Monthly Archives: July 2025

Whether you run a gift shop, photo studio, or online store, stocking the right picture frame sizes is key to keeping customers happy and maximising sales. The most popular frame sizes cater correctly to standard photo prints while suiting familiar spaces like desks and walls, as well as common gifting occasions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular photo frame sizes in the US, the difference between similar-sounding dimensions, how mounts affect frame sizing, and why it’s still worth keeping a few non-standard options on your shelves.

What Are the Most Common Frame Sizes in the US?

For everyday photos, gifts, and décor, these are the standard picture frame sizes in the US:

These are the common picture frame sizes that dominate US retailers, as they align with standard photo printing dimensions and consumer expectations. Offering frames in these sizes ensures your stock is practical and widely appealing.

Are Most Photos 4x6 or 5x7?

4x6 inches (10x15 cm) is by far the most common

A picture mount (sometimes called a photo mount or mount board) is the border you often see surrounding a photo or print inside a frame. It sits between the image and the glass, helping to highlight the artwork while protecting it from damage.

Not only do mounts enhance the visual appeal of framed images, they also serve a practical purpose - keeping photos flat, centred, and safely away from the glazing. If you’ve ever admired a professionally framed picture and wondered what gives it that polished finish, chances are a good mount had a lot to do with it.

Let’s take a closer look at picture mounts, including what they’re called in the US, how to measure them, and what to use if you’re not using one.

What is a Photo Frame Mat?

A photo frame mat (or “mat board”) is simply the US term for a picture mount. In both cases, we’re talking about a cut piece of card or board with a central aperture, placed on top of the photo or print, inside the frame. Same purpose, same product - just different

Glass has been the go-to material for photo frames since they were invented, and for good reason. It’s clear, protective, and gives your favorite images a polished, professional finish. But not all glass is created equal.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of glass used in picture frames, explain what makes one better than another, and help you decide what’s right for your needs, whether you're framing a favorite memory or designing a product for resale.

Tip: Want to compare glass with other materials? Read our Glass vs. Acrylic Photo Frames guide for a full breakdown.

What is the Glass in Picture Frames Called?

Most commonly, it's referred to as picture frame glass or glazing. This term doesn’t just denote regular glass, but encompasses any transparent material used to cover and protect artwork within a frame, which can be any of the following:

• Tempered glass: A strengthened, heat-treated glass (more on this shortly)
• Acrylic glazing: Not technically glass, but often used

Choosing the right photo frame isn't just about how it looks - the material matters. Whether you’re framing a favorite family moment, an artwork, or a personalized product for resale, the choice between glass and acrylic can affect everything from how your image looks to how long it lasts.

Glass vs. Acrylic: What's the Difference?

Glass has long been the traditional choice for photo framing. It offers a classic, premium finish and excellent clarity. Our Glass Mounts are made from tempered glass, which means that even in the rare case of breakage, they shatter into blunt, pebble-like pieces - far safer than standard glass.

Acrylic (also called Plexiglass), on the other hand, is a type of plastic that’s lightweight, shatter-resistant, and versatile. Clear acrylic sheets can even be laser-cut into virtually any shape, making them the go-to material for creative custom products.

We use high-quality acrylic plastic sheets to create products with a clear, consistent finish that’s ideal for tree