There’s something about finally printing a favourite photo and then realising it needs the right frame — common sizes for art prints include 30×40 cm, 50×70 cm, and 61×91 cm according to IKEA Ireland (home furnishing retailer). This guide walks you through the sizes, materials and retailers available across Ireland so you can choose the perfect frame without the guesswork.

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Standard frame sizes (inches): 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 16×20 ·
Common materials: wood, metal, plastic, acrylic ·
Price range for standard frames: €5 – €50 ·
Most popular frame colour: black ·
Average weight of a 8×10 frame: 0.5 kg

Quick snapshot

1Frame Sizes
2Frame Materials
3Where to Buy
4Custom Framing

The table below summarizes key facts about picture frames in Ireland.

Key facts at a glance
Attribute Typical value Source
Total frames in stock (typical retailer) hundreds BGA Store (frame retailer)
Price range for standard frames €5 – €200 Frame It Up (custom framing)
Most popular size A4 (21×29.7 cm) Elaine Watters Art (art guide)
Top material wood Strand Framing (frame manufacturer)

What sizes are available for picture frames?

Picture frames in Ireland come in both metric and imperial sizes, so matching your artwork to the frame opening is essential (IKEA Ireland size guide). Here’s how the most common options break down.

Standard photo sizes

  • 4×6 inches – the classic print size; can be framed without a mat in a 4×6 frame or with a mat in an 8×6 or 10×8 frame (Elaine Watters Art art guide).
  • 5×7 inches – popular for portraits and enlargements.
  • 8×10, 11×14, 16×20 inches – common for gallery prints and certificates (Fine Framers (framing supplier)).

A‑series sizes (A4, A3, A2)

  • A4 (21×29.7 cm) – the most popular frame size in Ireland (Elaine Watters Art art guide).
  • A3 (29.7×42 cm) – often sold as 30×40 cm frames at retailers like JYSK (JYSK Ireland homeware retailer).
  • A2 (42×59.4 cm) – ideal for larger artwork and posters (IKEA Ireland size guide).

Large poster sizes

  • 50×70 cm – a go‑to for statement pieces, according to JYSK Ireland (JYSK Ireland homeware retailer).
  • 61×91 cm (roughly 24×36 inches) – available from IKEA for gallery walls (IKEA Ireland size guide).
  • 70×100 cm and even 100×150 cm – offered by Desenio for large‑format prints (Desenio Ireland poster frame retailer).
Bottom line: Irish buyers who measure their artwork first avoid size mismatches and wasted money. For A‑sized prints, A4 and A3 frames are everywhere; for photo prints, 4×6 and 8×10 are the most standard.

The implication: knowing your print format before shopping saves returns and frustration.

Where can I buy picture frames online in Ireland?

Several Irish and international retailers offer strong online selections, but delivery options and pricing vary. Below are the key players.

JYSK

  • Offers frames from A4 (21×30 cm) up to 50×70 cm in a variety of colours (JYSK Ireland homeware retailer).
  • Good balance of price and quality, with home delivery and click‑and‑collect.

Desenio

  • Swedish brand with a dedicated Irish site; offers eight standard sizes from 13×18 cm to 100×150 cm (Desenio Ireland (frame size guide)).
  • Specialises in poster frames and contemporary designs.

IKEA

  • Widely available in Dublin and online delivery; sizes include 30×40 cm, 50×70 cm, and 61×91 cm (IKEA Ireland size guide).
  • Affordable options in wood, metal, and plastic.

EFrame

  • Irish custom framing service with made‑to‑measure frames and matting (EFrame custom framing).
  • Higher price point but ideal for non‑standard sizes.

BGA Store

  • Large selection of ready‑made frames and helpful advice online (BGA Store frame retailer).
  • Offers mounting services and rail width information for calculating final frame dimensions.
Bottom line: For budget frames, JYSK and IKEA deliver fast. For unique sizes or a premium finish, EFrame or a local framer like AM Frames or Framemakers is worth the extra cost.

The catch: budget options limit size and material choice, while custom shops trade cost for flexibility.

How to choose the right picture frame for your photo?

Beyond size, material, colour, and matting all affect how your photo is perceived. Here’s what to consider.

Consider the photo size

  • Always measure the photo and check the frame’s internal clear opening.
  • A frame that is slightly larger can accommodate a mat (mount) to create breathing room (Elaine Watters Art art guide).

Material and colour

  • Wood suits classic interiors and is durable (Strand Framing frame manufacturer).
  • Metal looks modern and is lightweight (BGA Store frame retailer).
  • Plastic is budget‑friendly and comes in many colours (JYSK Ireland homeware retailer).
  • Black remains the most popular frame colour across all materials.

Matting options

  • A mat (mount) adds a border between photo and frame, enhancing depth and protecting the artwork.
  • Many Irish retailers offer mount cutting, including Images Photo Services (Images Photo Services (mount cutting)).

Budget

  • Standard ready‑made frames: €5 – €50.
  • Custom frames start around €29.99 at Frame It Up (Frame It Up custom framing).
  • Bespoke frames from framemakers can cost €100+ but ensure a perfect fit.
Bottom line: Matching the frame to the photo’s character means a mat saves you when sizes don’t align, and black remains a safe bet for any interior.

The pattern: size drives the decision, material sets the tone, and budget defines the boundaries.

What are the best materials for picture frames?

Each material brings a different trade‑off between durability, weight, and price. The table below compares the four most common.

Four materials, one clear trade‑off: wood offers longevity, metal offers lightness, plastic offers affordability, and acrylic offers safety.

Material Pros Cons Best for
Wood Classic look, strong, can be refinished Heavier, higher cost Traditional homes, valuable artwork
Metal Lightweight, sleek, modern Can dent, limited colour range Contemporary interiors, posters
Plastic Very affordable, many colours, lightweight Less durable, can look cheap Budget frames, kids’ rooms
Acrylic (instead of glass) Shatter‑proof, lighter than glass Scratches easily, can yellow over time High‑traffic areas, large frames

The catch: acrylic is often used in place of glass for safety and weight savings, but it requires careful cleaning to avoid scratches. Retailers source frames in all these materials, so choose based on where the frame will hang.

The implication: each material imposes a trade-off that should match the frame’s location and function, not just appearance.

Picture frame size specifications

The exact dimensions of ready‑made frames vary by retailer. The table below lists the most widely available sizes across Irish stores.

Fifteen common sizes, one pattern: the metric A‑series and imperial photo sizes overlap but are not identical – always measure your artwork first.

Size type Dimensions Common use Retailer example
Small photo 4×6 in (10.2×15.2 cm) Standard prints Fine Framers
Medium photo 5×7 in (12.7×17.8 cm) Enlargements Fine Framers
Large photo 8×10 in (20.3×25.4 cm) Gallery prints Elaine Watters Art
Extra‑large photo 16×20 in (40.6×50.8 cm) Art reproductions Elaine Watters Art
A5 14.8×21 cm Small art, cards IKEA
A4 21×29.7 cm Documents, photos JYSK (21×30 cm)
A3 29.7×42 cm Posters, artwork JYSK (30×40 cm), IKEA
A2 42×59.4 cm Large prints IKEA
13×18 cm 13×18 cm Small posters Desenio
30×40 cm 30×40 cm Mid‑size posters IKEA, Desenio
40×50 cm 40×50 cm Square prints Desenio
50×70 cm 50×70 cm Statement posters JYSK, Desenio
61×91 cm 61×91 cm (24×36 in) Gallery walls IKEA
70×100 cm 70×100 cm Large art Desenio
100×150 cm 100×150 cm Oversized prints Desenio

The trade‑off: larger frames cost more and weigh more, and finding ready‑made sizes beyond 70×100 cm becomes difficult – that’s when custom framing makes sense.

The pattern: standard sizes cover most needs, but users with odd-format artwork must plan for custom framing.

How to measure and fit a picture into a frame

Correct measuring prevents returns and wasted money. Follow these steps.

  1. Measure the photo. Use a ruler or tape measure to get the exact width and height of the photo or print. Write down the measurements in both centimetres and inches, as retailers use both systems.
  2. Check the frame opening. The frame’s “clear opening” (the space behind the rabbet) must be at least as large as the photo. A frame labelled “A4” may have an opening of 21×30 cm, slightly larger than A4 paper (JYSK Ireland homeware retailer). If the photo is smaller, a mat can bridge the gap (Elaine Watters Art art guide).
  3. Use a mat if needed. A mat (mount) creates a border and centres the photo in the frame. BGA Store offers a simple formula: total frame size = photo size + (rail width × 2) (BGA Store frame retailer).
  4. Secure the photo. Most frames use backing tabs or fold‑down metal points to hold the photo in place. For archival framing, use acid‑free tape or corner mounts to avoid damage.
Measure twice before ordering — a mat fixes odd sizes cheaply, while custom frames from Frame It Up guarantee fit at a higher price.
For valuable artwork — use acid-free corner mounts rather than tape to prevent yellowing and damage over time.
Bottom line: Measure twice before ordering — a mat fixes odd sizes cheaply, while custom frames from Frame It Up guarantee fit at a higher price. For most photos and posters, a standard frame with a simple mat keeps costs low while delivering a polished result.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Picture frames come in standard sizes such as 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, A4, A3.
  • Common frame materials are wood, metal, and plastic.
  • Irish retailers offer both metric and imperial sizes.

What’s unclear

  • Exact pricing at individual retailers changes frequently.
  • Stock availability for specific sizes varies by season.
  • Whether acrylic or glass is included as standard depends on the frame model.
  • Black is the most popular frame colour — stated by retailers but not attributed to a specific source.
  • Frame depth compatibility varies across models and may not accommodate thicker artwork.

Expert perspectives on framing

“Common picture frame sizes in Ireland align with A4, A3, A2 and photo enlargement sizes such as 8×10 inches and 16×20 inches.”

– Elaine Watters Art (art guide)

“Our 50×70 frames are a go‑to for statement pieces such as posters or art reproductions.”

– JYSK Ireland (homeware retailer)

“Total frame size can be calculated by adding the photo size to the rail width multiplied by two.”

– BGA Store (frame retailer)

These insights highlight that ready‑made framing is straightforward once you know your artwork’s dimensions. Custom shops add the flexibility to match any size or style.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a picture frame with a mat?

Yes. Many ready‑made frames include a mat, and virtually all custom framers offer mat cutting. Stores like Images Photo Services provide a mount cutting service (Images Photo Services mount cutting).

How do I clean a picture frame?

Dust the frame regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For glass, use a glass cleaner on a cloth (not directly on the glass) to avoid dripping behind the frame. Avoid ammonia‑based cleaners on acrylic.

What is the difference between a photo frame and a poster frame?

Photo frames are typically deeper with space for a mat and backing, while poster frames are slim and designed for paper‑only prints. Poster frames often have a snap‑open front for easy swapping.

Are picture frames with glass or acrylic better?

Glass is scratch‑resistant and offers a clearer view, but acrylic is shatterproof and lighter. For large frames or high‑traffic areas, acrylic is safer. For valuable artwork, archive‑grade glass is preferred.

How to frame a picture without a frame?

You can use a clip frame (two sheets of acrylic with clips) or mount the photo on a backing board and hang it directly. Clip frames from retailers like Desenio provide a minimal look.

What is the standard depth of a picture frame?

Standard ready‑made frames have a rabbet depth of about 1–2 cm, sufficient for a single photo or poster with a backing. Custom frames can be deeper to accommodate matting or thicker artwork.

Can I reuse a frame from an old picture?

Yes, if the new artwork fits the frame’s clear opening. Measure the opening carefully. If the sizes mismatch, you can add a mat to fill the gap.

For anyone in Ireland shopping for a picture frame, the choice comes down to size, material, and budget. Ready‑made frames from IKEA, JYSK, or Desenio cover most needs quickly and affordably. When your artwork calls for a perfect fit, a custom framer like AM Frames or Framemakers delivers a solution that lasts. For most photos and posters, a standard size with a simple mat will do the job just fine — a choice that balances cost and result.