What a poster frame does for a print
A poster frame gives a large print a neat border, protects the paper from handling, and helps the image sit properly on the wall. It is a practical choice for movie posters, photographic enlargements, exhibition graphics, sports prints and decorative artwork. The right frame also helps reduce curling at the edges, especially on lighter paper stock that can move with humidity in places like Durban, Cape Town or along the coast.
We frame posters for homes, studios, cafes, galleries and reception areas across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank and other centres. Some clients want a slim modern look, others want a wider moulding that gives the print more presence. We help you choose what suits the image, the wall colour and the room layout, not just what is available off the shelf.
- Clean presentation for large prints and graphics
- Helps protect paper from dust, fingerprints and bent corners
- Works well for single pieces or grouped wall displays
- Can be fitted with glass, acrylic or open face options depending on use
Sizes, mounting and frame options that suit your print
Poster frames are available in standard sizes and made-to-measure formats. Common sizes include A1, A0, 50 x 70 cm, 60 x 80 cm, 61 x 91.5 cm and custom dimensions for imported prints or exhibition work. For larger walls, oversize frames can be made with stronger backing and careful support so the frame stays square. If your print is not a standard size, we can trim the mount or build to the exact measurement.
The choice of mount changes the final look. A mount gives breathing room around the image and can make a poster appear more formal. A borderless fit works better where the artwork already has a strong edge or full bleed design. We also advise on glazing. For bright spaces, anti-glare acrylic can be useful, while glass gives a crisp finish for indoor walls where the frame will not be moved often.
- Standard sizes and custom sizes available
- Mount board can be added or omitted
- Glass, acrylic or open face display options
- Black, white, timber-look and neutral mouldings commonly suit poster work
Where poster frames work best in South African spaces
Poster frames are used in homes, galleries, schools, hospitality spaces and offices where a large visual statement is needed without heavy framing. In a living room, a framed poster can anchor a sofa wall or hallway. In a gallery or studio, it can support a temporary exhibition, announcement or edition print. In retail and hospitality spaces, poster frames work well for menus, campaigns and seasonal graphics that need to be changed later.
For coastal towns, moisture and salt air need attention. A poster that sits near an open window or in a sunlit room can benefit from better glazing and sealed backing. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, dry air and summer heat can still cause paper movement if the backing is poor. If you are hanging a frame in a space with strong sunlight, we will talk through the risks of fading and glare before the frame is made.
- Homes and apartments
- Galleries and exhibition walls
- Studios, offices and reception areas
- Cafes, restaurants and retail spaces
How installation is handled, and what the frame needs
Poster frames do not need power or gas. They do need proper hanging support, especially when the size gets large or the glazing adds weight. We check the wall type first, because brick, plasterboard and concrete each need a different fixing method. On tiled walls or older plaster, the wrong fitting can crack the surface or leave the frame sitting off level.
For installation, we can advise on the hanging points, spacing and wall clearance. A frame in a passage or gallery should sit level and safe for everyday movement around it. If a piece is especially large, two-point hanging or a stronger wall anchor may be the better option. We also keep in mind load-shedding when working in premises that may have uneven lighting, because a frame that looks fine under one light can look off under another, so placement matters.
- No electrical supply required
- No gas supply required
- Wall type must be confirmed before hanging
- Large frames may need reinforced fixings or two-point support
Care, cleaning and when a poster needs servicing
Poster frames are simple to maintain, but they still need care. Dust the frame with a soft dry cloth and avoid spraying cleaners directly onto glass or acrylic. If there is moisture inside the frame, a bowed backing board, or a print that has started to lift, it may need re-mounting or resealing. In humid conditions, especially near the coast, paper can mark quicker if the backing was not done properly.
We also assist with frame repairs, glass replacement and reframing when a poster is damaged, faded at the edges or needs a better finish. If the moulding chips, the hanging wire loosens, or the backing starts to fail, it is better to sort it before the print suffers more damage. That small repair can save a poster that would otherwise need replacing.
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth
- Keep away from direct damp and heavy steam
- Check for lifted corners, loose fittings and warping
- Bring in damaged pieces early for repair or reframing
What to check before you place an order
Before ordering a poster frame, measure the print carefully and confirm whether the size includes a white border or not. Check if you want the print mounted, float-mounted or fitted edge to edge. It also helps to decide where the frame will hang, because that affects the glass choice, frame depth and the hanging method. If the poster has sentimental value or is part of a collection, bring it in so we can inspect it before any trimming is done.
At Bright Frames, we guide customers through the selection process from our Parkhurst studio and service areas in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban. Sipho Maseko leads the business with a hands-on approach, and the team includes specialists who handle production, design and client care. That means you get clear advice on the practical details, not just a frame that looks good in the sample rack.
- Confirm the exact print size, including any border
- Choose mount or no mount
- Decide between glass, acrylic or open face
- Check where and how the frame will be hung
- Allow for transport if the frame is oversized
Key facts
| Product | Poster Frames |
|---|---|
| Common Sizes | A1, A0, 50 x 70 cm, 60 x 80 cm, 61 x 91.5 cm, custom |
| Frame Options | Slim, wide, timber-look, black, white and neutral finishes |
| Glazing Options | Glass, acrylic, anti-glare acrylic, open face |
| Mounting | Single mount, double mount, borderless fit, float-style presentation |
| Installation | Wall fixings matched to brick, plasterboard or concrete; no power or gas needed |
