The Best Poster Frames

Buying Guide for Poster Frames

Why buy a poster frame?

There are several good reasons why it’s worth investing in a good, sturdy frame for your favorite posters. First and foremost, a poster frame will protect its contents the same way that picture frames protect photos of treasured memories. A frame will protect your poster from becoming dusty, dirty, spilled on, watermarked, torn, folded, or otherwise damaged. Many posters are made of fairly flimsy and thin paper, so they’ll last much, much longer if they’re protected by a frame. Without a frame, you’ll have to use some sort of adhesive to secure your poster to the wall, which greatly increases the chances of the poster ripping or tearing if/when you take it down to move it elsewhere.

What should you look for in poster frames?

• Measurement: First and foremost, you need to know the dimensions of what you’re looking to frame. Most framing products you come across will provide plenty of variety when it comes to size, so there should be no reason to wind up with wall art that appears too loose or crumpled inside of the glass. You also don’t want the edges of your poster or art covered up or cut off by the frame. Try to find a frame that’s only an inch bigger than the dimensions of your art while also accounting for the size of the frame’s mat board (the cardboard-like material that sits between a frame and your poster or artwork), if it has one.
• Setup: When it comes to hanging your wall art, the process should be as simple as sticking a nail in a stud and mounting where desired. But before that, you should also be cautious of the loading process of your poster. Most traditional options will have you slip the poster into the frame and seal it off with a cardboard backing. More unique options incorporate a hanger-style design that exposes your art for a more clear, albeit unprotected view.
• Design: There are great frames that exist outside of a standard black wooden border; however, when done right, those classics can elevate your art even further. Plain neutral shades like black, white, gray, and brown will be the most common options, but you aren’t limited to these by any means. Metallic and brighter-colored poster frames are definitely out there, and plenty come embossed, carved, or otherwise intricately decorated. You may even be able to find more unique frame shapes beyond the usual square or rectangular models though these will be harder to find.

What is the best material for poster frames?

Metal is highly durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes to fit a wide variety of decor styles; a slender aluminum or stainless-steel poster frame will suit a modern, minimalist look well, while a thicker, patterned frame made from bronze or silver will look great in a vintage or classically styled homes. If you do opt for a metal frame, look for one that is naturally corrosion-resistant or has been treated to prevent corrosion. Wood poster frames can be made out of real, natural wood or processed wood scrap particleboards like MDF. Natural wood is heavier, more durable, and has a longer service life but is also more expensive and high maintenance than particleboard. Particleboards will also have more consistent graining since they’re manmade while you’re at nature’s whim with real wood, so think about which look will suit your home’s style.

In terms of the frame’s front glazing, if it has one, most will be acrylic/plexiglass or real glass. Acrylic is lighter and less delicate than glass, but it also offers less clarity and sharpness for the image inside. Glass is usually thicker and offers sturdier protection in that regard, too.

Our Picks for the Best Poster Frames

Pros: While capturing the heavy-shell aesthetic, this frame is made from wood and polished plexiglass, so it sure looks the part without being a hassle to hang up. If you’re more interested in large photography rather than movie posters, this product and its selection of different sizes and colors would easily pull off a gallery look as well. Hanging this frame is no more difficult than loading your poster and mounting it with the built-in hooks. Not only that, but the frame can be hung either horizontally or vertically, depending on your poster.

Cons: This frame is made from engineered wood rather than real solid wood, so it is less durable than one made out of real wood.

Bottom Line: A must-have for film buffs and retro wall art, this poster frame captures the joy of sliding your new favorite poster on the wall. Its heavy, deep black border is wonderfully reminiscent of cinema walls where each coming attraction is encased in a frame that’s as big as the movie poster itself.

 

Pros: For a simple, minimalist look, this magnetic frame is perfect. It’s easy to use and has strong magnets that secure your poster in place. There are 35 different size options; just be sure to get proper measurements before you decide on your size. And keep in mind the frame is meant to have about an inch of overhang on each side to keep your poster firmly in place. Overall, this poster frame is great because you don’t have to worry about glass that could potentially crack, it’s easy to change out your poster, and it won’t damage your poster.

Cons: Because this frame is weighted at both ends with magnets, a paper poster may curl at the sides. This is not indicative of this particular seller but the style in general.

Bottom Line: These magnetic frames have nice, strong magnets that can handle thin paper posters and thicker posters as well. They come in a variety of finishes, so you can find one that looks amazing in your room and complements your poster. And you can choose to hang your poster vertically or horizontally.

 

Pros: Create a cool side-by-side look with this money-saving two-pack of poster frames. You can flex your creative muscles with these contemporary frames and use them to display all your best art prints, photos, posters, puzzles, and more. These frames have a sleek, black finish that works well with many types of decor. They come in many size options, so you can fit just about any poster or work of art. They’re easy to use and feature a back-loading design with a clear styrene front to protect artwork and puzzles from damage. And the lightweight cardboard backing and durable plastic profile make adding or swapping posters a breeze.

Cons: The metal tabs for securing the poster may be a little sharp. Use caution when moving them up and down.

Bottom Line: For the price, this is a nice set of frames. Be aware that the backing is made of sturdy cardboard and not wood or MDF. These poster frames are made to protect your posters and shouldn’t cause any tearing or damage.

 

Pros: This slender poster frame is made from real oak hardwood rather than less durable engineered wood, so you know it’s nice and strong. The natural wooden color is aesthetically pleasing and will suit many different decor styles, but if it’s not to your liking, it’s also available in black or white or a shade of darker oak wood as well. With 12 different sizing options, ranging from small to medium to large, you should be able to find one that fits your poster perfectly. You can also buy them in a pack of two if you have more than one poster that needs a frame, and it can be hung horizontally or vertically, thanks to the pre-installed mounting hardware on the back.

Cons: Since this frame is made out of real wood rather than particleboard, it’s definitely on the pricey side, especially for a single frame. It’s also on the shallow side, so it may not be deep enough for thicker posters and artwork.

Bottom Line: You can’t go wrong with an actual, natural wood frame, and this oak-made model is a nice solid option, literally and figuratively.

 

Pros: Not only is this frame available in a multitude of size options to fit any poster or artwork, but it’s also available in 20 finishes, including multiple bright colors, sleek metallics, and smooth wood finishes. With a bright white translucent backing, this frame really makes your poster pop. Two PET covers are included: one flexible PET lens that offers non-glare and UV protection and one that offers glossy and UV protection. This poster comes with all the necessary hardware & concealed mounting holes. And this frame can be hung both vertically and horizontally.

Cons: This poster frame is meant to be a permanent fixture screwed into a wall. This is not a good choice for renters or anyone who doesn’t want holes in the drywall.

Bottom Line: With snap technology, it’s really easy to change out posters or artwork for a home or business, and it can even make a nice special menu or special offer poster frame for a business. It looks great on a wall and comes nicely packaged to protect from damage.

Final Thoughts

If you have a beloved poster or two (or more) in your home or dorm room, a good, sturdy poster frame is a near must-have. They not only make your poster easier to shift from room to room or living space to living space but ensure that your poster stays crisp, unbent, and undamaged so you can enjoy it for years to come.