Looking for the perfect picture frame for your photos? Our team has reviewed the best photo frames from leading UK retailers including Ikea, John Lewis and The Range and picked 10 of the best for a variety of photo print sizes. Read on to find out more…
Do you hang or stand? Either way, you’ll need a photo frame to display your beautiful photo prints on a wall or mantlepiece. Photo frames make a great gift too. However, there are so many options available it’s hard to know where to start when choosing the best frame to complement your photos. To help you make the right choice, and to save you time choosing the right picture frame, our team visited ten well-known UK retailers of photo frames to compare, review and rate their range of frames. We reviewed large photo frames, small photo frames and multi-aperture photo frames so there’s sure to be a recommendation ideal for you. Discover our favourite photo frames below…
1. The White Company
The White Company is a premium brand and although expensive their photo frames are stylish and elegant. It is best for top-of-the-range, luxury photo frames you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Our favourite White Company photo frame:
Fine Silver Triple Aperture Hinged Photo Frame – 3×3”
£35.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 3.15 inches high x 9.6 inches wide (8 x 24.5 cm) – This frame includes 3 hinged photo areas.
Photo print size – 3 x 3 inches without mount
Number of photos – 1
This Fine Silver Triple Aperture Hinged Photo Frame is the perfect picture frame for 3×3” photo prints. Although a little pricey at £35, a triple 3-inch square photo frame is perfect for grouping three of your favourite images together. Ideal for framing close-up images and family portraits, the frame will display three of your most treasured memories perfectly. It’s also incredibly sleek, stylish and elegant, and will add a touch of opulence to your home.
Pros
✓ Classic and stylish frame to wow your friends
✓ Premium, Silver-plated elegant design
✓ High-quality materials and well-made
✓ Supplied in an attractive gift box
✓ Lets you display 3 photos in one frame
✓ Works really well with small 3×3 inch black and white photo prints
Cons
✗ Not easy to find 3×3 inch photo prints although these 3-inch mini prints are sold by PostSnap
✗ Pricey at £35.00 plus delivery
✗ Using the optional white mount makes the visible photo area very small and so is not ideal for very detailed photographs
In addition to their online store The White Company also has a number of well-located stores in the UK including Westfield London, Liverpool One, Stratford upon Avon, Southampton West Quay and Meadowhall in Sheffield.
2. Ikea
Who hasn’t visited one of Ikea’s huge furniture stores as a student or newlywed? You can’t miss their impressive range of photo frames which won’t break the bank. Ikea is best for large picture frames with a fresh Scandinavian style.
Our favourite Ikea photo frame:
Ribba Frame Black – 40 cm x 50 cm
£9.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 20.5 inches high x 16.5 inches wide (52 x 42 cm)
Photo print sizes –Without mount: 20 x 16 inches. With mount: 16 x 12 inches.
Number of photos – 1
Although advertised as a 40 x 50 cm frame the overall frame size is 42 x 52 cm. This Ribba photo frame is an ideal photo frame for a huge 20 x 16 inches photo print. However, the frame can also be used with 16 x 12 inches photo print if using the mount which is provided with the frame. The Ribba frame is a classic photo frame and is kind to the wallet. This best-selling frame is available in black or white (we prefer the black option) and offers a clean and timeless look, making it a great all-rounder in any room. For just £9, it’s a perfect large photo frame for portraits and landscape images and is available in many other photo print sizes. This range also lends itself well to creating a gallery wall effect on the stairs.
Pros
✓ Inexpensive and superb value for money
✓ Good-looking frame with a classic and timeless look
✓ Versatile and can be hung vertically or horizontally
✓ Comes in a large range of sizes and because it has a mount each frame can be used for two different sizes of print
✓ Easy to hang on a wall
✓ Straightforward 180-day returns if there is a problem
Cons
✗ Cheaper materials which can make it prone to instability and bowing
✗ Difficult to hang without deep hooks
✗ A very popular choice meaning there’s little individual or unique about it
✗ Perspex front can scratch if you are not careful when fitting the photo print
In addition to their online store, Ikea has a number of well-located regional stores in the UK including Southampton (our favourite), Warrington, Exeter, and Wednesbury on the M6.
3. John Lewis
John Lewis is the nation’s favourite department store and they have a large range of photo frames which are well displayed. It’s best for a wide selection of premium, high-quality picture frames some of which are from premium independent UK photo frame manufacturers.
Our favourite John Lewis photo frame:
Wavy Slim Edge Photo Frame – 5 x 7 inches
£20.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 7.5 inches high x 5.4 inches wide (19 x 13.8 cm)
Photo print size – 5 x 7 inches
Number of photos – 1
The Wavy Slim Edge photo frame is a great picture frame for a 5 x 7-inch photo print. This frame is available in antique effect silver or gold and a variety of sizes from 4 x 6 inches to 8 x 10 inches. Our preference is the 5 x 7-inch option. The slim profile and contemporary design complement a modern and minimalist interior and are great for emphasising artistic or landscape imagery or monochromatic prints. The neutral colour scheme allows it to fit in with most interior designs and the slim profile makes it more delicate than other bulky frames. A standing-only frame.
Pros
✓ Unique pretty and understated design which sparkles and stands out on a table or mantlepiece
✓ Lightweight with a classy, delicate design
✓ Good quality and well-made
✓ Easy to fix photo inside
✓ Can stand in portrait or landscape orientation
✓ Slim profile so more of the picture is visible
✓ Available in a silver or gold finish
Cons
✗ A little expensive compared to some other small frames
✗ Not real silver
✗ Not supplied with a mount like many other frames
✗ May not integrate with some interior design choices
✗ Not suitable for hanging
John Lewis has one of the most popular UK online retail stores and also has a great number of well-located department stores in most large UK cities.
4. The Range
The Range is an out-of-town chain of homewares stores now located throughout the UK. It’s the best place for a large range of bargain-priced photo frames.
Our favourite Range photo frame:
Elodie Metal Mounted Frame – A4 Photo Frame in Silver
£5.49 + delivery
Frame dimensions – 14 inches high x 11.1 inches wide (35.8 x 28.2 cm)
Photo print size – A4 (approximately 11.7 x 8.3 inches).
Number of photos – 1
The Range’s Elodie frame is suitable for A4 photo prints. This lovely Elodie picture frame from The Range was the best A4 A4-sized photo Frame we came across in our research – it’s a tasteful and elegant choice for showcasing your cherished memories. Designed with a touch of charm, this slick, smooth, polished frame effortlessly combines style and convenience. The thin metal frame and white mount ensures your photo is the centre of attention and the frame’s understated elegance makes it a perfect addition to your living room or bedroom, effortlessly blending with any interior style. This frame design is available for large A4 photo prints but also comes in smaller sizes for 6×4, 7×5 and 10×8 photo prints.
Pros
✓ Stylish and sleek silver metal frame
✓ Affordable and good value for money
✓ A popular size for large photo prints
✓ A thin frame which does not detract from the photo itself
✓ A versatile picture frame which can be hung on the wall or stood on a sideboard or mantlepiece
✓ Works equally well in portrait or landscape orientation
✓ Includes a free mount
Cons
✗ Unusual frame size without the mount which meant we found it impossible to find a photo print to fit the frame without using the mount
✗ The actual frame size varied by 3mm compared to the advertised size in inches so it’s best to order a slightly larger print and trim it down if necessary – remember not to have any important parts of the photo near the edge of the photo as these may be trimmed off or hidden behind the mount.
✗ The very thin frame isn’t ideal if you are framing without using the white mount.
✗ Breakable glass front which works well with matt prints but is not ideal for gloss prints
The Range has a nationwide portfolio of out-of-town retail warehouse stores and an easy-to-navigate online store.
5. The Cotswold Company
The Cotswold company is a relatively small, premium homewares and furniture company offering products designed with timeless style. We think it is the best for premium, multi-aperture photo frames with classic style.
Our favourite Cotswold Company photo frame:
Fine Black Metal 7 Aperture Photo Frame
£35.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 14.17 inches high x 14.17 inches wide (36 x 36 cm)
Photo print sizes – 4 x 6 inches x 4 and 4 x 4 inches x 3.
Number of photos – 7
Elevate your memories with this chic, beautiful and modern 7-aperture black photo frame. This large square frame features seven apertures for 2 different photo sizes and a clean white mount, allowing your best photos to tell their unique stories. The frame comes with a luxurious black velveteen standing strut for that extra touch of elegance. You will need 6 x 4 and 4 x 4 photo prints for this frame.
Pros
✓ Good value for a high-quality frame
✓ Holds 7 photos of 2 complementary sizes
✓ Stylish black frame
✓ Solid well-made frame
✓ Black velvet back adds a classy touch
✓ A statement frame ideal for hanging in a prominent position on a wall
✓ Well packaged
Cons
✗ Only available with a black frame
✗ £35 is at the top end of the photo frame prices of the frames reviewed
The Cotswold Company has a handful of stores predominantly located in the Midlands and South East and a website for online shopping.
6. Oliver Bonas
Oliver Bonas is an independent retailer offering fashionable, lifestyle products including unique photo frames for mini photo prints we haven’t seen anywhere else. We feel it’s the best retailer for quirky, well-priced photo frames you won’t find at other retailers.
Our favourite Oliver Bonas photo frame:
Gold & Glass Hanging Photo Frame 2×2″
£4.50 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – Not specified.
Photo print size – 2 x 2 inches
Number of photos – 1
For something a little different, Oliver Bonas has a range of stunning 2×2’ brass and glass hanging frames available for little photo prints. These little 2×2 inch picture frames come with blue, grey, green and pink velvet-like ribbons. On the market for just £4.50, the brass frame adds a touch of ju ne sais quoi to your living space, offering a unique and detailed frame for showcasing tiny photos of your cherished memories.
Pros
✓ Well-built by a reputable brand
✓ Small, dainty and reasonably priced
✓ Multipurpose and easy to display
Cons
✗ Need to buy multiple frames to achieve an effective display of photos
✗ Hanging only option
✗ It’s not easy to find 2×2 inch photo prints although these 2 inch mini prints are sold by PostSnap
In addition to their online store, Oliver Bonas has 83 well-located stores located throughout the UK including London, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the rest of the UK.
7. Next
Next’s homewares range is the most modern and fashionable range we came across during our research. All of their photo frames are on trend with frame designs straight out of Homes and Gardens. Next is the best for fashionable photo frames which offer show home style.
Our favourite Next photo frame:
Silver Monaco Picture Frame 6×4 inch
£10.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions: 7.87 inches high x 5.90 inches wide (20 x 15 cm)
Photo size: 6 x 4 inches
Number of photos – 1
If you’re yet to browse Next’s home section, you’re missing out. As well as fabulous furnishings and decor, their picture frames are some of our favourites, especially since they’re available in a range of sizes and priced competitively at between £8-£14. The style of this frame is sleek and timeless and ensures that your images are the star of the show. This Monaco picture frame is the perfect frame for 6×4 photo prints and was our personal favourite in silver but the range also includes black and gold frames and sizes for frames for 4×4, 7×5 and 10×8 photo prints. If we had to choose a photo to showcase using these frames, it would be a photo of the children or cherished family pets.
Pros
✓ Good quality
✓ Simple and elegant show home style design which goes with virtually any room décor
✓ Unique, transparent glass border around the photo
✓ Multiple size frames that can be paired together
✓ Value of money price
Cons
✗ Full glass frames are prone to breakages and fingerprints
✗ The rectangular versions of the frame only take portrait photos
In addition to their award-winning, easy-to-navigate online store Next has stores in virtually every large UK town and city.
8. Dunelm
Dunelm is the UK’s leading out-of-town home furnishings retailer. In our opinion, it is the best for functional photo frames at super low prices.
Our favourite Dunelm photo frame:
White Oversized Mount Square Photo Frame – 10×8
£7.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions: 15 inches high x 15 inches wide (38 x 38 cm)
Photo print size – 10 x 8 inches with mount
Number of photos – 1
This sleek, modern 15-inch square frame comes with a mount to fit a 10 x 8 photo print. The frame is the perfect surround for any and all imagery. Whether it’s a family photo, travel memory, graduation or newborn baby photo, your images will be housed beautifully with this budget-friendly frame. Available for just £7 each this frame is also available in other sizes designed to fit 6 x 4, 12 x 12 and 12 x 8 photo prints.
Pros
✓ Bold and contemporary
✓ Perfect for creating gallery walls
✓ Budget-friendly for a modern feel
✓ Great price point compared to its competitors
Cons
✗ Basic quality frame
✗ Perspex rather than glass front
Dunelm has a nationwide portfolio of out-of-town retail warehouse stores and an easy-to-navigate online store.
9. Habitat
Habitat has been creating original modern designs since 1964 and their range of large photo frames will give an on-trend modern galley feel to any home, especially with a set of 3 or more large frames used together on one wall. We like habitat for large photo frames.
Our favourite Habitat photo frame:
Habitat Aluminus Metal Picture Frame – Black – 31x41cm
£20.00 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 16.3 inches high x 12.4 inches wide (41.5 x 31.5 cm)
Photo print sizes – 16 x 12 inches
Number of photos – 1
This popular large frame has a high-end matt black aluminium frame giving a contemporary gallery feel. contemporary. The high-quality aluminium and glass frame is lightweight and easy to hang in portrait or landscape orientation. It’s the perfect frame for large wedding photos for example.
Pros
✓ Narrow black frame gives a contemporary, sleek, high-end look which really compliments a photo
✓ Aluminium rather than plastic frame and glass rather than Perspex front – so it feels and looks expensive
✓ Well-made and well-packaged
✓ Secure backing clips
✓ Easy to assemble and hang
Cons
✗ No option to use it as a freestanding frame – can only be hung on a wall
✗ No mount provided
Habitat is available at Argos and Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, stocking homewares such as photo frames in cities including Nottingham, Southampton, Exeter and Newcastle.
10. Marks and Spencer
We left the best to last – Marks and Spencer is the UK’s premier retailer offering classic, high-quality homewares including a great range of picture frames. It’s our favourite because you can’t fail to find a premium, reasonably priced photo frame at Marks! Their picture frames come in a multitude of sizes and in our tests they were all well-made and designed.
Our favourite Marks and Spencer photo frame:
Emelie Beaded Photo Frame 8×10 inch
£12.50 plus delivery
Frame dimensions – 10.7 inches high x 8.7 inches wide (27.2 x 22.1 cm)
Photo print size – 8 x 10 inches
Number of photos – 1
The Emelie is a very good quality and elegant silver beaded picture frame which will look great on any mantelpiece, sideboard or side table. It holds one single 8 x 10 photo and is perfect for displaying photos of the family especially in black and white. We were delighted with the quality and price of this frame which is also available for 6×4 and 5×7 photo prints. The best of the best in our opinion and our personal favourite for a small classy photo frame.
Pros
✓ Classic and stylish frame which is the perfect choice to display your precious photos
✓ Premium, elegant design which looks far more expensive than it actually is
✓ High-quality materials and well-made with sturdy velour backing
✓ Premium velour backing
✓ Supplied in an attractive gift box
Cons
✓ None that we found
In addition to their online store, Marks and Spencer also has a number of large, well-located stores in the UK which offer furnishings and homewares such as photo frames including Nottingham, Southampton, Exeter and Newcastle.
The Best Photo Frame
We love all 10 frames above and would have no hesitation in displaying them in our homes. However in our opinion the best photo frame is Marks and Spencer’s Emelie Beaded Photo Frame which is available in 8 x 10″, 6 x 4″ and 5 x 7″ sizes.
Our Picture Framing Advice
We reviewed nationwide retailers of photo frames which have an online presence to be sure you can buy the best frame for your pictures wherever you are in the UK.
Choosing a photo frame for yourself or as a gift is a very personal choice and ideally, you want to see the frames displayed – we therefore included a link to each retailer’s store finder so that you can check if there is a store near you. If not, all 10 retailers reviewed have easy-to-use online stores offering speedy delivery.
Most photo frames are sized in metric (centimetres) whereas photo prints are sized in imperial measurements (inches) and therefore the inch measurements for frames are rounded measurements worked back from centimetre sizes.
We found it confusing that some retailers advertise their frame sizes as the required photo size and that the photo size is different if a mount is used. For this reason, we recommend buying the photo frame and checking the aperture (photo opening) dimensions before ordering your photo prints.
It is important to remember that some of your photos will be hidden by the photo frame itself or the mount if you use one. This means that you should check that there is nothing within 1 centimetre of the edge of your photo you want to see displayed as this may not be visible once the printed photo is in the frame.
We always recommend choosing a matt photo finish for photo prints if you plan to frame them behind glass. This is because gloss prints have a tendency to stick to the glass and give a “wavy” effect.
Order Photo Prints Online
Whether you want to make a bold statement with a large 20 x 16 RIBBA picture frame from Ikea or add a touch of glamour with a 6×4 Monaco picture frame from Next, you’ll need high-quality photo prints.
You can find more photo print sizes than anywhere else at PostSnap, the UK’s leading online photo printing service. The PostSnap website offers easy photo upload, high-quality photo printing and speedy delivery of well-packaged photo prints in sizes from 2 x 2 inches to 20 x 16 inches. Custom-sized prints are also available if you have an unusual picture frame size.