Short answer: an A4 poster (21 × 29.7 cm) fits any standard A4 or 21 × 30 cm frame, so framing it yourself is quick. Open the back, lay the print face down on the clear front panel, replace the backing and close the tabs. If you'd rather it arrived ready to hang, choose the Medium (A4) Framed option on most Posterly Studio UK posters. You'll get your print in a slim black A4 frame with a lightweight plastic front instead of glass.
This guide covers how our framed option works, how to frame an unframed print yourself, and which sizes fit which frames.
What you get with our framed option
The framed option is only available at A4, and a frame is only included when you choose it. Here's what the frame is:
- Colour: black
- Picture area: 21 × 30 cm, which holds an A4 print
- Outer size: about 24 × 33 cm, and about 1 cm deep
- Frame: fibreboard with a foil finish
- Front panel: clear polystyrene plastic, not glass, so it's light and won't shatter
- Display: it can hang on a wall or stand on a shelf, portrait or landscape
The print inside is the same as our unframed posters: printed in the UK on 250gsm matte paper with fade-resistant inks. You can find the framed option on product pages such as The Fool tarot card poster and Minecraft Sunset. Pick Medium (A4) Framed from the size options.
When should you choose the framed option?
- Gifts: it arrives ready to give, with no frame shopping needed.
- One or two prints: if you only want a couple of framed pieces, it saves buying frames separately.
- Kids' rooms and dorms: the plastic front is lighter than glass and won't shatter if knocked off a shelf.
- A matching set: choosing framed for every poster gives you identical black frames for a neat row or grid.
Choose unframed if you already own frames, want a different colour or style, or are ordering A5 or A3. Those sizes are only sold unframed.
How to frame an A4 poster yourself
- Check the size. A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm. Frames sold as "A4" or "21 × 30 cm" both fit. For a frame with a mount, the mount's opening should be slightly smaller than 21 × 29.7 cm so it overlaps the print's edges.
- Unpack the print flat. Unframed posters ship flat in protective bubble envelopes. Slide the print out rather than pulling it by a corner.
- Clean the front panel. Use a dry, soft cloth or a duster. If the panel has a thin protective film on either side, peel it off now.
- Lay the print face down on the front panel, centred, then put the backing board on top.
- Close the tabs or clips and check the front for dust before hanging.
Hanging your frame
A slim A4 frame is light, so a single hook or picture nail is usually enough. If you'd rather not drill, use adhesive hooks or strips rated for the frame's weight. Different walls need different fixings, so choose one suited to yours. You can also stand the frame on a shelf or desk instead of hanging it.
For grids and gallery walls, our tarot card wall guide has measured layouts. The poster size guide explains when A5, A4 or A3 works best.
Which frame fits A5 and A3 posters?
- A5 (14.8 × 21 cm): use an A5 frame or a 15 × 21 cm frame.
- A3 (29.7 × 42 cm): use an A3 frame or a 30 × 42 cm frame. A 30 × 40 cm frame is too short for A3.
- A4 in a bigger frame: use an A3 frame with a mount that has an A4-sized opening.
Framing FAQ
Do your posters come framed?
Only if you choose the Medium (A4) Framed option. A5, A4 and A3 prints arrive unframed, flat in a protective bubble envelope.
Is the front of the frame glass?
No. It's clear polystyrene plastic, which is lighter than glass and won't shatter.
What colour is the frame?
Black, with an outer size of about 24 × 33 cm.
Can I get A3 or A5 framed?
Not at the moment. The framed option is A4 only. A5 and A3 prints fit standard A5 and A3 frames.
Is delivery still free with a frame?
The frame doesn't change the delivery charge. Free tracked UK delivery on orders £20+ (after discounts). £2.99 under £20. Orders are dispatched within 1–2 working days, and delivery typically takes 2–4 working days after dispatch.
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