Framing is about more than just putting something behind glass. It's about preserving memories, showcasing milestones, and bringing personality to your space. Whether you're framing a snapshot from your last vacation, a rare poster from your favorite band, or a keepsake that tells part of your story, the frame you choose plays a major role in how it's experienced.

So how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down by what you're framing so you can find the perfect fit.

For Photos

From candid moments to professional portraits, photos hold our most meaningful memories. The best frame for a photo often depends on where you plan to display it and the overall aesthetic of the space.

What to consider:

• Frame style: Clean, modern metal frames offer a sleek look, while warm wood tones add a cozy, classic feel.
  
  
• Matting: A mat adds breathing room and can help draw the eye toward the photo. White, off-white, or even a subtle color can elevate the presentation.
  
  
• Orientation & size: Choose from standard sizes or go custom to match less common prints.
  
  

Best fits: Black wood frames with white mats, natural oak for lifestyle shots, or ornate mouldings for wedding portraits.

Pro tip: A gallery wall of framed photos in matching frames can turn a blank wall into a storytelling feature.

For Posters

Posters are bold and expressive, so your frame should complement, rather than compete with, the artwork.

What to consider:

• Simplicity is key: Thin black or white frames allow the poster to shine without distraction.
  
  
• Mat or no mat: Many people skip mats for posters, but adding one can elevate the look and make it feel more polished.
  
  
• Protection: UV-resistant acrylic helps preserve color vibrancy over time.
  
  

Best fits: A thin black frame or natural wood floater frame, especially for movie, music, or art posters.

Pro tip: If the poster is sentimental or rare, make sure to use acid-free backing and UV-protective acrylic to help prevent fading or damage. Luckily, all of our backing and mats are acid-free and our standard and non-glare acrylics offer UV protection!

For Keepsakes & Memorabilia

Some memories are three-dimensional and they deserve a frame that can accommodate their shape and meaning.

What to consider:

• Use a shadow box: These deeper frames are made for items like dried flowers, medals, baby shoes, or concert wristbands.
  
  
• Depth matters: Make sure your item fits comfortably inside. Our frames list “usable depth” so you’ll know exactly how much space you have.
  
  
• Background & mounting: Choose a backing color that complements your item, and consider pins, adhesives, or risers to secure it in place.
  
  

Best fits: Deep wood shadow boxes with fabric or colored backing boards for added texture.

Pro tip: The right arrangement inside the shadow box is just as important as the frame. Take time to place your item thoughtfully, and it’ll look like a mini exhibit in your home.

For Art Prints & Illustrations

Art deserves a frame that enhances its aesthetic without overpowering it. The frame you choose can influence how the piece is perceived.

What to consider:

• Style match: A bold, contemporary frame might suit a graphic print, while a rustic wood frame could be better for nature-inspired pieces.
  
  
• Floating vs. traditional mount: Floating an art print, especially if it has a deckled edge, gives a museum-quality look.
  
  
• Matting: A single or double mat adds contrast and gives the piece room to breathe.
  
  

Best fits: Modern metallics, natural woods, or painted finishes that mirror colors in the artwork.

Pro tip: Choose archival mats and backing to protect original or fine art prints from yellowing and deterioration over time.

For Documents & Certificates

Diplomas, awards, and certificates mark accomplishments worth celebrating. The frame you choose should look professional, timeless, and clean.

What to consider:

• Simple sophistication: A classic black or dark wood frame with a white or cream mat keeps the focus on the achievement.
  
  
• Mat opening size: Measure the visible area of your certificate, not just the paper size, to get a perfect fit.
  
  
• Acrylic vs. glass: Frame-grade acrylic is lighter, shatter-resistant, and provides UV protection, making it a safer option long-term.
  
  

Best fits: Black wood frames, walnut finishes, or brushed metal for a modern office look.

Pro tip: For a polished look, align the frame with other items in your space, matching finishes to nearby furniture or décor.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Details

No matter what you’re framing, these finishing touches make a difference:

• UV-Resistant Acrylic: Protects your piece from fading over time while offering crystal-clear clarity.
  
  
• Acid-Free Backing: Keeps your art, photo, or memorabilia safe from yellowing or damage.
  
  
• Non-Glare Options: Perfect for bright rooms with lots of light, just make sure to install it correctly. If it looks cloudy, flip it!

Finding the right frame isn’t about following strict rules. It’s about pairing your personal style with the right materials and dimensions. Think of the frame as the final brushstroke in the story you’re telling, whether that story is nostalgic, celebratory, or simply beautiful.

At CustomPictureFrames.com, we make it easy to find the perfect fit. With custom sizing, handcrafted frames, and helpful tools every step of the way, we’re here to help you frame your world your way.

Ready to start? Browse by size, style, or use case to build a frame that’s made for what matters most.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

Nature-inspired interiors are trending, and we’re here for it. Whether it’s a botanical print, a photo from your garden, or a calming landscape, custom framing helps bring those fresh, organic vibes indoors, beautifully and affordably. With real wood frames handcrafted in New Jersey and shipped nationwide, CustomPictureFrames.com makes it easy to create a space that feels grounded, calm, and connected to nature.

What Is Biophilic Design? 

Biophilic design is all about reconnecting with nature by incorporating natural elements into your home. From greenery to sunlight to nature-inspired art, this trend helps reduce stress, boost mood, and improve indoor environments. And it’s not just about live plants! Framed artwork plays a huge role in setting the tone. Think leafy prints, forest photography, and garden snapshots that turn your walls into serene landscapes.

Nature-Inspired Art Ideas to Frame 

Nature has long been a source of inspiration in art, and now it's taking center stage in interior design. Framing nature-themed artwork is a simple yet meaningful way to invite calming, organic elements into your home. Whether you’re looking to create a statement wall or add a subtle touch of green to your space, these ideas are a great place to start.

Looking for the perfect pieces to frame? Try:

• Vintage or modern botanical prints
• Watercolor florals or pressed flowers
• Your own garden photos or nature snapshots from hikes
• Landscape photography and scenic views
• Nature-themed kids’ art

Pro tip: Those flower or sunset pics on your phone? Print them and make them shine with a custom frame.

Frame Styles That Complement Natural Themes 

The right frame can enhance the earthy tones and textures found in nature-inspired art. Choosing frames that reflect the raw beauty of the outdoors can make your artwork feel even more authentic and immersive. Think natural wood tones, subtle finishes, and profiles that let your art breathe.

Pair your nature-inspired pieces with frames that echo the outdoors:

• Rustic wood tones like barnwood, walnut, or weathered oak
• Earthy finishes and matte textures
• Thin, minimal profiles to let the art shine
• Float frames for canvas botanicals
• Shadow boxes for pressed flowers, leaves, feathers, or natural keepsakes

Every frame is made from real wood, sustainably sourced, and built to order right here in the USA.

Image Credit: @maileebarkdull

How to Style Biophilic Framed Art at Home 

Bringing biophilic design into your home doesn’t mean a total makeover. Even a few well-placed pieces of framed nature art can shift the feel of a room. The key is to create balance. Pair natural elements with thoughtful design to make your home feel calm, welcoming, and refreshed.

Biophilic framed art works in every room. Here are some ways to style it:

• Pair framed prints with potted plants for a "gallery meets greenhouse" vibe
• Add botanical art to your bathroom or bedroom for a spa-like retreat
• Layer framed pieces on shelves alongside natural textures like linen, jute, and rattan
• Create a calming gallery wall with a mix of photos, prints, and natural objects

Tip: Keep it cohesive with a consistent frame finish or mat color for a pulled-together look.

Image Credit: @thetinytopiary

Bring the outdoors in with a frame-worthy touch. Whether you're preserving a flower from your garden or displaying your favorite mountain view, we’ll custom build a frame to match. Made to order in New Jersey and shipped nationwide, our frames are ready to bring a breath of fresh air to your walls.

Browse our frame collection at CustomPictureFrames.com to print and frame your own nature-inspired art and photos. From botanical prints to outdoor snapshots, we’ll help you bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

You’ve spent countless hours practicing drills, drove hundreds of miles to get to games and matches, and sweat and sacrifice resulted in lots of metals and trophies! Don’t stuff your hard earned metals in a drawer or haphazardly sling them on your bed post. Instead, follow this simple DIY to proudly display your precious collection of sports memorabilia! Learn how to turn any frame base into a Hanging Sports Ribbon Frame for your wall.

Supplies:

• 22” x 18” Frame (I used Lindley for this project.)
• Cup Hooks
• Drill with small drill bit
• Pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Rubber mallet
• Hanging Hardware

First, collect your ribbons and figure out a rough arrangement on how you’ll hang them on the frame and how long of a frame you’ll need.

Measure the ribbon widths to get a better idea on how far to space the hooks apart and use a pencil to create marks. We spaced ours 1.5 inches apart.

Add your drill bit to your frame but we have a great tip to lessen the chance of drilling through the frame. Measure the length of the screw part of your cup hook. Apply tape around your drill bit slightly shorter than this length.

When drilling holes into the frame, only drill up to the tape marking.

Screw in the cup hooks in these holes.

Add hanging hardware to the back of your frame.

Hang your frame in your home. Tip: Due to the extra weight of the metals on this frame, you might to add double hardware pieces on the back or add a more heavy duty security hanger to the back and/or use drywall anchors to help secure it in place.

Hang your ribbons on each of the hooks.

Whether it’s a participation ribbon or one earned after a weeklong tournament, this personal memorabilia can easily be displayed in your home. Display it along with your other sports trophies, gifts or game balls to keep your collection together.

About The Author

Tara Nehil is author of SpotOfTeaDesigns.com, a lifestyle blog sharing home décor, crafts, party inspiration and parenting lessons learned the hard way. Her graphic design background is evident in the home she lives in and styles with her husband and 2 young daughters. Follow her creative journey for photo tutorials, printables, budget-friendly decorating tips and ways to celebrate occasions big and small.

You’re about to hear Dad say, “You nailed it!” This Father’s Day, dig through all those jars and drawers in your garage and recycle leftover hardware pieces to create a custom nuts and bolts frame for your dad with a custom mat. Discover our tips to create the perfect arrangement, what adhesive to use and how to ensure this DIY custom matboard fits within your CustomPictureFrames.com frame.

Supplies:

• Frame
• Matboard
• Miscellaneous hardware
• Hot Glue or E6000 glue
• Pencil

As we previously shared, creating a custom matboard (Link: DIY Custom Matboards) is a great way to personalize a gift, play off a photo’s theme or match your home décor when displayed.

For this Father’s Day gift, you’ll first need to take note of the area of the frame you have to craft your custom mat board so it fits after completion. Insert your mat and use a pencil to draw a light line noting your workable area.

Since these hardware materials are slightly weighty, you may choose a heavier-duty adhesive, like E6000. It comes in smaller tubes like this or larger tubes for bigger projects. Tip: smaller tubes are less likely to get glued shut between projects!

Apply a small amount of glue to each hardware piece and attach it to the matboard. You may consider working in some small areas around the mat or try the approach of adding all the largest pieces first, then filling in with smaller pieces.

Whichever you choose, add pieces until they completely fill up the pencil-marked frame.  

Allow the custom matboard to dry thoroughly before reassembling the frame. Tip: If you choose to hang on the wall, you may consider additional security hardware to make it more stable in your home.

About The Author

Tara Nehil is author of SpotOfTeaDesigns.com, a lifestyle blog sharing home décor, crafts, party inspiration and parenting lessons learned the hard way. Her graphic design background is evident in the home she lives in and styles with her husband and 2 young daughters. Follow her creative journey for photo tutorials, printables, budget-friendly decorating tips and ways to celebrate occasions big and small.

While there are thousands of custom framing options you can choose to complement your captured memory or memorabilia, sometimes the options are still not enough! Consider creating a custom matboard to match the vibe of your cherished moment in time with personalized accessories outside the framing aisle. Follow along for more tips on upgrading your frame with a custom matboard for birthdays, holidays and special occasion photos.

MATS

At CustomPictureFrames.com, our matboards are 4-ply and 8-ply thick and come in 85 different colors to fit your needs. Use one of these matboard options as a base for your custom-framed piece. When creating a custom mat board, consider starting with a basic white or black or choosing a color that may help your materials camouflage into the frame.

In the case of this Swiftie-inspired custom matboard on our Smooth White mat, the matboard color is irrelevant to the finished design as it was covered with these adhesive mirror strips.  

The Grey matboard was a great compliment to the silver hardware used in this Nuts and Bolts Frame.

ADHESIVES

Consider various adhesive options when crafting your custom mat boards, depending on what you attach. Flatter, thinner materials, like tissue paper, patterned paper or decorative napkins, will easily adhere with decoupage glue. Slightly dimensional items, like the birthday candles, will likely adhere well using basic white tacky glue. Uniquely shaped items, like twigs, may adhere easily with hot glue. Thicker and slightly heavier items, like nuts and bolts, might adhere best using a sturdier, more permanent glue, like E6000. Tip: They sell mini tubes of this glue that lessen the chances of gluing the tube shut after each use!

TIPS

• Measure First. There must be a little overlap for the frame to hold in a mat. This may limit the amount of surface area you have to create your custom design, especially when it involves thicker decorating materials. Before working on your custom matboard, insert it and assemble your frame. Use a pencil to lightly mark a line on the matboard so you don’t have a challenge adding the mat back in.
• Check your weight. Putting too heavy of material on your custom mat board will certainly change the weight and possibly the weight distribution of your frame. Consider this when hanging your frame, as you might need to add extra hardware to secure it to the wall or add weight on the easel back so it doesn’t fall over.

• Make a plan. Your material choice to build your custom mat board may require more planning on the arrangement before gluing, while others are fine to be applied without any planning. In the case of this googly eye frame, the tacky glue we used allowed for slight readjustment as we added the eyes to the frame. Tip: don’t use hot glue with googly eyes; it may melt the eye and limit the googly action!

To add acrylic or not to add acrylic? This may be one of your questions. Custom matboards with dimensional items may limit your ability to add a protective acrylic piece to the front of the frame. If you still want this dimensional look but with a protected front, consider choosing a shadowbox instead of a picture frame as a house for your custom matboard piece.

About The Author

Tara Nehil is author of SpotOfTeaDesigns.com, a lifestyle blog sharing home décor, crafts, party inspiration and parenting lessons learned the hard way. Her graphic design background is evident in the home she lives in and styles with her husband and 2 young daughters. Follow her creative journey for photo tutorials, printables, budget-friendly decorating tips and ways to celebrate occasions big and small.