GUIDE: How to frame your poster in the best way

Posters is a timeless and fun way to showcase your interests and personal style. A well-placed poster can bring life to virtually any room in a house or apartment. But just as important as the poster itself is the frame. We've made a simple guide that explains the best way to frame your poster.

Since you are no longer a teenager but a responsible adult (with good taste), you know that it is not enough to simply stick a poster on the wall with a thumbtack or tape. Instead, the best solution is to frame your poster and hang it on the wall like a piece of art. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Choose the right passepartout.
  A mat – the cardboard frame that is placed between the photograph and the glass – can enhance the colors of the poster while creating a visual space between the poster and the frame. A mat can also be useful if you have a frame that doesn’t fit your poster 100%.
• Step 2: Choose the right frame.
  There are many options on the market, ranging from cheap plastic frames to high-quality metal or composite frames. Well-made wooden frames or other high-quality frames can provide an additional layer of protection for a valuable vintage poster, for example.
• Step 3: Remove the frame hinges or clips.
  This step is exactly what it sounds like. Remove the frame hinges or clips and remove the contents of the packaged frame. Be careful when doing this so you don't break anything.
• Step 4: Clean the glass or plexiglass front and let it dry.
  It is important to clean the glass. This is to remove any debris or material residue. It also means that your poster will look beautiful once it is hung on the wall.
• Step 5: Attach the poster to a self-adhesive foam board.
  In many cases, rolled posters do not fit perfectly in their frame. Mounting the poster on a thin foam board can make framing easier while providing an extra layer of protection.
• Step 6: Slide the glass/plexiglass into place in the frame.
  Remember that when framing a poster, you are layering the material. Slide the glass or plexiglass into place in the frame so that it is aligned correctly from the start.
• Step 7: Place your passepartout (if applicable) in the frame.
  If you decide to use a passepartout of some kind, place it in the frame, just behind the glass.
• Step 8: Carefully slide the poster/foam board into the frame.
  In this step, you will insert the poster into the frame behind your passepartout, provided you have chosen to use one. Do this carefully to avoid creases or damage to the poster.
• Step 9: Add protective paper to the back (if applicable).
  The back of the poster also deserves care. By adding an extra protective layer to the picture frame towards the end, you can protect your art from dust and scratches.
• Step 10: Attach the suspension mechanism.
  When you buy a complete poster frame, a hanging kit is usually included. In some cases, they must be ordered separately. Make sure to use this for the best possible results.

Alternative framing options

Local picture framing shop

You can take the easy (but expensive) route of taking your poster to a local shop that specializes in framing and having them frame it for you. Given that posters tend to be large in size, it will likely be quite expensive to have a local rambutik do this for you.

The downside to local home decor or craft stores that sell poster frames is that they often have a limited selection of suitable frames to choose from. Most picture framing stores tend to have plenty of frames in stock, but their stock of larger poster-sized frames may not necessarily be the best choice for you. Additionally, many chain stores import pre-made frames, which can result in inferior quality or workmanship.

Specialized online framing store: Learn to frame yourself

The internet means that we have everything within reach with just a few clicks of the mouse. Specialist online framing shops often have both extensive experience and lower overheads, which means they can offer competitive prices.

Choosing the right frame for your poster

When choosing and mounting a frame for a poster, you need to consider two important aspects when it comes to your poster:

Is it black and white or color and what are the standard sizes for posters?

If your poster is black and white (or grayscale), a neutral frame can be a great way to highlight the image. If you have a decor theme, framing a poster with a frame profile in a color within your theme will help you coordinate your art in the room. If your poster has a lot of color, a complementary colored frame can help highlight the art.

If your poster is large, a thin profile frame will probably look better than a wide frame unless you have a large space to fill and really want to make a statement. If you have a smaller sized poster or a small poster for an event, you can add a mount and frame to make it look like a piece of art.

Finding the right frame for your poster and getting it framed is not as difficult as you might first think. With a little guidance and help from us, you are just a few steps away from having the perfect frame ready to hang.