
There’s a special kind of magic in finding the perfect piece of art. But turning that beautiful A3 print into a spectacular wall feature can feel surprisingly complex. Questions start to surface: What are the exact A3 dimensions in centimetres? Will it need a mount? And how do you choose a frame that elevates your art rather than making it look cheap? It can feel like a daunting task, leaving you worried about making the wrong choice for your cherished print.
Fear not. Choosing the right frame is an art in itself—it’s the bridge between your artwork and your décor. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to a3 frames. We believe in making professional framing simple and accessible. In this guide, we will demystify everything from precise measurements and the role of a mount, to selecting a premium style that truly honours the piece within. Prepare to move from uncertainty to inspiration, ready to confidently select a beautiful frame that provides the perfect finishing touch for your home.
What is an A3 Frame? Understanding the Standard Dimensions
When choosing the perfect frame, understanding the size is the first step on your creative journey. The A3 size is one of the most popular and versatile choices for displaying everything from fine art prints to treasured photographs. As part of the globally recognised ISO 216 series, its Standard Dimensions make it a familiar and accessible option. It strikes a beautiful balance—large enough to make a statement on its own, yet modest enough to work splendidly as part of a gallery wall.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about an A3 frame, we are referring to the size of the artwork, poster, or photo it is designed to hold. The outer dimensions of the frame itself will be larger, depending on the width of the moulding you select. This versatile size is perfect for showcasing art in either a vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) orientation, giving you complete creative control.
To see how these dimensions translate into a finished piece, the video below provides a fantastic hands-on look:
A3 Frame Dimensions in Detail
For perfect clarity when measuring your artwork, here are the exact dimensions of an A3 print. Ensuring your piece matches these measurements guarantees a flawless fit within any standard A3 frame.
- Millimetres: 297 x 420 mm
- Centimetres: 29.7 x 42 cm
- Inches: 11.7 x 16.5 inches
The Role of a Mount: Enhancing Your A3 Artwork
A picture mount (also known as a mat or passe-partout) is the elegant cardboard border that sits between your artwork and the frame. It serves a dual purpose: it creates a professional visual separation that draws the eye inward and prevents your print from touching the glass, protecting it over time. Using a mount is a hallmark of premium, bespoke framing. For instance, our a3 frames can be beautifully paired with a mount to showcase a smaller A4 print, instantly elevating it with a sophisticated, gallery-quality finish that truly honours the art within.
The Best Uses for A3 Picture Frames in Your Home or Office
Once you understand the dimensions, the real creative journey begins. The A3 size (297 x 420 mm) hits a perfect sweet spot—it’s substantial enough to make a statement yet versatile enough to fit beautifully into any room, from a bustling office to a tranquil living space. Its adaptability is its greatest strength, offering a spectacular canvas for your most cherished memories, art, and achievements. Let’s explore how you can use a3 frames to elevate your décor.
Displaying Art Prints and Posters
The A3 format is the classic choice for artists and designers for good reason. It’s the perfect size for displaying concert posters, limited edition art prints, and bold graphic designs. An A3 frame allows the artwork’s finer details to shine without overwhelming your wall. Whether you’re showcasing a single, powerful statement piece above a desk or arranging a symmetrical series of prints along a hallway, this size provides the ideal balance and impact.
Framing Professional Certificates and Diplomas
Your academic degrees, professional awards, and certificates represent significant milestones. An A3 frame offers an elegant and professional way to display these important documents, protecting them for years to come. A premium frame does more than just showcase your hard-earned achievements; it preserves them. Using archival-quality materials is crucial, because as preservation experts advise, Quality Matters when protecting important documents from environmental damage. We recommend simple, classic styles like a slim black or natural oak frame to lend a timeless, distinguished look.
Creating a Striking Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a beautiful way to tell a personal story, and a3 frames often play a leading role. Use them as the ‘hero’ pieces to anchor your layout, building a collection of smaller A4 and A5 frames around them for a dynamic, eclectic feel. Alternatively, for a clean and contemporary aesthetic, a symmetrical grid of identical A3 frames creates a powerful, organised display. This approach is perfect for a themed collection of photography or a series of matching art prints.
How to Choose the Perfect A3 Frame Style and Material
Selecting the perfect frame is about more than just protecting your print; it’s about creating a beautiful bridge between your artwork and your room’s decor. For A3 prints, a versatile size defined by the ISO 216 international standard, the right frame enhances the art and harmonises with your space. Think of the frame as the final, crucial touch that pulls everything together. Our passion is helping you find that perfect match, so here are a few simple tips to guide your decision.
Classic Wooden Frames: Timeless and Versatile
Wooden a3 frames bring a natural warmth and classic appeal that suits almost any interior. Crafted from premium, sustainable wood, they add a touch of timeless craftsmanship. Each finish offers a different personality:
- Oak Frames: The gentle, warm tones of natural oak are perfect for bringing a touch of nature indoors. They beautifully complement traditional, rustic, or bohemian decor.
- Black Frames: A classic for a reason. Black provides a bold, modern contrast that makes the colours in your artwork truly pop. It’s a spectacular choice for creating a focal point.
- White Frames: For a clean, minimalist aesthetic, a white frame is unbeatable. It offers a fresh, airy feel that works wonderfully in Scandinavian-inspired or contemporary spaces.
Modern Metal Frames: Sleek and Contemporary
For a clean, contemporary edge, metal is an excellent choice. Aluminium frames typically have a very thin, elegant profile, ensuring the focus remains squarely on your artwork. This minimalist style is ideal for:
- Photography and posters
- Architectural prints and line drawings
- Modern and industrial-style interiors
Available in various finishes like matte black, brushed silver, or subtle gold, metal frames offer a sophisticated and durable way to display your favourite pieces.
Matching Frame to Artwork: Simple Rules to Follow
Feeling unsure? Follow these simple principles to find the perfect pairing every time:
- Complement the Style: Match the frame to the artwork’s era or mood. A modern abstract print shines in a sleek metal frame, while a classic watercolour feels at home in oak.
- Balance the Composition: If your artwork is busy and vibrant, choose a simple, understated frame that won’t compete for attention.
- Consider the Colour Palette: Look at the dominant colours in both the art and the room where it will hang. Choose a frame that either picks up on a subtle accent colour or provides a complementary contrast.
Ultimately, the goal is to select a frame that makes you fall in love with your artwork all over again. Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our curated collection of beautiful frames.
Quality Matters: What to Look for in a Well-Made A3 Frame
An A3 frame does more than just hang your picture on the wall; it acts as the bridge between your art and your room, protecting and enhancing the piece within. While a low price tag can be tempting, investing in a well-made frame ensures your artwork remains beautiful for years to come. Understanding the components of quality craftsmanship empowers you to choose wisely, turning a simple print into a lasting display.
The Moulding: Solid Wood vs. MDF
The moulding is the main structure of the frame, and its material is a key indicator of quality. Mass-produced frames often use MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) or Polcore, which are budget-friendly options. However, for superior durability and a truly premium feel, nothing compares to solid wood. Each wooden frame boasts a unique grain, offering a natural warmth and character that synthetic materials simply cannot replicate. It’s an investment in strength and timeless style.
Glazing: Protecting Your Print with Glass or Acrylic
Glazing is the clear, protective layer that shields your artwork from dust, moisture, and fading. Your main choices are:
- Glass: Offers exceptional clarity and a traditional, weighty feel. It’s scratch-resistant and perfect for pieces that won’t be moved often.
- Acrylic (Perspex): A lighter and shatter-resistant alternative, making it safer for high-traffic areas or children’s rooms. High-quality acrylic can also offer superior UV protection to prevent your print’s colours from fading over time.
Ready-Made vs. Bespoke Framing
Ready-made A3 frames are a convenient and cost-effective solution for standard-sized prints and posters. They offer a quick way to get your art on the wall. However, for a truly perfect finish or to protect a valuable piece of fine art, bespoke framing is the ultimate choice. A custom-made frame is crafted with higher-quality materials and precision-cut to fit your artwork exactly, eliminating unsightly gaps and ensuring archival-level protection. For a piece you truly treasure, a bespoke frame is an investment in its future. Get a quote for a custom A3 frame from our experts.
The Final Touch: Choosing Your Perfect A3 Frame
As we’ve explored, the perfect frame is more than just a border; it’s the bridge between your artwork and your decor. Understanding the standard A3 dimensions gives you a versatile starting point, while choosing the right style and material is what truly brings your vision to life. The key is that quality craftsmanship makes all the difference, ensuring your cherished prints and photographs are beautifully preserved for years to come.
With over 20 years of professional framing experience, we understand that power. From our Falkirk workshop, our team offers a bespoke service, using premium, locally sourced materials to create exceptional a3 frames that honour your art. Our passion is transforming your space with pieces that are built to last and designed to inspire.
If you’re ready to see the difference that true craftsmanship can make, we invite you to explore our collection of beautifully framed art prints. Discover the perfect frame for your story today.
Frequently Asked Questions About A3 Frames
What are the exact dimensions of an A3 frame in cm and inches?
An A3 frame is crafted to perfectly house an A3 print, which measures exactly 29.7 x 42 cm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches. It’s important to note these are the internal dimensions for the artwork itself. The frame’s external size will be slightly larger, depending on the width of the beautiful moulding you select. Always measure your artwork first to ensure a professional, seamless fit for your treasured piece before purchasing.
Can I put an A4 picture into an A3 frame?
Absolutely! Placing a smaller A4 picture (21 x 29.7 cm) inside a larger A3 frame is a spectacular way to achieve a professional, gallery-style presentation. This is done by using a picture mount, which creates a crisp, clean border around your artwork. This technique gives the piece space to breathe, draws the eye inward, and adds a touch of bespoke elegance to your wall display, truly elevating the final look.
Is A3 a good size for framing a photograph?
Yes, A3 is a fantastic and highly versatile size for framing photographs. It’s large enough to make a significant impact and showcase the fine details of your image, yet not so large that it overwhelms a room. This size works beautifully as a standalone feature piece or as the centrepiece of a growing gallery wall. Whether it’s a family portrait or a stunning landscape, an A3 frame provides the perfect canvas to display your memories.
What is a picture mount and do I need one for my A3 frame?
A picture mount is a high-quality cardboard border that sits between your artwork and the frame’s glass. It serves two key purposes: it creates a visual separation that enhances the artwork, and it protects your print by preventing it from touching the glass. While you don’t need a mount if your artwork is already A3 size, we highly recommend one for adding a premium, professional finish or for framing smaller images within your A3 frame.
How do I hang an A3 frame securely on the wall?
For most A3 frames, a single, correctly installed picture hook is sufficient for plasterboard walls. Always check that the hook is rated to hold at least double the weight of your frame for safety. Use a spirit level for perfect alignment. For heavier frames or solid masonry walls, we recommend using a wall plug and screw for a more robust and secure fitting, ensuring your beautiful artwork remains perfectly displayed for years to come.
Which is bigger, an A3 frame or an A2 frame?
An A2 frame is bigger than an A3 frame. The ‘A’ paper sizing system can seem counter-intuitive: as the number gets smaller, the paper size gets larger. An A2 sheet of paper (42 x 59.4 cm) is exactly double the size of an A3 sheet. Consequently, an A2 frame is designed for a much larger, statement piece of art, while an A3 frame offers a more adaptable and popular size for most homes.
