Choosing the right size can make all the difference when adding framed art to a room. Whether you're comparing standard picture frame sizes, converting centimetres to inches or deciding how large an artwork should be for your wall, this guide brings together the measurements you need in one place.
At Abstract House, our professional in-house experts ensure our artwork is printed and framed to perfection. We work with a range of standard and larger artwork sizes, so understanding the relationship between the artwork, mount and finished frame can help you choose a piece that feels properly proportioned within your space.
Below you'll find a practical guide to common picture frame and artwork sizes, including A4, A3, A2 and A1 formats alongside popular metric sizes such as 30 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm and 50 × 70 cm.
Which frame style should I chose?
The frame should feel like part of the artwork rather than an afterthought. When choosing framed art, consider the character of the piece, the colours already present in the room and whether you want the frame to blend quietly into the scheme or create more contrast.
Black frames can give artwork a sharper, more contemporary edge, while lighter and natural finishes tend to feel softer and more relaxed. The scale of the artwork matters too: a larger piece can often carry a stronger frame, while smaller works may benefit from something more understated.
At Abstract House, our framed artwork is finished by our team in London and arrives ready to hang, so the artwork and frame are considered together from the outset.
Explore our framed art prints to see the different styles, sizes and framing options available.
Depending on the type of frame you are looking to buy will determine how you measure the picture for your frame. Have a browse through our range of guides below to help you find the perfect photo frame.
How to find the right size frame?
Before choosing a size, it helps to distinguish between the size of the artwork and the finished size once it is framed. A mount and frame will increase the overall dimensions, so when planning artwork for a wall, always consider the complete framed size rather than the print alone.
If you're comparing standard picture frame sizes or measuring an existing image, the guide below covers the most common dimensions and how to measure them correctly. If you're choosing framed artwork from Abstract House, each piece is prepared by our team and arrives framed and ready to hang, so you can concentrate on choosing the right scale for your room.
Photo Credit: Abstract House Fine Art Collection Framed
How to measure for a picture frame
If you’re measuring an existing picture, print or artwork, start with the exact width and height of the piece itself. Measure from edge to edge and note the dimensions in either centimetres or inches.
The next measurement to consider is the finished framed size. This may be larger than the artwork itself because of the frame and, where used, the mount surrounding the image.
When choosing framed art for a particular wall, it is the finished dimensions that matter most. Measure the available wall space and consider any furniture beneath the artwork, such as a sofa, bed, sideboard or console, so you can judge how the complete framed piece will sit within the room.
The main measurements to consider are:
- the width and height of the artwork
- whether the artwork is presented with a mount
- the finished dimensions once framed
- the amount of wall space available
Use the picture frame size guide below to compare common standard dimensions and convert between centimetres and inches.
Photo Frame Size Guide
Here is a standard picture size guide to assist you in finding the perfect frame fit:
| Length (cm, inches) | Width (cm, inches) | Standard Picture Size | Which Frame? |
| 21 cm, 8 .25 inch | 29.7 cm, 11 .75 inch | A4 Size | A4 Picture Frames |
| 29.7 cm, 11 .75 inch | 42 cm, 16 .5 inch | A3 Size | A3 Picture Frames |
| 42 cm, 16 .5 inch | 59.4 cm, 23 .375 inch | A2 Size | A2 Picture Frames |
| 59 .4 cm, 23 .375 inch | 84 .1 cm, 33.125 inch | A1 Size | A1 Picture Frames |
| 30 cm, 11 .81 inch | 30 cm, 11 .81 inch | 30 cm Size | 30 cm Square Picture Frames |
| 40 cm, 15 .75 inch | 40 cm, 15 .75 inch | 40 cm Size | 40 cm Square Picture Frames |
| 50 cm, 19 .69 inch | 50 cm, 19 .69 inch | 50 cm Size | 50 cm Square Picture Frames |
| 21 cm, 8 .27 inch | 30 cm, 11 .8 inch | 21 x 30 cm Size | 21 x 30 cm Picture Frames |
| 30 cm, 11 .8 inch | 40 cm, 15 .7 inch | 30 x 40 cm Size | 30 x 40 cm Picture Frames |
| 40 cm, 15 .7 inch | 50 cm, 19 .7 inch | 40 x 50 cm Size | 40 x 50 cm Picture Frames |
| 50 cm, 19 .7 inch | 70 cm, 27 .56 inch | 50 x 70 cm Size | 50 x 70 cm Picture Frames |
| 70 cm, 27 .56 inch | 70 cm, 27 .56 inch | 70 x 70 cm Size | 70 x 70 cm Picture Frames |
| 100 cm, 39 .7 inch | 100 cm, 39 .7 inch | 100 x 100 cm Size | 100 x 100 cm Picture Frames |
What Choices Are There For Mount Size?
A mount creates space around an artwork and can change both its visual proportions and the overall finished size of the framed piece. A wider mount gives the artwork more breathing room, while a narrower mount creates a more compact appearance.
When comparing artwork and frame sizes, remember that the dimensions of the image and the finished framed piece may not be the same. For example, a 30 × 40 cm print can be presented within a larger frame when a mount is added around it.
This is particularly important when planning artwork for a specific wall, as it is the finished framed dimensions that determine how much space the piece will occupy.
If you are choosing framed artwork rather than framing an existing picture, check the finished dimensions of the piece so you can judge its scale accurately before hanging.
Here are some popular examples of the different size mounts that are available for some of our framed artworks.
What Size Framed Art Should I Choose for My Wall?
Choosing the right framed art is less about filling every centimetre of wall and more about getting the scale right for the room. A piece that is too small can feel lost, while larger artwork can give the space a stronger focal point.
If you’re hanging art above a sofa, bed or console, consider the overall width of the furniture beneath it as well as the available wall space. One larger artwork can create a clean, confident look, while a pair or set of three works well across longer walls where you want more rhythm and balance.
For an empty wall, try marking out the finished size with low-tack tape or paper before choosing your artwork. This makes it much easier to judge whether the scale feels right from across the room.
Remember that the finished framed dimensions can be larger than the artwork itself, particularly where a mount is used, so always consider the complete framed size when planning your space.
Explore our framed art to browse artwork across a range of sizes, styles and formats, all framed and ready to hang.
What If I Choose the Wrong Size?
Choosing artwork online can sometimes make scale difficult to judge. If your framed artwork feels too large or too small once it arrives, you can return it within 14 days of receiving your order, subject to our returns policy.
Before ordering, we recommend checking the finished framed dimensions and marking the size out on your wall with low-tack tape or paper. This is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of scale before committing to a particular size.
NEW: You can now view the framed artwork on your wall before purchasing to give you an idea of size and colours. All you need is your phone.
If you’re unsure which size will work best, our team is also happy to help before you order.
Get In Touch
If you'd like any help, our friendly customer service team and art consultants are on-hand to assist you. With experience in finding the right sized art and frames, let our team guide you with any questions may have.
