How to Choose the Right Picture Frame: A Simple Guide to the Types of Picture Frames That Actually Matter

The Frame That Fits: A Simple Guide to the Types of Picture Frames

Pick the wrong frame and even great artwork can look a bit… off. Like wearing gumboots to a wedding. Practical, perhaps. Correct? Not quite.

At Mulbury, we make recycled timber picture frames in Melbourne, and because we build standard, floating and shadow box frames daily, we’ve seen just about every type of picture, print, poster, canvas and odd sentimental object come through the workshop.

So, here’s a simple guide to the different types of picture frames, what each frame type is best for, and how to choose the right frame without overthinking yourself into a small framing crisis.

1. Standard Frames

A standard frame is the classic picture frame most people think of first. Your photo or artwork sits flat behind glass or acrylic, with the option to add a mat board for extra breathing room.

At Mulbury, we highly recommend acrylic because it is made from 90% recycled material and provides 85% UV protection. That means your print, poster, certificate or photo gets a little extra protection without feeling like it belongs in a museum with someone whispering “please step back”.

Standard picture frames are ideal for prints, photos, posters, certificates and anything on paper. They are affordable, versatile and work for about 90% of what people frame.

A frame with a mat can also help protect the artwork from touching the acrylic, while giving the whole piece a more finished gallery frame look. These versatile frames come in Slim, Original and Wide, so the frame size can suit everything from smaller frames on a shelf to larger hanging frames in a gallery wall.

2. Floating Frames

A floating frame is designed for stretched canvas. The canvas sits within the frame with a small gap around the edge, making it look like it is floating on the wall.

That gap is deliberate. It is not a mistake, a wonky measurement, or the frame equivalent of forgetting your keys. It gives the canvas space to breathe and shows off the edges beautifully.

Floating frames are designed for canvas paintings and canvas prints. They are not for paper artwork. There is no glass or acrylic, so you can see the canvas texture exactly as the artist intended.

This is where a wooden frame really shines. Recycled timber has natural grain, character and warmth, which complements the artwork rather than competing with it. A wood frame can soften bold art, add texture to a modern frame style, and make the whole piece feel more considered.

3. Shadow Box Frames

A shadow box frame is a deep-set frame with space between the glass and the backing. This type of frame is made for 3D objects, not flat paper.

Shadow box frames are perfect for medals, jerseys, baby shoes, dried flowers, concert tickets, memorabilia and all the sentimental bits you do not want sitting in a drawer forever. Depth is the key, usually around 30 to 50mm, depending on the object.

This is storytelling, not just framing. A shadow box lets you display the object, protect it, and turn it into something worth seeing every day. We can also custom-size box frames for unusual objects, because life rarely hands you memorabilia in neat standard sizes.

What About Other Frame Styles?

There are many different styles available when choosing a picture frame. You might see a metal frame, modern metal frame, metal photo frames, glass frames, tabletop frame, collage frame, poster frame, gallery frame, wooden photo frames or even the occasional accidental search for “phot frame” when your fingers give up halfway through typing.

There is a wide range of styles out there, but the most common frame types usually come back to the same question: what are you framing?

For paper, choose a standard frame. For canvas, choose a floating frame. For objects, choose a shadow box.

That is the simplest frames comparison you’ll ever need.

A Frame With Purpose

Every frame you see from Mulbury is made from rescued Australian timber, cut and built right here in our Melbourne workshop. So whether you choose a standard frame, floating frame or shadow box frame, it is made to last and made with a bit of purpose behind it.

We believe the art of framing should do more than make photos and artwork look good. It should keep good timber in use, reduce waste and give your memories, artwork and objects a home that feels thoughtful.

Still unsure which frame style suits your piece? Send us a photo. We’ll take a look and give you a straight answer. No confusing frame jargon. No dramatic design speech. Just helpful advice from people who make frames and picture frames every day.

Get in touch - we'd love to help you!

To make an enquiry, please head to our Shadow Box Frame page, Custom Framing Page or Floating Frame Page and fill out the form or head straight to our standard size picture frames.

Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424

Email: hello@mulbury.com.au