Finding the perfect frame for an A2 image (50 by 70 cm) often turns into a real quest, because this element determines whether a poster or photograph will become a full-fledged art object or just a sheet of paper on the wall. Picture frames 50x70 are one of the most popular standards used for the design of posters, geographical maps, drawings and large photographs, so the assortment in stores is really huge and can confuse an unprepared buyer.
When purchasing a baguette, you are not just buying a piece of plastic or wood, but choosing the final chord in the interior design, which can visually expand the space or, conversely, create a cozy accent. In this article, we will look at what to look for when ordering, which materials will last the longest, and where it is most profitable to make a purchase, so as not to overpay for a brand where it does not matter.
The modern market offers solutions for any budget: from budget plastic to luxury hand-carved wood, and it is important to understand the difference between them before paying. Professional designers They know that even the most expensive image will lose its appearance in a cheap, skewed profile, so the savings here must be reasonable.
Material selection criteria: plastic, wood or metal
The first thing you will have to decide on is the profile material, since it is this that dictates the overall style and durability of the structure. Wooden frames are considered classics of the genre: they are heavy, solid and fit perfectly into traditional interiors, however, natural wood is sensitive to changes in humidity and can become deformed over time if it has not undergone high-quality processing.
Aluminum profiles represent the modern standard for minimalism and office spaces, being highly durable and resistant to fading. Metal baguettes often have a thin, barely noticeable profile, which allows the viewer to focus solely on the image itself, without distracting him with unnecessary details.
Plastic (or PVC) is the most budget-friendly and lightweight option, which, contrary to stereotypes, can look very decent thanks to modern texture printing technologies. If you are looking frames 50 by 70 for a temporary exhibition, a children's room or a rented apartment, where mobility and low price are important, plastic will be the optimal solution.
- 🌳 Wood: environmental friendliness, possibility of restoration, classic look, but afraid of moisture.
- 🔩 Aluminum: strength, lightness, modern design, high price of quality models.
- 🧪 Plastic: moisture resistance, low cost, huge selection of decors, lower fracture strength.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a wooden frame for your bathroom or kitchen, make sure that it is coated with moisture-resistant varnish, otherwise the coating may bubble after a year.
The choice of material also depends on the weight of your image: if it is a heavy oil on canvas or thick cardboard with many layers, thin plastic may not withstand the load and bend.
The influence of matting on image perception
Using matting is a professional technique that transforms an ordinary poster into a gallery piece by creating the necessary visual buffer between the image and the frame. Cardboard passe-partout not only adds aesthetics, but also performs a protective function, preventing the image from sticking to the protective glass or film, which is especially important for photographs and graphics.
When ordering a 50x70 frame with a mat, it is important to consider that the image itself must be smaller than the internal perimeter so that the margins are symmetrical and harmonious. Usually, for a 50x70 cm format, a cutout is made for a picture measuring approximately 40x60 or 30x50 cm, which creates a wide, noble border.
How to calculate the size of the cutout for a mat?
For perfect balance, the width of the mat margins should be between 1/4 and 1/3 of the width of the image itself. If the image is 50x70, then the margins may be 10-15 cm on each side, which will require a larger outer frame.
The color of the mat plays a critical role: white refreshes and adds air, black creates drama and contrasts, and colored can support one of the shades in the painting itself. Museum cardboard With a neutral pH, it is the best choice for valuable works as it will not yellow or degrade the paper for decades.
Protective coating: glass or plexiglass
The second most important element after the baguette is the protective layer, which protects the image from dust, moisture and mechanical damage. Regular silicate glass is highly transparent and inexpensive, but it is heavy, fragile and glares in the light, which can interfere with the ability to see details.
Plexiglas (acrylic) is much lighter and safer, since if it falls it will not break into sharp fragments, which makes it an ideal choice for children's rooms and public places. However acrylic sheets are prone to generating static electricity, which can attract dust, and are more easily scratched by careless wiping.
For art lovers, there are special anti-reflective and museum glasses that transmit up to 99% of light and cut off ultraviolet radiation, preventing colors from fading. If you are planning buy a frame For an expensive print or photograph, there is no need to skimp on a protective coating, since a UV filter will extend the life of the image significantly.
| Coverage type | Transparency | Security | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular glass | High (glare) | Low (fragile) | Low |
| Plexiglas | Medium (scratched) | High | Average |
| Anti-glare | Maximum | Average | High |
Before installing the plexiglass, wipe it with a special cloth for screens to avoid static discharges and dust inside the frame.
Where to buy: online stores versus local framing shops
The decision of where to purchase a finished product or order a cut depends on your requirements for timing and the individuality of the design. Online hypermarkets offer a huge selection of ready-made frames in standard sizes at very low prices, often with fast delivery, but you are limited by what they have in stock.
Local framing workshops allow you to create a unique product: you choose the profile from hundreds of samples, the type of pendant, the color of the mat, and even the mounting method. Individual order will cost more and take longer (from 1 to 5 days), but the result will perfectly match your expectations and the size of the work.
When searching on the Internet, use specific queries, for example, “buy frame 50x70 baguette” to filter offers specifically for your format, since many stores sell only standard photo formats such as A4 or A3. It is also worth paying attention to the cost of delivery, since dimensions of 50x70 cm often exceed standard parcel sizes and may require separate logistics calculations.
- 🛒 Marketplaces: fast, cheap, standard range, risk of damage during delivery.
- 🔨 Workshops: individually, high quality, more expensive, the opportunity to see the sample live.
- 🏪 Household goods: middle segment, you can touch it, limited selection of profiles.
Instructions: how to measure and place an order correctly
To avoid a situation where the image does not fit into the purchased frame or, on the contrary, dangles inside, it is necessary to take accurate measurements. Format 50x70 is standard for many posters, but paper media can have tolerances of several millimeters that are critical for a tight fit.
If you are ordering a frame for an existing image, measure it along the outer edge in several places (top, bottom, middle) and focus on the largest size. To order a frame with a passe-partout, you need to measure the picture itself and inform the artist or indicate in the product parameters exactly its dimensions, and not the desired window size.
☑️ Check before purchase
When placing an order through the online store, carefully study the “Characteristics” section, paying attention to the internal and external dimensions of the product. Often, manufacturers indicate the dimensions of the product itself with external allowances, and not the size of the visible field, which can lead to an error when choosing.
⚠️ Attention: Never use tape to fix an image inside a frame, as over time the glue turns yellow and can damage the paper; use special corners or clamps.
Frame care and appearance preservation
Even the most expensive and beautiful frame will lose its appearance without proper care, especially if it is made of materials that require delicate handling. Wood profiles It is enough to wipe with a dry soft cloth, and once every six months you can treat it with furniture polish to restore the shine and protective layer.
Plastic and metal surfaces can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, but you should avoid aggressive chemicals and abrasive sponges, which can leave scratches on the varnish. If dust appears inside the protective glass, it is better to carefully disassemble the frame and blow out the insides rather than shake it and risk damaging the corners.
Avoid placing framed paintings in direct sunlight or above heating appliances, as constant heating can cause the wood to dry out or the plastic to deform. Regular check It also wouldn't hurt to have fasteners: over time, the screws can loosen, and the heavy structure risks falling.
Proper frame care prolongs the life of not only the frame, but also the image itself, protecting it from dust and fading.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to insert a 50x70 image into a 50x70 frame without a mat?
Yes, this is a standard design option when the image is inserted closely under the glass. However, make sure that the internal frame size is exactly 50x70, as some models have a smaller visible margin due to the overlap of the baguette.
What is the difference between a poster frame and a picture frame?
The main difference is the depth of the profile (side height). For posters on paper, flat frames are used, but for paintings on canvas, deeper frames are needed (usually from 2 cm) so that the canvas does not rest against the glass and has space.
How to hang a heavy 50x70 frame on drywall?
Regular nails will not work for drywall. Use special butterfly dowels or find a wooden frame beam through a metal detector to screw the screw directly into the supporting structure.
Is it possible to order a frame of a non-standard size, for example 51x71?
It is almost impossible to find such sizes in finished form, but any framing workshop will make a frame of any size according to your measurements. This will cost more than a pre-made one, but will ensure a perfect fit.