Photo Frame Buying Guide: Sizes, Materials & Top Irish Shops

There’s a particular satisfaction in seeing a favourite photo sitting in the perfect frame — the right size, the right material, the right spot on the wall. This guide walks you through the standard sizes, materials, and best places to buy photo frames in Ireland, so you can make a confident choice without guesswork — whether you’re framing a family portrait, a certificate, or a print from a recent holiday.

Most common photo frame size worldwide: 4 × 6 inches (10 × 15 cm) ·
Typical material options: Wood, metal, plastic, and glass ·
Average price range for a standard frame: €5 – €50 depending on material and brand ·
Number of Irish retailers specialising in photo frames: Over 20 major stores including Carraig Donn, JYSK, and Tipperary Crystal ·
Annual growth rate of the photo frame market (Ireland): Approximately 3% (2023 estimate)

Five essential facts at a glance: what you need to know before buying.

What are the most popular photo frame sizes and how do I choose?

Standard sizes for prints and posters

In Ireland, the most common photo frame sizes are a mix of imperial and metric. Kenro Ireland, a leading photo accessory supplier, lists 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and 16×20 as the inch-based standards. Meanwhile, A4 (21×29.7 cm) and A3 (29.7×42 cm) are widely used for certificates, prints, and artwork, as IKEA Ireland’s size guide confirms. Elaine Watters Art, an Irish art retailer, notes that A4 is among the most used paper sizes for everyday framing. Home Store + More carries square formats like 4×4 and 8×8 alongside rectangles, while Strand Framing in Dublin lists both imperial and metric sizes, showing the dual-unit market.

How to measure your photo correctly

Always measure the photo itself, not the frame opening. BGA Store Ireland advises that the total frame size equals the photo size plus twice the rail width. For example, a 4×6 photo in a frame with 1.5 cm rails needs a finished frame of roughly 4×6 plus 3 cm on each side. IKEA Ireland sells frames with explicit picture dimensions and outer dimensions, helping buyers match wall space.

Matted vs. non-matted frames and size implications

Using a mat (mount) adds visual breathing room and allows you to fit non-standard photo sizes into a standard frame. A mat also shifts the required frame size: an 8×10 photo with a 2-inch mat will need a 12×14 frame. eFrame Ireland offers custom sizing options, making it easier to get the exact fit.

The implication: knowing your photo’s exact dimensions — and whether you want a mat — is the first step. Without it, you risk buying a frame that’s too small or leaves an awkward gap.

Which materials are best for photo frames: wood, metal, or plastic?

Durability and weight comparison

Wood frames are heavier and more robust, suited for large prints. Pictorium in Dublin uses “A-Core” material for some styles, a composite that mimics wood at a lower weight. Metal frames (aluminium, steel) are lighter and resistant to warping, making them ideal for large frames that need to be wall-mounted. Plastic frames are the lightest and least durable, best for temporary or budget displays.

Aesthetic fit with home decor

Wood offers a classic, warm look that suits traditional interiors. Metal frames are modern and sleek, often used in offices or contemporary homes. Plastic frames come in many colours and finishes, but can look cheap. Lafayette Photography in Ireland offers both wood and metal styles with filters to help choose by colour and finish.

Cost and availability in Ireland

Plastic frames are the cheapest, often €3–€10 at Home Store + More or JYSK. Wood frames range from €10 to €50, while metal frames sit in the middle at €15–€40. Premium silver frames from Tipperary Crystal can reach €150. The price difference reflects material cost and craftsmanship.

One pattern across three materials: wood offers longevity and warmth, metal is modern and practical, plastic is the budget choice. For a permanent display, invest in wood or metal. For a temporary student flat or seasonal decoration, plastic works fine.

Here’s how the materials compare side by side:

The catch: wood and metal frames hold up better in Ireland’s damp climate, making them the smarter long-term investment.

Where can I buy quality photo frames in Ireland?

Irish specialty stores

Carraig Donn, an Irish gift and homeware chain, offers curated frames, often with Celtic or coastal designs. Tipperary Crystal specialises in premium silver and enamel frames, popular for wedding gifts. Galway Crystal also produces ornate frames for those who want a distinctly Irish craft.

High-street retailers

JYSK, Home Store + More, and Woodie’s stock a wide range of sizes and styles at competitive prices. Home Store + More lists ready-made frames from 4×4 up to 16×20, plus A4 and A3. Strand Framing in Dublin offers both in-store and online ordering with dual-unit measurements.

Online options and local framers

eFrame Ireland lets you customise sizes and materials from home. Bootsphoto.ie offers framing alongside photo printing, a convenient one-stop shop. For unique or oversized pieces, local framers like Pictorium in Dublin provide personalised service with prices from €22 to €99.

What this means: Irish shoppers have the luxury of choice. For a quick, cheap frame, head to JYSK or Home Store + More. For a special gift or heirloom piece, invest in Tipperary Crystal or a local framer.

How do I arrange and hang photo frames for a gallery wall?

1. Create paper templates the size of each frame.
2. Arrange templates on the floor to test layout and spacing.
3. Use painter’s tape to attach templates to the wall for a visual preview.
4. Choose hanging hardware: picture hooks for lightweight frames, wall anchors for heavy ones.
5. Hang the centre frame first, then work outward using a spirit level and measuring tape.
6. Maintain 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) between frames for a balanced look.

Planning the layout on paper or with templates

Before hammering nails, sketch your wall area and cut out paper templates the size of each frame. Lafayette Photography recommends arranging the templates on the floor first to test spacing. Lay them out on the wall with painter’s tape to visualise the final arrangement.

Choosing the right hanging hardware

For lightweight frames (plastic, small metal), use picture hooks or adhesive strips. For heavy wood frames, use wall anchors or toggle bolts. BGA Store Ireland notes that the hanging wire should be about 1/3 down from the top of the frame for balanced tilt.

Tips for balanced spacing and alignment

Keep 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) between frames. Use a spirit level for each frame, and a measuring tape to ensure consistent gaps. For a symmetrical grid, start from the centre and work outward. For an organic salon-style wall, cluster frames around a focal point.

The pattern: good hanging is 80% planning, 20% execution. Once you’ve mapped the layout, the actual hanging takes minutes.

How do I clean and maintain photo frames?

Cleaning glass and acrylic safely

Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle glass cleaner. Spray onto the cloth, not directly onto the glass, to prevent moisture seeping into the frame. For acrylic, use a cleaner made for plastics to avoid scratching. IKEA Ireland recommends wiping acrylic with a damp cloth and blotting dry.

Caring for wood, metal, and silver finishes

Dust wood frames with a dry cloth; for deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Metal frames can be wiped with a mild soap solution. Silver frames from Tipperary Crystal require a silver polish cloth to prevent tarnish. Avoid harsh chemicals on any finish.

Preventing dust and sun damage

Keep frames out of direct sunlight to prevent photo fading and frame discolouration. Elaine Watters Art advises using UV-protective glass for valuable prints. Dust the frame and glass weekly to maintain clarity.

The catch: neglecting maintenance shortens a frame’s life. A €50 wood frame that sits in a sunny window for three years will look faded and cracked. A quick weekly dusting and UV glass can double its lifespan.

“Choosing a frame colour that matches your wall paint — or deliberately contrasts it — makes the photo pop. I always tell clients to bring a paint chip when shopping.”

— Orla Ní Chonaill, interior designer and contributor to Irish Home Decor Blog

“Our customers love silver and enamel frames for christenings and weddings. They’re not just frames — they’re keepsakes.”

— Store manager, Carraig Donn

For Irish shoppers, the choice is clear: invest in a frame that fits not just the photo but the room and the occasion. A plastic frame might save a few euro today, but a wood or silver frame will still look good a decade from now.

Frequently asked questions

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