat Width
The problem: Mats that are too narrow make artwork look cramped and crowded. Mats that are too wide overwhelm small pieces and look disproportionate.
Why it happens:
- Not understanding the relationship between artwork size and mat width
- Choosing a mat width that looks good on large artwork for your small piece (or vice versa)
- Following arbitrary "rules" without considering your specific piece
How to fix it:
Match Mat Width to Artwork Size
Small artwork (5×7, 8×10):
- Use 1.5-2.5" mats
- Narrower mats keep proportions balanced
Medium artwork (11×14, 16×20):
- Use 2.5-3.5" mats
- Standard professional width
Large artwork (20×24+):
- Use 3.5-4" (or wider) mats
- Larger pieces need more breathing room
Use Bottom Weighting
For a professional, gallery-ready look, make the bottom mat border 1/4-1/2" wider than the top and sides.
Example:
- Top and sides: 2.5"
- Bottom: 3"
This prevents the optical illusion of artwork "sinking" in the frame.
Preview Before Ordering
Use online design tools (like our frame designer) to preview mat widths before committing. What looks good in your head might not work in reality.
Read more: Our mat board guide covers mat sizing in detail.
Mistake #3: Skipping a Mat When Your Artwork Needs Breathing Room
The problem: Your artwork is pressed right up against the glazing, looks cramped, or sticks to the acrylic over time.
Why it happens:
- Skipping the mat to save money on pieces that really need one
- Not realizing a mat or spacer keeps the print off the glazing
- Underestimating how much a mat improves the finished look
How to fix it:
Add a Mat (or Spacer) to Keep Art Off the Glazing
Use a mat or spacer for:
- Family photographs you want to keep looking crisp
- Original artwork or limited edition prints
- Any piece where the art should not touch the acrylic directly
- Pieces you want to preserve long-term
You can skip the mat for:
- Bold, full-bleed posters designed to reach the edge
- Modern prints where a borderless look is the goal
- Very temporary displays
It's Worth the Investment
A simple mat or set of spacers typically adds $10-40, a small price to keep your artwork off the glazing and give it a finished, gallery-ready look.
Full comparison: See our mat board guide for details.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Glazing for Your Situation
The problem: Glare makes your artwork invisible, or your frame is harder to hang than it needs to be.
Why it happens:
- Not considering where the frame will be displayed (across from windows, bright room, etc.)
- Choosing clear acrylic when non-glare would work better (or vice versa)
- Prioritizing cost over practical function
How to fix it:
Match Glazing to Display Location
Bright room or across from windows: Use non-glare acrylic (cuts reflections)
Large frame (24×36+): Framer's grade acrylic is lighter than glass and easier to hang
Kids' room or high-traffic area: Acrylic is shatter-resistant and safer
Small frame in a low-glare spot: Clear acrylic gives the cleanest, sharpest view
Use Non-Glare Acrylic Where Reflections Are a Problem
Non-glare acrylic diffuses reflections so your artwork stays visible even across from a window. Clear acrylic gives the sharpest view when glare is not an issue.
Read more: Our acrylic benefits guide explains how to choose between clear and non-glare acrylic.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Frame Style and Decor Mismatch
The problem: Your ornate gold frame clashes with your modern minimalist living room, or your sleek narrow frame looks out of place in your traditional dining room.
Why it happens:
- Choosing frames based on what you like in isolation, not how they'll look in your space
- Not considering existing furniture and decor style
- Following trends that don't match your home
How to fix it:
Match Frame Style to Room Aesthetic
Modern/contemporary spaces:
- Simple frames (black, white, narrow profiles)
- Clean lines, minimal ornamentation
- White or gray mats
Traditional/classic spaces:
- Wood frames (natural, walnut, mahogany)
- Subtle ornate details acceptable
- Cream or off-white mats
Farmhouse/rustic spaces:
- Natural wood frames (light oak, pine)
- Distressed finishes
- Cream mats, warm tones
Eclectic/bohemian spaces:
- More freedom to mix styles
- But maintain some consistency (all wood tones, or all same color)
Consider Frame Color and Furniture
Your frame should complement (not clash with) nearby furniture:
- Dark furniture → frames in similar dark tones or contrasting white
- Light furniture → light wood or white frames work beautifully
- Mixed furniture → neutral frames (black, white, natural wood)
Mistake #6: Hanging Frames Incorrectly
The problem: Frames hang crooked, fall off the wall, sit too high or too low, or create a cluttered appearance.
Why it happens:
- Not using proper hanging hardware for frame weight
- Eyeballing height instead of measuring
- Not using a level
- Incorrect spacing in gallery walls
How to fix it:
Use the 57-60 Inch Rule
The center of your artwork should be at eye level, approximately 57-60 inches from the floor.
How to measure:
- Measure artwork height
- Divide by 2 (to find center)
- Measure 57-60 inches up from floor
- Mark where the center should be
- Subtract half the artwork height to find top edge
- Account for hanging hardware and mark nail placement
Use Proper Hardware for Frame Weight
Light frames (under 10 lbs): Standard picture hangers or nails
Medium frames (10-25 lbs): Heavy-duty picture hangers or wall anchors
Heavy frames (over 25 lbs): Hang from wall studs or use heavy-duty anchors
Pro tip: Large frames with acrylic are much easier to hang safely than glass frames. See why in our acrylic benefits guide.
Always Use a Level
Even being slightly off-level is noticeable. Use a small level (or smartphone level app) to ensure frames are perfectly straight.
Measure Gallery Wall Spacing
For gallery walls, maintain 2-3 inches between all frames. Inconsistent spacing looks unintentional and messy.
Full guide: Check our gallery wall layouts guide for hanging tips.
Mistake #7: Ordering Before Previewing Your Design
The problem: The frame arrives and looks nothing like you imagined. Colors clash, proportions are off, or the style doesn't work with your artwork.
Why it happens:
- Not using preview tools when ordering online
- Assuming combinations will work without seeing them together
- Ordering based on individual elements without considering the whole
How to fix it:
Always Preview Your Complete Design
Use online design tools that show:
- Frame + mat + artwork together
- Accurate colors (not just descriptions)
- Proportions and dimensions
- How your actual uploaded image looks in the frame
Test Multiple Combinations
Don't settle for your first design. Try:
- Different mat colors
- Various frame styles
- Different mat widths
Compare your top options side-by-side before ordering.
Pro tip: Our frame designer lets you preview your exact frame combination with live updates and real-time pricing.
Mistake #8: Using Wrong Frame Orientation
The problem: You order a portrait (vertical) frame for a landscape (horizontal) artwork, or vice versa.
Why it happens:
- Not double-checking orientation when ordering
- Assuming frames are reversible (some aren't)
How to fix it:
Verify Orientation Before Ordering
- Portrait: Vertical (taller than it is wide)
- Landscape: Horizontal (wider than it is tall)
- Square: Equal width and height
Double-check your artwork orientation matches your frame order.
Most frames can be oriented either way, but always confirm.
Mistake #9: Forgetting About Hanging Location Limitations
The problem: Your beautiful new frame won't fit in the space you intended, or it's too heavy to hang where you wanted.
Why it happens:
- Not measuring wall space before ordering
- Not considering furniture placement
- Ignoring weight and hanging limitations
How to fix it:
Measure Your Wall Space
Before ordering, measure:
- Available wall width
- Available wall height
- Distance from furniture to wall
Rule of thumb: Frames above furniture should be 6-8 inches above furniture top and no wider than 2/3 the furniture width.
Consider Frame Weight
Large frames can get heavy, making them difficult to hang on drywall. Consider:
- Framer's grade acrylic, which is lighter than glass
- Hanging on wall studs
- Using heavy-duty anchors
Mistake #10: Not Reading Return Policies
The problem: Your frame arrives damaged, doesn't fit, or looks wrong, but you can't return or exchange it.
Why it happens:
- Assuming all companies have fair return policies
- Not reading terms before ordering
- Ordering from sites with "all sales final" policies
How to fix it:
Read Return Policies Before Ordering
Look for:
- Return window (14-30 days typical)
- Return conditions (unused, undamaged)
- Who pays return shipping
- Refund or exchange options
Red flags:
- "All custom orders are final sale" (avoid unless you're 100% certain)
- No return policy listed
- Very short return windows (under 7 days)
Reputable Shops Offer Fair Policies
Quality custom frame shops understand mistakes happen and offer reasonable return/exchange policies. CustomPictureFrames.com provides clear, fair policies because we want you to love your frame.
Avoid These Mistakes Before You Order
Every mistake on this list is easy to avoid. Measure twice, preview your design, and pick the right glazing for where it will hang.
Use our frame designer to check your measurements, preview mat widths, and compare glazing options. You will see exactly what you are getting before you order.
Not sure about sizing or materials? Contact us at hello@custompictureframes.com or call 1 (800) 916-8770. We will help you get it right the first time.