Photo Frames & Memory Keepsakes for Beginners

In depth

Choosing your first photo frames is a surprisingly complex task. It’s more than just finding something to put a picture in; it's about selecting pieces that will genuinely complement the photographs you want to display and create a lasting impression. Many people get overwhelmed by the sheer variety available, often focusing on things like ‘pixel-perfect printing’ or ‘archival quality’, which are largely irrelevant for someone starting out. Let’s break down what really matters when you're building your collection of photo frames and memory keepsakes as a beginner.

The most fundamental element is size, and it’s worth spending considerably more time considering this than you might initially think. Frames aren’t all the same dimensions; they come in various widths and depths – these refer to how much the frame ‘floats’ out from the wall or surface it sits on. A “deep” frame offers more space behind the picture, which can be beneficial if you plan to include thicker artwork or multiple photos within a single frame. However, for standard 4x6 inch or 5x7 inch prints, the depth isn't as crucial. Don’t worry about getting this completely wrong at first; you can always swap frames later if needed – Amazon allows returns under their standard terms, so there’s no immediate financial commitment. Pay attention to the ‘aspect ratio’ of your photos too; a 4x6 print is rectangular, but if you have a square photo, it will look best in a frame with a similarly sized border.

Then there’s the material – wood, metal, acrylic, and even glass are all common choices. Wood frames offer a classic, warm aesthetic and are generally quite durable. MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is a popular choice for wooden frames because it's stable and affordable. Metal frames can be sleek and modern, particularly aluminium, which is lightweight and resistant to rust. Acrylic – sometimes called ‘plexi’ – offers a clean, contemporary look; it doesn’t scratch easily like glass, and it’s less prone to shattering if dropped. Glass is the traditional option and provides the clearest image reflection, but it's considerably more fragile. For your first frames, a wood or acrylic frame would likely be best, offering a good balance of aesthetics and practicality. You can always adjust the style later as you become more familiar with what works in your home.

The ‘mount’ is another important detail that frequently gets overlooked. This refers to the backing board inside the frame – it's where the photograph actually sits. Mount boards come in various thicknesses (often measured in mm) and materials, like card or foam board. Thicker mount boards provide a more substantial feel and can help prevent your photos from warping over time if they absorb moisture. Again, for beginners, a standard thickness of around 3mm is perfectly adequate. The mount’s colour also matters; white mounts are the most versatile as they won't clash with any photo colours, but you could choose a colour to complement your decor – perhaps a light grey or cream.

Beyond the basic frame itself, consider how it will be hung. Many frames come with hanging hardware – typically small metal brackets and screws – designed for attaching them directly to walls. However, if you're planning on displaying multiple frames in a row, you’ll need to think about spacers. These are thin plastic pieces that sit between the frames to create consistent spacing. You can buy individual spacers or sets, but they’re generally inexpensive accessories and aren’t essential for a simple display. Similarly, picture hanging hooks – often made of plasterboard – are useful if you're mounting on walls with little support. These allow you to screw directly into the wall without damaging it, and again, Amazon offers a wide range of options.

Finally, don’t get bogged down in terms like ‘UV protection’ or 'anti-reflective coating’ at this stage. These features are beneficial if you're displaying photographs outdoors or in areas with strong light, but they’re largely unnecessary for standard indoor use. The vast majority of photo prints available from online retailers are printed on archival paper which is designed to resist fading over time, so investing heavily in frames with these features will likely be money wasted. Focus instead on choosing a frame that you genuinely like the look of and that suits the size and style of your photos. You can always research these more advanced features later if you find yourself displaying photographs in particularly demanding environments.