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Best Picture Frames Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
This category is a general indication of by how much you are getting your money's worth. There are many things that could indicate the worth of your frame. Firstly, is the materials that go into making the frame. There are many cheaper imitation products that are used to keep prices down on these frames. There is nothing wrong with using these materials. They often do a very good job of still looking really good when they are hung up, but the price should still reflect that. The prices of all these frames can vary wildly. All the frames on this list are all a great deal. Things like the digital picture frame are gonna cost more than the other frames on this list. This is also true of the frames made out of metal. There are fancy looking frames that cost quite a bit less than they look, though. The clothesline picture frame looks very good, but it costs very little. These are things to think about when buying your picture frame.
Durability
This is a very important one to think about as well. Picture frames are chiefly designed to have a place to put your photos, but a closely related, and just as important part of their design, is that they also keep your photos safe from harm. To do this, these picture frames need to be able to withstand damage that comes from falling, or other kinds of damage. This is another criteria that relies on the quality of the materials that are keeping the photo or picture enclosed. Look for frames that use denser and stronger materials, like real wood, or metal. This makes it less likely that the frame will break if it is knocked off of a wall, or counter. Picture frames are often in very precarious positions, so it might be a good idea to try to find a frame that is built to withstand that kind of fall. This is important for the front of the frame as well. Many picture frames are made of glass, but there is a growing amount of frames that use acrylic, which affords the same level of visibility, but with an increased amount of strength. This might be a useful thing to look into if you are buying a frame.
Versatility
It is helpful if the picture frame that you buy can be used in many different ways. This is true in a few ways. The most obvious is that it is helpful if you can buy a picture frame that can be used on both a counter, and on a wall. A counter top frame is a classic. There are so many shelves in a home, and it can be helpful to have things to cover them with so that your furniture doesn't seem barren. It helps if the folding insert that allows you to place the frame onto a counter can be put in both a landscape and portrait style. This means that you can put any kind of picture in it. Most of the frames that you'll find on this list can be hung on a wall, and put on a counter. It gives you so many more options when you can just hang the photos whenever you want. The rating in this category is an indication of how much freedom you will have when you get your new picture frame. Everyone benefits from being able to do whatever they want with their new product.
Ease of Use
Another important thing to think about when buying yourself a picture frame is how much difficulty it is going to bring into your life. The answer should probably be: not much. There are a few things that should be considered when looking for a picture frame that will make your life easier, rather than harder. The first is how easy it is to install the frame somewhere. This can be seen in how easy the installation is. Try to find a frame that comes with a hanging kit so you don't have to look elsewhere for tools. The hanging should be an easy situation that also allows you to quickly take the picture down, and then put it up again. Why you would want to do that is what leads into the other important part of buying an easy to use picture frame. It should be very easy for you to change the photos out of the picture frame. This is different for some people, compared to others. Some people put their picture frame up, and then forget about it, while others want to change their photo as often as they go on vacation. There are many ways that this can be easy for you. There are magnets, or plastic slip-ons, or even clothesline pegs. It's all about finding the one that is the best fit for you.
Fit
Something useful to look for when buying a picture frame is to find one that does a good job of fitting in many kinds of scenarios. The truth is, people don;t often buy picture frames and then build their entire home around it. It will usually go the other way around. On the other hand, you don't want to have to buy a whole new batch of picture frames every time that you change the furniture or the colors of your walls. This means that it is important to try to find a picture frame that does a good job of fitting in with many different kinds of styles. This can be seen in a few ways. There is of course, the color. Try to find more neutral looking colors that will fit with any kind of background. If you want something that pops out, the blue colors of some of these frames do very well against any neutral-colored background. There are also styles that do a good job of bringing a lot of attention to themselves, like the metallic tree, and the clothesline. These picture frames do a great job at being the centre of attention. These should be treated like a little art project or display that you know people will stop and stare at. This means that you should just go for it sometimes, and get a picture frame that pops.
10 Best Picture Frames
1. EcoHome Distressed
This frame has just a touch of style, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants something stylish, but not enough to detract from the picture itself.
Stylish Frame
This frame has a good deal of style, but not too much. It has a slightly tattered look that would make it fit perfectly in any kind of apartment with exposed brick, or anything like that. The Frame has a good texture that moves from the outside in that will naturally draw the eye towards what you are trying to show off.
Other Features
The EcoHome is a very versatile frame for many reasons, as well. The frames do a good job of being displayed either vertically, or horizontally. This means that you don't have to worry about switching the picture out for a landscape or a portrait. They can also be displayed on a tabletop, or on the wall. They are easily mounted if you want to hang them, which is handy.
Cost and Value
The EcoHome is a very affordable picture frame. It does a great job of fitting into any home's style, while bringing a good amount of style by itself. It is also very versatile in how it can be used. There are many sizes that you can choose from, and they all look great. EcoHome is also well-known for their use of recycled materials, which means that no waste was made in the production of this product.
2. NIUBEE Frameless Acrylic
Although simple in their style, the NIUBEE still makes a great first impression. The fact that they are also very durable is just an added bonus.
Acrylic Picture Frame
Acrylic picture frames are a great choice for a variety of reasons. These frames are very durable, which makes them a great choice for keeping any of your precious memories protected. The NIUBEE is also good for being able to protect your photos in other ways. The acrylic is very protective against ultraviolet light, which means you don't have to worry about your photo fading over time.
Other Features
the NIUBEE is great for many other reasons, too. They are very easy to put together. It consists of two slides of acrylic material with magnets in the corners. Just line up the magnets and then your picture is perfectly set up. These frames don't have any outside border, which means that the picture will do all the talking for you.
Cost and Value
The NIUBEE comes in a large variety of sizes and sets that mean that you can choose your savings. The packs of five will save you the most money. Acrylic is not a very cheap material, but it will outlast any other kind of material that you can think of. These frames are great for people who want something reliable, and simple.
3. Northland School Years
This is a more specific kind of frame, but it does such a great job that it has to be put this high on the list. This personalized picture frame will be a great memento of a child growing up.
Personalized School Years Frame
This picture frame is designed so that you can put every year of school photo day shots inside the picture. It is a collage of thirteen different photos that are perfectly sized for each year of school. This picture frame is the perfect solution to having to change the photos in the house every year as your kid grows up.
Other Features
The Northland frame has some other touches that make it perfect for its intended purpose. The frame is designed so that it can be personalized, too. You can choose any name that you want, and it will be set in the middle of the picture, which goes very well with that final photo of your child all grown up. There are also labels for each of the school years so that you can better keep track.
Cost and Value
Although it has such a specific purpose, the Northland is a great choice for anyone with kids. This frame is a perfect way to watch your kid slowly grow up through the years, as you slowly add new photos, one by one. This is also the perfect gift for anyone that you know with kids, as well. It comes in a few different styles, which lets you choose the one that suits you best.
4. AmericanFlat Collage Wood
If you want something simple to hold up a collection of photos, then the AmericanFlat is a great choice for that.
Collage Wood Frame
This picture frame is designed with two things in mind: showing off a few photos, and doing it simply. The wood frame is designed to give off a classic, home town feeling. It is perfect for a couple pictures of wholesome moments. The collage style also makes it great for putting a few related photos that are more meaning together in one place.
Other Features
The AmericanFlat is great for some other reasons too. It is made of simple materials, that help accentuate its simple style. The front is made of clear glass that will give you a good view of your photos. The frame is made of processed wood so the look is as authentic as possible. It also comes with the proper tools for if you want to hang it on the wall, so you don't have to wrangle up some nails yourself.
Cost and Value
The AmericanFlat is the perfect solution for anyone who is trying to find a simple and decent set for their photos. They come in a few different styles and shapes, which means that you can better find the perfect frame for you. The price is very reasonable, so you can get a couple sets of collages without having to break the bank.
5. Friends Replica
For something completely different, think about buying this ornate frame that is almost identical to the iconic one from Friends.
Friends Frame
Everyone loves Friends. Even the people who don't love Friends will know this frame from somewhere. This is the frame that encircles the peephole at Monica's (and Rachel's, and Chandler's, and sometimes Joey's) apartment. It is a perfect replica that will make people think that they are holding the real thing.
Other Features
This is a great choice that goes beyond just being a replica of a famous television prop. These are designed so that they can be very quickly installed. The tape needed to hang this comes right in the package. They are also hand-made with the highest quality materials, so you won't feel like you are buying a cheap ripoff item.
Cost and Value
This is a great present for anyone that you know with even a passing interest in Friends. It has featured in almost every episode of one of the most popular TV shows ever. It costs a little more than some of the other simple frames on this list, but it makes up for it with the care and effort that went into making something that resembles the original so perfectly.
6. Philip Whitney Family Tree
For a collage picture frame that emphasizes the stylistic side of its design, look no further than the Metal Family Tree
Hanging Family Tree
This picture frame is designed to be used as a visual representation of your entire family. You can hang many metal frames on it, each with a portrait of one of your family members. This is a giant visual metaphor that will do a great job of representing your entire family in one place. Of course, the impressive design of this frame makes it a great choice for many other uses, as well.
Other Features
This frame makes a huge impression, and it has some other features going for it that makes it easy to use in the way that you want. This frame is made out of metal, so you can be sure that it is very durable and doesn't feel cheap when you carry it around. It also comes with ten picture frames so it is easy to get the whole family on there.
Cost and Value
The Philip Whitney is a great choice for anyone who wants to hang a lot of photos with style and flair. It is designed as a visual metaphor for an entire family, but it is easy to come up with other uses that would make it a great purchase. It costs a bit more than the other frames on this list, but makes up for it with the design, and the ability to hang a great deal of picture frames on it. It is easy to buy more from this company if you run out of frames.
7. Wind & Sea Magnetic
This is about as simple as it gets for a picture frame, but that is the main benefit of the Wind & Sea. Slap it on a metallic surface and put any kind of photo that you would like in it.
Magnetic Photo Collage
This photo collage is perfect for those who want to keep it as simple as possible. The back is completely magnetic, and does a great job of sticking to any surface. The most obvious place for it is on the fridge, but it should stick to any metallic surface. This collage frame is easy to set up and take down whenever you want.
Other Features
A great thing about this collage is just how easy it is to use. This is the perfect picture frame for anyone who takes a lot of photos. The frame is designed so you can slip pictures in and out of it in seconds. The frames are simple plastic slips that will keep a good grip on your photos, but without making them hard to reach.
Cost and Value
These collage frames are very cheap, and are a must for anyone who takes a lot of photos. The big sell here is just how easy it is to set these things up, and to change the photos inside of them. They also come in packs of two, which means that you have even more places to put your photos. They can hold five normal sized photos apiece.
8. Skylight 10-Inch Digital
Digital picture frames are quickly becoming the way of the future, due to how easy they are to use, and for the variety of photos that you can put on them. The Skylight is the best that you can find.
Digital Picture Frame
A digital picture frame takes a lot of the hassle out of using a picture frame. You won't have to go to the store to develop your photos, because you can just send the photos to the frame from your phone. The other great thing is that you won't have to spend any time using putting the pictures in the frame either, they'll just show up on their own without you needing to change them.
Other Features
Digital picture frames are incredibly easy to use, but the Skylight has some of its own features that make it the premier choice among digital picture frames. It is incredibly easy to set up, because all you need to do is plug it in and then attach it to your wireless internet. After that, you can just e-mail your pictures to the frame, and then they will start displaying automatically.
Cost and Value
Sadly, the Skylight costs quite a bit more than the other frames on this list. Where they are usually made of simple materials, the digital picture frame is like a tiny computer in some ways. Besides this, the Skylight is a great choice just because it will make it so easy for you to choose the photos that you want to see in your home.
9. Love-KANKEI Hanging
These picture frames have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This is an easy and stylish way to display the photos that you want to show off.
Hanging Display Frame
The KANKEI is a very easy to set up and use picture frame that eschews the traditional set up for a frame. It uses something more akin to a laundry line so that you can put your photos up with clips. This is great for multiple reasons. It looks unique, which is great for the overall look of your home, but it is also very easy to set up the photos, and to change them out when you think it is time for something new.
Other Features
The Love-KANKEI is the hanging display to buy for its many other thoughtful features. The display is designed with versatility in mind. It comes with thirty clips, and five lines of twine, but you don't need to use all of that. The wood that makes up the sides of the frame can be removed so that you don't have a lot of extra empty space if you haven't found enough photos yet.
Cost and Value
Another great thing about buying the Love-KANKEI is that it doesn't cost very much, at all. This frame can display up to thirty different photos, but at the cost of a single picture frame. This is a great choice for anyone who has a lot of photos to display, and wants to do so stylishly.
10. Craig Frames 24x36
Many of the picture frames on this list have been for smaller photos, such as the most common 5x7s that you always see. The Craig Frames is designed for a large picture.
Large Picture Frame
Sometimes you want to display something that is a little larger. It could be a photo with a really high resolution that you think will bring an entire room together. It could also be useful for putting up a painting of some kind. A large picture frame is a good choice if you want to be able to present something that you want people to notice.
Other Features
The Craig Frames large frame is a good choice if you want a large picture frame for many reasons. It is made of high quality materials. The front is made out of acrylic, which will do a good job of protecting your paintings or photos. This frame is also great because it comes with its own hanging kit, which will get rid of a lot of the work of setting it up.
Cost and Value
The Craig Frames large frame is a great choice for anyone looking for something to put their poster, picture, or photo in. This frame has a simple style that won't distract people from what you are trying to show off. It costs a bit more than the other frames on this list, but that is because it is quite a bit larger. It also comes in a few different colors so you can find the one that suits you best.
Sources
- , Does Sunlight Fade Wall Art?, Article
- , Guide to Photo Print and Frame Sizes, Article
- , Acrylic Plastic, Article
