Other Places to Buy Frames

While IKEA frames are a great option, they are not the only place to find good frames for your posters. Many retailers offer frames in standard poster sizes, often including pre-cut mats, which can significantly improve both the presentation and preservation of your artwork.

Large retailers such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, and local art supply stores sell a wide variety of poster frames designed specifically for prints and photography. These frames often support common poster sizes and can be an easy way to give your artwork a more polished look.

For example, you can browse many affordable frame options that include mats here: Walmart Poster Frame

Frames like these are often available in sizes that match popular poster formats such as 30×40 cm, 50×70 cm, and 61×91 cm (24×36 inch).

Why Using a Mat Is Important

A mat (sometimes called a mount) is the border placed between the artwork and the glass inside a frame. While it adds a clean visual border, its most important function is actually protecting the artwork.

Without a mat, the print sits directly against the glass. Over time this can cause several problems:

• Moisture can cause the paper to stick to the glass
• Ink or pigments may transfer to the glass surface
• Condensation can damage the paper
• The artwork can warp or deteriorate

A mat creates a small air gap between the artwork and the glass, which helps prevent these issues and keeps the print in better condition over time.

This is why galleries and professional framers almost always use mats when framing artwork.

Mats Also Improve How the Artwork Looks

Beyond preservation, mats also enhance the presentation of the artwork. The border creates visual space around the image, helping the eye focus on the artwork itself.

Even a simple white mat can make a poster feel more like a gallery-quality print rather than a poster.

For bold art styles such as pop-art, Afro-chic portraits, and contemporary graphic art, a neutral mat (white or off-white) usually works best because it allows the colors and details of the artwork to stand out.

The Goal: Let the Artwork Be the Star

Whether you choose frames from IKEA or other retailers, the principle remains the same: the frame should support the artwork, not compete with it.

A simple frame combined with a mat creates a clean, professional presentation that allows the artwork to take center stage exactly how art on your wall should feel.