Displaying artwork online without a thoughtfully chosen frame can leave buyers wondering how the piece will look in person. A frame doesn’t just hold art; it completes the presentation and helps buyers visualize the art in their own space. Showing art already framed gives a clear, finished look that makes work feel more valuable and tangible.
For online sales, framing that enhances the artwork, without overshadowing it, can elevate perceived value and help justify premium pricing. The right frame also protects art during transport and reflects your professional branding.
Start With a Clean, Neutral Base
Simplicity is often the most effective selling tool. Frames with clean lines and neutral tones, such as black, white, or natural wood finishes, let the art take center stage. These styles are widely appealing and fit a broad range of interiors, helping potential buyers imagine the artwork in their own homes.
Neutral profiles reduce distraction and increase versatility, making it easier for buyers to connect with the piece rather than the frame.
I am thrilled with my purchase! Great looking frames to highlight my artwork. The frames arrived well packaged in a sturdy box.
Ainsley — St. Augustine, FL
Match Frame Style to Your Artwork’s Aesthetic
Different artistic styles pair best with specific frame types. The right frame should harmonize with the piece’s style and mood, not compete with it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say, so really, how you choose to frame your art is up to you. However, here is a nice starting place.
If your style is contemporary or modern art, you may choose minimalist metal or slim wood frames keep the look clean and current.
Consider these:
picture frame
face frame
picture frame
If your style is fine art prints and illustrations, you may choose a classic wooden frame with subtle grain that can provide warmth, or an ornate style frame to add some extra appeal
Consider these:
If your style is rich, traditional work, you may choose slightly wider profiles or nuanced wood finishes to add a sense of gravity without becoming distracting.
Consider these:
Use Matting to Enhance Focus and Depth
Matting isn’t just decorative; it creates breathing room around artwork and draws the eye in. A well-chosen mat can enhance depth, balance composition, and subtly guide the viewer’s attention toward your piece.
For prints, photographs, and smaller works, consider a single or double mat configuration that complements the key tones in the artwork. A white or off-white matboard often feels timeless and professional, while a tone pulled from the artwork adds cohesion and intentionality.
Have you heard of our Smart Color Matching tech for matboards? Frame It Easy is the ONLY place to find any matbaord color you can think of! You can even pull a color directly from your art print…like…right from it. Take the guesswork out of deciding on matboard colors, and let us guide the way.
Frame It Easy lets you add matting easily during design and offers multiple color and size options to match your vision.
Prioritize Protection and Presentation
Protecting art isn’t just about preservation; it signals professionalism and increases buyer confidence.
When selling art online, you’re responsible for how the piece arrives. High-quality framing materials and secure packaging protect your artwork in transit, reducing damage, costly returns, and potential harm to your reputation.
Frame It Easy offers durable acrylic cover options, including choices with UV protection, along with acid-free foamcore backing and all necessary hanging hardware. This ensures your framed work arrives at your customer’s doorstep ready to hang and enjoy.
Bonus Tip: Show Artwork in Context
When listing art online, include images that show the framed piece on a wall, next to furniture, or at a scale that helps buyers imagine it in their own space. Showing the artwork both framed and unframed gives context, but featuring framed images more prominently supports higher perceived value.
Buyers often know they will frame art eventually; showing it framed removes uncertainty and makes the purchase decision easier.
More Than Frames: How We Support Artists
At Frame It Easy, we do more than make custom frames; we help artists grow. Whether you’re selling originals, limited editions, or high-volume prints, we offer tools and support designed to make your business easier, more profitable, and more professional.
Shopify App Integration
Sell framed artwork directly through your Shopify store with our seamless Shopify app. It connects your shop to our custom framing platform so your customers can order perfectly sized frames without you managing inventory or fulfillment. You stay focused on creating — we handle the production and shipping.
White Labeling
Want the framing experience to feel yours fully? We offer complimentary white labeling so your brand stays front and center. From packaging to presentation, your customers receive a polished, professional product that reflects your studio — not ours.
Reseller Discounts
For artists who frame consistently or sell framed work, our reseller pricing helps protect your margins. Whether you’re preparing for an exhibition, fulfilling online orders, or building inventory for a show, our Reseller account perks and volume-friendly pricing make scaling easier.
Real Human Customer Service
Questions about sizing? Need help with a large order? Working through a unique project? Our in-house customer service team is here to support you and your collectors. Clear communication and fast turnaround times mean fewer headaches and more confidence when you’re selling framed art.
The TLDR
How do I know what thickness of artwork I can put in a frame?
Measure the depth of your artwork. Standard prints and photos fit most frames, while canvases, wood panels, or layered pieces may require a deeper frame to fit comfortably.
How do I know what size frame to buy?
Measure your artwork’s exact width and height. Custom frames are built to those dimensions. If you’re adding a mat board, base your frame size on the outer dimensions of the matted piece, not just the artwork.
Will the frames I buy from Frame It Easy be ready to hang?
If we are printing your artwork, yes! Those frames arrive fully assembled with the appropriate hanging hardware, so you can insert your artwork and hang it immediately, no extra setup required. If you are inserting your own art, the hanging hardware will come with your frame, along with instructions on how to add your art and assemble the frame. Easy!
How do I choose the best frame for my artwork?
Consider the style of your artwork, the room, and the overall look you want. Slim frames create a modern, gallery-style vibe, while wider frames add presence. Mat boards can add breathing room and accentuate colors. The goal is to complement your art without overpowering it.
Framed to Sell
Choosing the best frames for selling art online is both art and strategy. Frames should:
- Enhance and not overpower the artwork
- Use neutral or complementary tones
- Include matting that adds visual focus
- Provide protection and polish
- Help buyers visualize a finished piece in their space
Thoughtful framing boosts confidence, supports premium pricing, and elevates your online art presentation. Whether you’re creating prints, originals, or limited editions, investing in the right frames makes your work feel intentional and professional, and more likely to sell.
So where do I start?
The best place to start is to simply stay connected with our framing community. Connect with us for help with custom framing for your art business.
