Buying a picture frame in Ireland means choosing between cheap ready-made options and custom jobs that fit perfectly. This guide walks through standard sizes, the best places to buy, and the trade-offs between off-the-shelf and made-to-measure frames — so you can hang your piece with confidence.

4 related posts

Standard frame sizes (inches): 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 16×20 ·
Standard frame sizes (metric): 10×15 cm, 13×18 cm, 21×30 cm, 30×40 cm, 40×50 cm ·
Typical custom frame price range in Ireland: €25 – €150+ ·
Most common frame material: Wood

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Which online store offers the best value for custom frames is subjective
  • Exact delivery time for custom frames may vary by order volume
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Key facts at a glance

One pattern across the Irish frame market: ready-made mass-market frames dominate the low end, while custom shops handle the odd sizes and heirloom pieces.

Fact Value
Most common frame material Wood (oak, pine, walnut)
Cheapest source in Ireland IKEA (frames from €2)
Most popular online custom framer BGA Store
Standard poster frame size 50×70 cm
Ready-made frame size range (inches) 2×3 to 24×36 (Pictureframes.ie (Irish custom framer))
Common colour finishes Black, white, natural wood, gold, silver, copper (Desenio Ireland (poster and frame retailer))
Custom frame delivery time 1–2 weeks (Strand Framing (Dublin-based framer))

What are the standard picture frame sizes?

Common inch sizes

Common metric sizes

Poster and A-series sizes

  • Poster frames often come in 50×70 cm or 61×91.5 cm (Pictureframes.ie (Irish custom framer)).
  • Some Irish retailers also stock square formats like 50×50 cm (Strand Framing (Dublin-based framer)).
Bottom line: If your print is a standard photo or A-size, a ready-made frame will fit. For odd sizes, go custom.

Where can I buy picture frames in Ireland?

High-street retailers

Online-only stores

Custom frame shops

  • BGA Store provides made-to-measure frames with a wide choice of colours and profiles (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).
  • Strand Framing in Dublin manufactures custom frames on-site with fast turnaround (Strand Framing (Dublin-based framer)).
  • Pictureframes.ie offers over 40 standard sizes and custom options (Pictureframes.ie (Irish custom framer)).
  • Local framers in Carlow and other counties provide bespoke services for heirloom pieces.
The trade-off

Ready-made frames from IKEA or JYSK are cheap and instant, but custom shops like BGA Store give you exact fits and unique finishes. For a one-off print, custom is worth the extra cost.

How do I choose the right picture frame size and material?

Matching frame size to print size

  • Frame should be at least 1–2 inches larger than the print on each side to allow for a mount (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).
  • To find total frame size, add the photo size to the rail width times two (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).

Wood vs metal vs plastic frames

Colour and style considerations

  • Black, white, and natural wood are the most versatile colours (Desenio Ireland (poster and frame retailer)).
  • Consider the room decor when choosing the frame finish – a gold frame can add warmth to a neutral wall.
Bottom line: Wood frames suit traditional interiors; metal frames fit modern spaces. For first-time buyers, black or white is a safe bet.

Can I order custom picture frames online in Ireland?

Custom sizing and colour options

  • BGA Store and Frame Factory offer online custom framing with many colour and profile options (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).
  • Pictureframes.ie allows you to choose rail width, colour, and glazing for made-to-measure frames (Pictureframes.ie (Irish custom framer)).

Delivery times and costs

  • Custom frames usually deliver within 1–2 weeks across Ireland (Strand Framing (Dublin-based framer)).
  • Prices range from €25 to €150+ depending on size and material (Etsy Ireland listing (custom framer)).

Pros and cons of custom vs ready-made

Upsides

  • Exact fit for any print size
  • Wide choice of materials and colours
  • Higher quality construction

Downsides

  • More expensive (€25+ vs €2 for ready-made)
  • Longer delivery time
  • Cannot see the frame in person before ordering
The upshot

Custom frames are ideal for non-standard sizes and heirloom pieces. For a standard A4 poster, a ready-made frame from IKEA or Desenio will do the job at a fraction of the cost.

How to measure and hang a picture frame correctly?

Measuring the print

  • Measure the print’s width and height exactly to select a frame (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).
  • If using a mount, add 2–3 cm per side to the print size.

Choosing hardware

  • Use picture-hanging hooks, nails, or adhesive strips for lightweight frames.
  • For heavy frames, use wall anchors and two hooks spaced apart for stability.

Hanging techniques

  • Hang frames at eye level, approximately 145–150 cm from the floor.
  • Use a level to ensure the frame is straight; for multiple frames, measure spacing evenly.
Bottom line: Measure twice, buy once. For a gallery wall, plan the layout on the floor before hammering any nails.

Ready-made vs custom frames: comparison

Two approaches, one decision: how much are you willing to spend for a perfect fit?

Aspect Ready-made frames Custom frames
Price range €2 – €50 €25 – €150+
Size availability Standard sizes only Any size up to 100×70 cm or more
Material choice Limited (often wood or plastic) Wide (wood, metal, acrylic, etc.)
Delivery time Immediate or 2–5 days 1–2 weeks
Best for Standard photo sizes and budget buys Non-standard sizes, heirloom pieces, specific decor

Frame materials comparison

Six common materials, one spectrum from budget to premium.

Material Durability Weight Typical finish Price range
Wood (oak, pine) High Medium Stained, painted, natural €15–€100
Metal (aluminum) High Light Silver, black, gold €10–€60
Plastic (polystyrene) Low Very light Black, white, wood effect €2–€20
A-core Medium Medium Painted, wood veneer €10–€40
Acrylic glazing High (shatterproof) Light Clear +€10–€30
Glass glazing High (fragile) Heavy Clear, non-reflective +€5–€20

Pros and cons of picture frames in Ireland

Upsides

  • Wide range of ready-made options at low prices
  • Custom framing is relatively accessible online
  • Local framers offer high-quality craftsmanship
  • Many retailers offer free delivery on orders over a threshold

Downsides

  • Custom frames can be expensive and take time
  • Ready-made frames may not fit odd-sized prints
  • Online ordering means you can’t see the frame in person
  • Delivery costs for small orders can add up

Step-by-step: measuring and hanging your picture frame

  1. Measure the print – Use a ruler to get the exact width and height in millimetres or inches.
  2. Choose frame size – Add 2–3 cm per side for a mount (or select a frame with a mount included).
  3. Select hardware – For lightweight frames, use adhesive strips; for heavier frames, use wall anchors and screws.
  4. Mark the wall – Measure 145–150 cm from the floor to the centre of the frame. Use a pencil to mark the hook position.
  5. Hang and level – Place the frame on the hook, adjust with a level, and enjoy.

What we know and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • IKEA Ireland sells ready-made picture frames (IKEA Ireland (home furnishings retailer)).
  • JYSK Ireland sells frames in various sizes (JYSK Ireland (home goods retailer)).
  • BGA Store offers custom made-to-measure frames (BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)).
  • Standard frame sizes exist in both imperial and metric (Fine Framers (Irish frame retailer)).

What’s unclear

  • Which online store offers the best value for custom frames is subjective.
  • Exact delivery time for custom frames may vary by order volume.

“Our range includes everything from small photo frames to large picture frames.”

JYSK Ireland (home goods retailer)

“With us, you’ll find the largest selection of custom frames in all sizes and colours.”

BGA Store Ireland (specialist framer)

For Irish shoppers, the choice between ready-made and custom comes down to a single question: do you want it cheap and fast, or perfect and lasting? Ready-made frames from IKEA or JYSK are ideal for standard prints and tight budgets. But if you have a non-standard size, a cherished heirloom, or a specific aesthetic in mind, a custom frame from BGA Store or a local framer is worth the extra spend. For the average buyer in Carlow or Dublin, the smart move is to measure your print first, then decide.

Additional sources

nationalreport.uk, etsy.com, yoursurprise.ie

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Frequently asked questions

How do I clean a picture frame?

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. For glass, use a glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth (not directly on the glass). Avoid harsh chemicals on wood frames.

Can I frame a canvas print in a standard frame?

Yes, but you’ll need a frame deep enough to accommodate the canvas thickness (usually 2–4 cm). Look for “canvas frames” or use a float frame.

What type of glass is best for picture frames?

Standard clear glass is fine for most uses. Non-reflective glass reduces glare, and acrylic glazing is shatterproof and lightweight for large frames.

Are acrylic frames better than glass?

Acrylic is lighter, shatterproof, and easier to cut, but it scratches more easily. Glass is heavier and can break but offers better clarity.

How do I choose a frame for a black-and-white photo?

Black, white, or natural wood frames let the photo stand out. Silver or grey can also work well for a modern look.

Can I reuse an old frame with a new print?

Yes, if the new print fits the existing frame size. If not, you can order a custom mount or have the frame resized at a local framer.

What is the best way to ship a picture frame?

Wrap the frame in bubble wrap, place it in a sturdy box with padding, and use a courier service that offers fragile handling. Remove the glass if possible.