Why Buying Unframed Art Prints Is the Smarter Choice: A Guide to Beautiful, Professional Wall Art

The artwork deserves the right frame. Discover why buying unframed art prints and posters gives you greater creative freedom, better control over quality, and the opportunity to create a more personal, beautifully finished interior.

When you discover an art print that speaks to you, something special happens. Perhaps it reminds you of a place you love, brings a sense of calm to your living room, or introduces exactly the right colour to a space that feels incomplete. Suddenly, you can imagine it on your wall.

But before choosing how to display it, there is one important decision worth considering: should you buy the artwork already framed, or purchase the print on its own and have it professionally framed locally?

At first glance, a framed print may seem like the most convenient option. It arrives looking finished, and you can imagine hanging it straight away. However, when presentation, materials, proportions, and the overall character of your interior matter, buying an unframed art print can offer significant advantages.

At Murellos, we believe great art deserves thoughtful presentation. A beautiful print should be given the opportunity to become part of your home in a way that complements its design, respects its character, and reflects your personal taste.

That is why we encourage customers to consider purchasing their favourite art prints and posters unframed and working with a trusted local framing professional to create the perfect final result.

This is not simply about choosing a different product option. It is about making a more considered decision about how you bring art into your home.

1. A Beautiful Artwork Deserves a Beautiful Frame

Imagine discovering a striking abstract print, an elegant architectural illustration, or a vintage poster with a wonderful combination of colours. The composition is balanced, the details are captivating, and the artwork immediately elevates your imagination of the room.

Now imagine placing that same artwork inside a frame that feels too heavy, uses a finish that clashes with the colours, or has proportions that make the entire piece feel less refined.

The artwork has not changed. Its presentation has.

A frame is far more than a protective border. It influences how we perceive an image, how the image relates to the surrounding space, and whether the finished piece feels harmonious within an interior.

A slim black frame can introduce definition and a contemporary architectural quality. A natural oak frame can bring warmth and complement Scandinavian or organic interiors. A refined brass finish can create a more sophisticated atmosphere, while a generous white or cream mount can give a composition a gallery-inspired presence.

The same print can look remarkably different depending on these choices.

This is precisely why framing deserves the same attention as selecting the artwork itself.

When you purchase an unframed art print, you retain control over this important final stage. Rather than accepting a predetermined combination of artwork and frame, you can choose the materials, colour, profile, and proportions that allow your particular print to look its best.

At Murellos, we want the artwork you fall in love with to remain the centre of attention. Giving yourself the freedom to select the right frame is one way to achieve that.

2. Your Local Frame Shop Can Personalise the Entire Presentation

One of the greatest advantages of buying unframed posters and art prints is the opportunity to work directly with a professional framer.

A good local framing specialist does much more than place a print inside a frame. They can help you evaluate the artwork, consider the room where it will be displayed, explore different materials, and determine which presentation best suits your taste and budget.

This personal guidance can be particularly valuable when you are decorating a room from scratch or investing in a piece you intend to display for many years.

The right frame for your interior

Consider a modern living room with neutral walls, natural wood furniture, and understated decorative details. A minimalist black frame might introduce a crisp contrast, while a light oak frame could reinforce the room's natural warmth.

Now imagine the same artwork in a more traditional home, where darker furniture, rich fabrics, and warm lighting create a different atmosphere. A dark wood frame or a more traditional moulding might feel more appropriate.

Neither option is universally better. The best choice depends on the artwork and its surroundings.

A local framer can help you explore these possibilities before making a decision. You may be able to compare physical frame samples against your print, assess different finishes in person, and consider how the completed piece will relate to your furniture and wall colour.

This is especially useful because colours and materials can appear different under different lighting conditions. Seeing samples in person gives you more information than choosing a frame based on a small product photograph.

A frame that reflects your personal taste

Your home should not look as though every decorative decision was made from a catalogue. It should reflect your personality, your experiences, and the details that make your space feel like yours.

Choosing an unframed print allows you to make the framing decision part of that creative process.

You might prefer a restrained, contemporary finish, a more traditional presentation, or a bold frame that deliberately contrasts with the artwork. A professional framer can help translate that preference into a finished piece.

The result is not merely an image on a wall. It is an artwork that feels intentionally chosen for your home.

3. Avoid the Disappointment of a Beautiful Print in a Poor-Quality Frame

There is a reason galleries, interior designers, collectors, and design-conscious homeowners pay attention to framing.

A frame can enhance a work of art, but a poorly chosen one can distract from it.

Inexpensive, mass-produced frames are not necessarily bad. Many affordable frames are perfectly suitable for everyday decorative prints. The problem arises when the frame's quality, proportions, finish, or construction do not match the artwork or the expectations of the buyer.

A frame that feels visually heavy can overpower a delicate composition. A glossy finish may compete with a sophisticated image. An unsuitable colour can interrupt the palette, while a poorly proportioned border can make the artwork feel cramped.

Construction also matters. Loose corners, an unstable backing, poor hanging hardware, or glazing that creates distracting reflections can affect the finished presentation.

When the frame and artwork are sold together as a standardised package, the buyer generally has less opportunity to customise these details.

Buying the print separately allows you to evaluate the framing options on their own merits.

You can decide where it makes sense to invest more and where a simpler solution is sufficient. You can choose a modest frame that complements the artwork beautifully or invest in premium materials for a piece that holds particular meaning.

The objective is not to spend as much as possible. It is to avoid letting an unsuitable frame diminish an artwork you genuinely love.

A thoughtful frame should complete the artwork, not compete with it.

That principle is central to creating a home that feels carefully considered rather than simply decorated.

4. Greater Control Over Your Budget

Another important advantage of purchasing unframed art prints is having greater control over how much you spend on presentation.

When you buy a ready-framed print, the cost of the frame, glazing, backing, assembly, and associated handling is incorporated into the overall price. You are purchasing a completed combination.

With an unframed print, you can separate the cost of the artwork from the cost of framing and decide how much additional investment makes sense for you.

For example, a smaller print intended for a casual gallery wall might look excellent in a straightforward, ready-made frame. A larger statement piece above a sofa might justify a custom frame, a carefully selected mount, and upgraded glazing.

You can also compare quotes from different local framing shops before committing.

This flexibility is useful when decorating several rooms at once. Rather than paying for identical framing on every print, you can prioritise the pieces that deserve more elaborate presentation and choose simpler options for others.

Choose where to invest

Not every artwork requires the same level of framing.

A colourful poster for a home office may call for a simple frame that allows the design to speak for itself. A carefully selected print for a formal living room may benefit from a wider mount and a more refined frame profile.

A collection of small prints could look cohesive in matching frames, while a larger gallery wall might benefit from a mixture of frame styles that share a common visual element.

Purchasing unframed art gives you the freedom to make these decisions individually.

Of course, custom framing is not always cheaper than buying a ready-framed product. Professional materials and specialist labour can add considerable cost, particularly for large formats. The advantage is that you can choose the level of service and materials that suit your priorities instead of automatically accepting a predetermined package.

For many customers, that control is worth having.

5. Choose the Perfect Frame Size, Colour, and Profile

One of the most common challenges in interior design is finding artwork that suits a room without feeling disconnected from the furniture, wall colour, or other decorative elements.

Framing can help bring those elements together.

When you buy an unframed art print, you can work with a framer to explore a much broader range of combinations than you might find in a standard ready-framed product.

Black frames for definition and contrast

Black frames are versatile and particularly effective with graphic art, photography, contemporary illustrations, and minimalist compositions.

They can create a clean visual boundary around an image, introduce contrast against pale walls, and establish a connection with black furniture, lighting, or other architectural details.

A slim profile often creates a modern, understated appearance. A wider profile can give a large artwork more visual weight.

Natural wood for warmth

Oak, ash, and other natural wood finishes can complement Scandinavian interiors, warm neutrals, organic textures, and relaxed contemporary spaces.

They can be particularly effective with landscapes, botanical artwork, architectural illustrations, and prints featuring earthy colours.

Different wood tones create different effects. Pale oak can feel light and understated, while deeper finishes can introduce a more traditional or substantial character.

Gold and brass for elegance

Gold-toned and brass-finish frames can work beautifully with classical artwork, vintage illustrations, Art Nouveau-inspired designs, and selected abstract compositions.

Used thoughtfully, they can introduce warmth and sophistication without requiring an elaborate frame.

The key is proportion. A restrained metallic profile may enhance a print, while a highly decorative frame could overwhelm a delicate or minimalist image.

White frames for a light, contemporary feel

White frames can create a subtle transition between artwork and wall, especially in bright interiors. They may be suitable for colourful illustrations, coastal artwork, and minimalist designs.

Depending on the artwork, a cream or off-white mount can add softness and prevent the presentation from feeling too stark.

Why custom sizing and matting matter

A local framer can also help you decide whether a mount, sometimes called a mat, would improve the presentation.

A mount creates a border of space between the artwork and the frame. This can give an image more breathing room, emphasise its proportions, and produce a gallery-inspired appearance.

The opening, border width, and colour all influence the final result. A generous mount can make a smaller print feel more substantial, while a close-fitting presentation may suit bold graphic designs.

The mount also has a practical function: when properly designed, it keeps the artwork away from the glazing.

By buying unframed, you can make these choices around the particular artwork rather than adapting your interior to a standard framing option.

6. Professional Framing Can Help Protect Your Artwork

Framing is not only an aesthetic decision. It can also influence how well an art print is protected over time.

Paper-based artwork can be vulnerable to light, moisture, unsuitable materials, physical damage, and improper handling. A well-designed frame can reduce certain risks, although no frame can make artwork completely immune to deterioration.

This is one area where a reputable framing professional can provide real value.

Acid-free and conservation-quality materials

Some paper-based artworks can be affected by acidic materials used in poor-quality mounts and backing boards. Depending on the materials and conditions, this can contribute to yellowing, staining, or deterioration.

A professional framer can explain the differences between standard and conservation-quality materials and recommend an appropriate solution for your print and budget.

For artwork you wish to preserve, ask about acid-free or conservation-quality mount boards and backing materials.

The Canadian Conservation Institute's guidance on matting works on paper explains why suitable materials matter and how a mount can provide both aesthetic and protective benefits.

Appropriate glazing

Glazing refers to the glass or acrylic covering placed in front of a framed artwork.

Different options offer different advantages. Standard glass is often economical, while specialist glazing may offer improved ultraviolet filtering, reduced reflections, lower weight, or greater impact resistance.

UV-filtering glazing can help reduce exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation, but it does not eliminate all light-related fading. Even artwork behind protective glazing should be kept away from direct sunlight and excessive light exposure.

Ask your framer which glazing is appropriate for the artwork, the display environment, and your budget.

Correct spacing and mounting

A print should generally be kept from touching the glazing. A properly designed mount or suitable spacers can create the necessary separation.

The artwork should also be supported and secured appropriately. Avoid allowing adhesive tape, household glue, or unsuitable mounting products to come into direct contact with the print.

These details may not be obvious when you look at a finished frame, but they can make a meaningful difference to how the artwork is housed.

Protecting the print from its environment

Even a well-framed print needs sensible placement.

Avoid hanging artwork where it receives strong direct sunlight, experiences excessive humidity, or sits close to sources of heat. Bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with significant temperature or moisture fluctuations may require additional consideration.

A professional framer can advise on materials and construction, but the surrounding environment remains important.

For customers investing in a particularly valuable, limited-edition, or sentimental work on paper, conservation framing may be worth considering. For an everyday decorative poster, a simpler framing solution may be entirely appropriate.

The advantage of purchasing unframed is that you can choose the level of protection that makes sense for the artwork rather than assuming every print requires the same treatment.

7. Make Your Artwork Look More Expensive Without Overspending

A sophisticated interior is not necessarily the one with the most expensive furniture or the largest decorative budget.

Often, the difference comes from proportion, restraint, and attention to detail.

The way artwork is mounted, framed, and positioned can influence whether a room feels balanced and intentional.

A carefully selected frame can make an ordinary decorative moment feel more complete. A well-proportioned mount can create a sense of space around the image. Consistent framing can make a collection of prints feel like a unified installation.

These effects do not always require extravagant spending.

Create a cohesive gallery wall

One approach is to select several unframed prints from a common collection and have them framed in complementary styles.

You might choose matching black frames for a crisp, contemporary look, natural wood for a warmer atmosphere, or a combination of finishes that share a consistent colour palette.

The artworks do not need to be identical. A carefully arranged gallery wall can combine different sizes, compositions, and subjects while maintaining a visual relationship between the pieces.

Buying unframed prints makes it easier to coordinate the presentation of the entire collection rather than purchasing each artwork with a predetermined frame.

Give a statement piece room to breathe

A large print above a sofa, console, or dining table often benefits from careful attention to scale.

The frame should relate to the size of the artwork and the furniture beneath it. A generous mount may suit certain compositions, while others look better with a narrow border.

A local framer can help you assess these proportions before the frame is made.

The result is an artwork that feels integrated into the room instead of appearing to have been added as an afterthought.

Think about the room as a whole

Consider the colours and finishes already present in the space.

Do you have black window frames, brass lighting, warm wooden furniture, or predominantly white walls? Repeating one of these elements in the artwork's frame can create a subtle connection between the different parts of the room.

Alternatively, a contrasting frame can create a deliberate focal point.

The objective is not to follow a rigid decorating rule. It is to understand that framing gives you another opportunity to make your interior feel personal and harmonious.

8. Unframed Prints Give You More Freedom When Decorating

Interior design preferences evolve. You might repaint a room, replace furniture, move to a new home, or decide that a previously neutral space needs more colour.

An unframed art print gives you flexibility at the point of purchase because you are not committed to a specific frame.

If you already own suitable frames, you may be able to use them for new artwork, provided the dimensions and mounting requirements are appropriate. If you are planning a new gallery wall, you can select frames that work together from the beginning.

You can also take your time.

Rather than rushing to choose a frame simply because it comes bundled with the print, you can bring the artwork into your design process and decide how it should be presented.

For people who enjoy decorating, this is part of the pleasure of collecting art. The frame becomes another creative choice rather than a fixed component of the product.

There is a practical consideration, however: unframed prints need careful handling, storage, and transport before framing. Keep the print protected in suitable packaging, avoid bending it, and follow the seller's handling guidance.

When you are ready, a professional framer can help turn the print into a finished piece suited to its intended location.

9. Why Buying Unframed Is Particularly Useful for Interior Design Projects

For interior designers, property stylists, hospitality businesses, and customers decorating several rooms, buying unframed art prints can offer additional practical advantages.

A project may involve multiple artworks with different dimensions, colour palettes, and intended display locations. Standardised framed products may not provide the consistency or customisation required.

Purchasing the artwork separately allows the framing stage to be planned around the overall design scheme.

Consistency across multiple spaces

A hotel, restaurant, office, or residential project may need a coherent visual language across several walls.

The artwork can vary from room to room while the frames maintain a consistent finish. Alternatively, different framing styles can distinguish individual areas while remaining part of a broader design concept.

Working with a local framing specialist can help coordinate dimensions, finishes, mounting, and installation requirements.

Greater control over project specifications

Professional projects may have specific requirements regarding frame dimensions, glazing, hanging systems, safety, or the overall weight of the finished pieces.

Choosing the artwork separately allows the framing specification to be discussed with the person responsible for the installation.

For larger or more demanding projects, this can be particularly important. Heavy frames, high-traffic environments, and artwork installed in commercial spaces may require additional planning.

A more intentional final result

Interior design is often about making many small decisions work together.

The artwork, frame, furniture, lighting, textiles, and wall finishes all contribute to the final atmosphere. When framing is selected specifically for the project, it becomes part of the design rather than an unrelated accessory.

For designers working with Murellos art prints and posters, this approach creates the freedom to choose artwork based on its visual qualities first, then determine how each piece should be presented within the finished space.

10. How to Choose a Trusted Local Picture Framing Shop

If you decide to purchase unframed art prints, choosing the right framing professional is an important part of the process.

Not every project requires an expensive bespoke frame, but it is worth finding a framer who listens to your preferences, explains the available options, and takes care with the artwork.

Here are several useful questions to ask.

1. Can I compare frame samples in person?

Seeing actual samples helps you assess colour, finish, texture, and profile. It also makes it easier to compare options against the artwork itself.

2. What materials are included in the quote?

Ask about the frame, glazing, mount board, backing, mounting method, and hanging hardware. A clear quote helps you compare different options fairly.

3. Are acid-free or conservation-quality materials available?

If you intend to keep the artwork for many years, ask about appropriate materials and the benefits of upgrading. Your framer should be able to explain the options without insisting that every print needs the most expensive package.

4. What glazing would you recommend?

Discuss standard glass, UV-filtering glazing, anti-reflective options, and acrylic where appropriate. The best choice depends on the print, its location, the budget, and the desired appearance.

5. How will the artwork be mounted?

Ask how the print will be secured and whether it will be kept away from the glazing. For artwork you may wish to preserve, avoid methods that permanently attach the print using unsuitable adhesives.

6. Can you recommend the right proportions for the frame and mount?

A knowledgeable framer can help you assess the relationship between the image, the border, and the overall dimensions of the finished piece.

7. Can I see examples of your previous work?

Examples can give you a better sense of the shop's craftsmanship, attention to detail, and range of styles.

A reliable professional should be happy to discuss these questions and explain the trade-offs between appearance, protection, and cost.

The aim is not to make framing unnecessarily complicated. It is to ensure that the finished artwork looks right for your home and is assembled with appropriate care.

11. Is Buying Unframed Art Better Than Buying Framed Art?

The honest answer is that it depends on your priorities.

Ready-framed artwork is a convenient option if you want a completed piece that can be displayed with minimal additional work. It can also be a good choice when the frame suits your interior, the dimensions are appropriate, and the materials meet your expectations.

Unframed art prints, however, offer several advantages for people who want more control over the final result.

If you care about coordinating frames with your furniture, choosing the right mount, selecting appropriate glazing, or creating a cohesive gallery wall, buying the artwork separately gives you more flexibility.

It also allows you to compare framing quotes and decide how much to invest in presentation.

The trade-off is that professional framing requires additional time, coordination, and potentially extra expense. You will need to arrange the framing yourself, transport or deliver the print carefully, and wait for the finished piece.

For some customers, the convenience of a ready-framed product will outweigh those considerations. For others, the freedom to create a more individual and carefully finished result will be more valuable.

At Murellos, we believe the most important thing is that you love the artwork you choose and feel confident about how it will look in your home.

If framing is an important part of your vision, buying unframed gives you the opportunity to make that decision with care.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Unframed Art Prints

Are unframed art prints worth buying?

Yes, particularly if you want to choose your own frame, control your framing budget, or coordinate the artwork with your interior design. Buying unframed also gives you the opportunity to work with a local professional who can recommend suitable materials and presentation options.

The overall value depends on the print, the framing you choose, and how you intend to display it.

Is it cheaper to buy an unframed print and frame it locally?

It can be, but it is not guaranteed. A simple ready-made frame may be less expensive than custom framing, while specialist materials and bespoke work can increase the cost.

The advantage of buying unframed is that you can compare options and decide where to invest rather than paying for a predetermined framing package.

What is the best frame for art prints and posters?

There is no single best frame for every artwork. Slim black frames suit many contemporary and graphic designs, natural wood can complement warm or Scandinavian interiors, and metallic finishes can enhance selected vintage or classical prints.

The right choice depends on the artwork, room, wall colour, furniture, and your personal taste.

Should I use a mat when framing an art print?

A mat can add visual space around the artwork and create a more gallery-like presentation. It can also help separate the print from the glazing.

Whether to use one depends on the composition, dimensions, frame style, and desired appearance. A professional framer can help you determine the most appropriate option.

How can I protect my art print when framing it?

Use appropriate mounting and backing materials, keep the artwork separated from the glazing, and consider UV-filtering glazing where suitable. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive moisture, and do not allow unsuitable adhesives to come into contact with the print.

For particularly valuable or delicate works, ask a qualified framing or conservation professional for advice.

Can I frame an unframed poster myself?

Yes. Ready-made frames can be a practical option when the dimensions fit and the materials are appropriate. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, handle the print carefully, and avoid attaching it with household tape or glue.

If the print is large, delicate, unusually sized, or particularly important to you, professional framing may be worthwhile.

Why do interior designers often choose unframed artwork?

Buying artwork separately allows designers to coordinate frames, mounts, finishes, and dimensions across a project. This can help create consistency between rooms and give each artwork a presentation that suits the overall design scheme.

Does professional framing make artwork last forever?

No. Good framing can help reduce certain risks, but it cannot eliminate all deterioration. Light, humidity, temperature changes, and the inherent properties of the paper and printing materials remain important factors.

Appropriate materials and careful placement can help protect artwork, but no framing system guarantees permanent preservation.

13. Choose the Artwork You Love. Let the Frame Complete It.

A beautiful home is rarely created by one dramatic purchase. More often, it comes together through a series of thoughtful decisions: a colour that feels right, a texture that adds warmth, a favourite object displayed with care, and an artwork that makes a room feel more personal.

The art you choose is the starting point.

It might be an abstract composition that brings energy to a neutral living room, a vintage-inspired poster that recalls a favourite destination, an architectural print that adds character to an office, or a minimalist design that makes a bedroom feel calmer.

Whatever draws you to the image, it deserves to be presented in a way that respects its character.

Buying an unframed print gives you the freedom to make that final decision yourself. You can choose the frame that suits your home, explore the materials that fit your priorities, and work with a trusted local professional to achieve the finish you have in mind.

You are not simply purchasing an image and finding a way to hang it. You are creating a piece of your interior that you will see every day.

And when an artwork has the right frame, the right proportions, and the right place on the wall, the difference can be remarkable.

At Murellos, we curate art prints and posters for people who believe that the details of a home matter. Our collections are designed to help you discover artwork that expresses your taste, complements your space, and brings a little more character to everyday life.

Choose the print that speaks to you. Then give it the presentation it deserves.

Discover art prints and posters at Murellos and create a space that feels unmistakably yours.

Explore the collection at Murellos.com.