What a multi aperture frame does for a wall
A multi aperture frame holds two or more openings in one surround, so a series of pictures sits together as one planned piece. It works well for family milestones, travel stories, school achievements, weddings and themed art sets where the sequence matters as much as each individual image.
The value is in the spacing. Each aperture is cut to size so the pictures line up neatly, with consistent margins and a balanced sight line. That makes the frame easier to hang than several separate frames, and it keeps the display from looking cluttered.
For Johannesburg homes with smaller passage walls, apartments in Sandton, or reception areas in Midrand, a single multi aperture frame can give you a stronger visual result without using too much wall space. In galleries and studios, it also helps when you need a clean presentation for a body of related work.
Sizes, aperture layouts and finish options
We make multi aperture frames in standard and custom sizes, from compact 2 window layouts to larger arrangements for a series of 6, 8 or more images. The final size depends on the print size, the border width you want, and whether the piece will be viewed close up or from across the room.
Common options include portrait, landscape and mixed orientation layouts. You can keep all apertures the same size for a formal look, or vary them for a scrapbook style sequence. We also advise on the opening shape, with square, rectangle and tall formats all possible.
- 2 to 12 apertures are common for personal and commercial framing
- Openings can be set for standard print sizes or custom dimensions
- Mount board colour can be neutral white, black, cream or a selected tone
- Frame mouldings can suit modern, classic or gallery interiors
- Glazing can be clear glass, low reflection glass or acrylic where weight is a concern
If you are framing in a coastal area such as Durban or Cape Town, we normally discuss moisture and salt in the air before finalising the materials. For heavier pieces, we can also suggest a wider moulding or a lighter glazing option, depending on where it will hang.
Best uses for homes, offices and galleries
Multi aperture frames suit places where a set of pictures tells one story. They are often used for wedding photographs, children’s school years, graduation sets, sports memories, travel series and family portraits. They also work for print collections, product imagery and small exhibition runs.
In offices, a multi aperture frame can hold certificates, team portraits or brand history images in one tidy wall piece. In galleries, they are useful for themed series where the curator wants the viewer to read the sequence in order. At home, they work well above a console, in a hallway, over a staircase or in a study.
For South African spaces, practical things matter too. Bright light, dust, and changing humidity can all affect the finish over time, especially near windows or in open-plan rooms. We help you choose a format that suits the room, the wall size and the light conditions, so the display lasts and still looks right after a few seasons.
Installation, wall fixing and what the frame needs
Multi aperture frames do not need power or gas. They are a wall hanging product, so the main installation need is the correct fixing for the wall type and the weight of the finished piece. That means standard plasterboard, brick, concrete and older walls each need a different approach.
We can advise on hanging points, especially for wider frames that need two support points. If the piece includes glass, larger sizes can become heavy, so it is worth checking the fixing before you drill. For gallery spaces and rental properties in Johannesburg or Pretoria, this is important because municipal or building rules may limit where and how you can fasten into certain walls.
- Check wall material before ordering a large frame
- Allow space for the outer moulding and any wall hooks
- Confirm whether the piece will hang portrait or landscape
- Plan for nearby windows, direct sun and aircon vents
- Ask about installation if the frame is going into a public space
Where needed, we can assist with collection and delivery, and for larger framed artworks we can help with installation guidance so the display sits level and secure. If you are fitting several frames in one room, it helps to mark the centre line and viewing height before the frame arrives.
How to care for a multi aperture frame
Care is simple, but it matters. Dust the moulding with a soft dry cloth and avoid harsh cleaners near the edges. If the frame has glass, use a suitable glass cleaner on the cloth rather than spraying directly onto the surface, so liquid does not seep into the mount board or into the frame joints.
Keep the frame out of strong direct sun where possible, especially for colour prints and old photographs. In coastal humidity, let us know if the piece will hang near a kitchen, bathroom or sea-facing room, as we may suggest material choices that handle moisture better. In Gauteng, dust and dry air can still affect delicate paper and photos, so a good fit and proper glazing remain important.
If the frame is bumped, the mount shifts, or a corner opens over time, bring it in for frame repairs or reframing. We also replace cracked glass and can check whether the backing, tape and hanging hardware still meet the job it has to do. A small repair now is usually cheaper than remaking the whole piece later.
What to check before you order
Before you place an order, have the photos or artwork ready in the size you want to frame, and think about the order in which they should read. A good multi aperture layout starts with the image sizes, then moves to the border widths, spacing and moulding choice. If you are unsure, bring the pictures in and we will talk through the options with you.
It helps to check whether the originals are digital prints, paper photographs, certificates, memorabilia or original art. Each one may need different mount cutting or glazing. If the piece includes signed prints or sentimental items, ask us about acid free materials and the best way to keep the contents flat and stable.
- Confirm exact print sizes before cutting the apertures
- Decide if you want equal spacing or a more varied layout
- Choose the frame finish to suit the room and the artwork
- Check whether you want glass, low reflection glass or acrylic
- Tell us if the piece will be hung in sunlight, near moisture or in a public area
- Allow time for custom cutting if the project is for an event or exhibition
Our Parkhurst studio serves Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban, and clients across South Africa reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page. If you need one frame for a family wall or a full gallery run, we can guide the order so the finished piece is neat, practical and ready to hang.
Key facts
| Product type | Custom multi aperture picture frame |
|---|---|
| Common layouts | 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or more apertures |
| Size range | Small tabletop sizes to large wall pieces |
| Glazing options | Standard glass, low reflection glass or acrylic |
| Mount options | Acid free board, standard board, custom colour boards |
| Service area | Parkhurst, Johannesburg and across South Africa |
