Framing & Mounting

Framing Your National Park PosterS

Great Art Deserves a Great Place on the Wall.

Whether you're choosing a National Park Poster for your home or you've already found the perfect park, framing is part of what turns the artwork into something truly personal. A simple black frame, a rustic wood finish, a crisp white mat or a completely custom presentation can give the same poster an entirely different look.

I get a lot of questions about framing and mounting, so I've put together some of my favorite ideas, resources and recommendations — from inexpensive ready-made frames to DIY options and full custom framing. You'll also find the exact poster dimensions, suggested frame and mat sizes, and a few examples to help you decide what will work best with your poster, your room and your budget.

And there's no single "right" way to frame a National Park Poster. The best choice is the one that complements the artwork, fits your space and makes you happy every time you see it.

First Things First: What Size Frame Do You Need?

National Park Posters measure 13" x 19".
You can place the poster directly into a 13" x 19" frame for a clean, simple look.
For a larger gallery-style presentation, try an 18" x 24" frame with a mat.
A mat opening of approximately 12-3/4" x 18-3/4" works well for displaying the artwork.
If you'd like a double mat, I typically use a second opening of approximately 12-1/4" x 18-1/4".

The 13" x 19" format is also the size used for the original WPA posters, so your National Park Poster already has a wonderful traditional poster proportion.

What Kind of Look Do You Want?

Before worrying about where to buy the frame, think about how you want your finished poster to feel. A frame can completely change the presentation of the artwork.

Black Frame

Probably the easiest choice. A simple black frame works beautifully with virtually every National Park Poster and gives the artwork a clean, timeless presentation.

White Frame

Bright, fresh and contemporary. White frames work particularly well in lighter spaces and allow the colors in the poster to take center stage.

Rustic or Barnwood

A natural choice for national park artwork. Barnwood, weathered grey and rustic wood frames add warmth and texture while reinforcing the outdoor character of the poster.

With a mat or without? A white mat gives your poster a larger, more traditional gallery presentation and adds visual space around the artwork. Framing without a mat creates a simpler, more modern poster look. Both can look terrific.

Budget Idea: Under $10

Keep It Simple

You don't have to spend a lot to get your poster onto the wall. A flat black frame is timeless, affordable and works with almost any décor.

Simple black frame for a National Park Poster

This is an inexpensive option worth checking out if you're looking for a straightforward black frame.

See the Frame at Joann

$10–$50

Ready-Made Frames

This price range opens up quite a few possibilities. If you want something fast and uncomplicated, look for a ready-made 13" x 19" frame that lets the artwork fill the frame without a mat.

Format Frames

These minimalist Format Frames fit the poster nicely and don't require a mat. They're especially handy if you're framing several posters for a gallery wall or national park collection.

See Format Frames on Amazon

Studio Decor Frame from Michaels

If you prefer the more finished look of a mat, this Studio Decor frame from Michaels has an inset designed for a 13" x 19" image. The finished frame size is approximately 16" x 24", giving the artwork a little extra breathing room.

These frames are frequently included in Michaels sales and promotions, so it's worth checking the current price before buying.

See the Studio Decor Frame

More Frames on Amazon

Amazon offers a wide variety of 13" x 19" frames at different prices and in different styles, making it a useful place to browse if you're not quite sure what look you want.

Browse 13" x 19" Frames on Amazon

Looking for Something More Rustic?

A rustic wood frame can be a great match for national park artwork, especially in cabins, mountain homes, offices and rooms with natural wood or outdoor-inspired décor.

See Rustic Frames on Amazon

$50–$99

Create a More Custom Look Yourself

This is one of my favorite ways to frame the posters because it gives you a much more customized finished piece without paying for full custom framing.

Start by looking for a ready-made 18" x 24" frame at Michaels, Target, Hobby Lobby or another frame or craft store. Sales and clearance sections can be especially good places to look.

Examples of framed National Park Posters with mats

Rob's DIY Framing Formula

Choose an 18" x 24" frame.
Have a custom mat cut with an opening of approximately 12-3/4" x 18-3/4".
For a double-mat presentation, add a second mat with an opening of approximately 12-1/4" x 18-1/4".
Choose mat colors that complement the poster, frame or colors in your room.
Carefully position the poster against the backing board.
Place the mat or mats over the artwork and reinstall everything in the frame.
Add a wire hanging kit if your frame doesn't already include one.

I've found Hobby Lobby to be one of the less expensive places to have custom mat boards cut. Depending on the frame and the number of mats you choose, you can often create a very finished, custom-looking presentation in this price range.

Make the frame part of the artwork. Don't feel like everything has to be black and white. A mat color pulled from the sky, landscape, typography or border of the poster can create a really beautiful finished piece.

$99–$125

Let Someone Else Do the Work

If you'd rather skip the measuring, cutting and mounting, an online framing service can be a great middle ground between DIY and visiting a local custom frame shop.

Framebridge offers choices for frames, mounting and mats and handles the framing for you. You can build a more customized look without having to assemble everything yourself.

Visit FrameBridge.com

$125–$175

Go More Custom

Another option is an online frame shop such as PictureFrames.com. You'll have much more control over the look and feel of the finished piece, including the frame, mats, backing and glazing.

I use them frequently and typically choose archival foam core, double mats, heavy-duty UV-resistant acrylic and wood frames. You can have them handle the framing or order the materials and assemble everything yourself.

They frequently offer sales and discounts, so check their current promotions before ordering.

Visit PictureFrames.com

$175+

Full Custom Framing

If the poster is going into a special room, you're building a centerpiece for a wall, or you simply want the most polished presentation possible, take it to a local professional framer.

Michaels, The Great Frame Up and independent frame shops can help you select the frame, mat colors, mounting and glazing and then do all the work for you.

Custom framing can become expensive quickly, so I recommend watching for framing promotions and sales. Those discounts can make a substantial difference.

Framing Inspiration: With a Mat or Without?

Another way to approach the decision is to think about the finished style rather than the price. Craig Frames offers several combinations that illustrate just how different the same poster can look depending on the frame and mat you choose.

With a White Mat: Classic & Gallery-Inspired

Adding a white mat creates a larger presentation, gives the artwork some visual breathing room and naturally draws attention toward the poster.

Black + White Mat

Sleek and timeless. The black frame creates strong contrast while the white mat keeps the overall presentation clean and sophisticated.

White + White Mat

Fresh, bright and gallery-inspired. This combination lets the vivid colors in your National Park Poster become the focal point.

Barnwood Grey + White Mat

Rustic character with a more finished presentation. The weathered grey works especially well with nature, landscape and outdoor-inspired spaces.

Without a Mat: Clean & Modern

Prefer something simpler? Placing the poster directly into the frame gives it more of a traditional poster presentation and allows the artwork to fill the entire visual space.