What to consider when buying a frame

The most important thing when buying a picture frame is that a particular picture fits into the frame. It is not always possible to fit pictures to the frame in terms of size, especially when it comes to older and rare pictures or photos. Therefore, it is important for the buyer to be familiar with the relevant technical terms. With picture frames there are the following different types of dimensions between which you must distinguish

  • Outer dimension
  • Picture size
  • Glass size
  • Light dimension
  • Rebate dimension
  • Distance

The basic relation between these types of dimensions is that the outer dimension is always larger than the rebate dimension. The rebate dimension in picture frames with conventional construction is either the same size as, or larger than the picture dimension. The picture dimension is equal to the glass dimension and is again larger than the light dimension. The light dimension is usually called the visible dimension because it designates the visible area between the profiles - the open window of the frame, so to speak.

Note the difference between picture size and outer dimension

The picture dimension is usually the first point of reference when looking for a suitable size for a picture frame. This seems only logical, because the picture should be seen in its full size as far as possible. However, you should exercise caution here: Do not confuse the picture dimension with the outer dimension of the frame. These two types of measurements only match if it is a frameless picture holder and not a classic picture frame. When specifying dimensions, the picture dimension is often mentioned. However, depending on how the frame is ultimately designed, the overall construction can be much larger than the picture dimension indicates. 

Light dimension: This is what you see of the picture in a picture frame

Despite exact measurements, it is unfortunately impossible to avoid the frame covering at least a small part of the picture. In most cases, the frame has a small protrusion that fixes the picture and creates an aesthetically pleasing transition between the picture and the frame. So, before buying a frame, you need to weigh whether there is something essential to be seen on the edge of the corresponding picture. The section of the picture that can still be seen despite the protrusion is also called the light dimension. The term "light dimension" refers to the area on which the light can shine unbroken and which can be seen by the viewer from the outside. So the glass dimension or light dimension is the relevant type of dimension that you should pay attention to.

The advantage of such a protrusion is that you do not have to see corners and edges of the corresponding image. Helpful in concealing unsightly sights of this kind, however, are also passepartouts. The passepartout, made of cardboard, fills the empty space between the picture and the frame borders and ensures that the back wall of the frame is not visible when the frame is larger than the picture.

Rebate dimension: The borders of the picture frame

The rebate dimension indicates the space between the two inner sides of the frame. Usually, one to two millimeters are added to the picture dimension when calculating the rebate dimension so that you don't have to squeeze your photo or artwork into a frame that is too small. In the case of a HALBE magnetic frame, the rebate dimension plays a subordinate role for the customer due to the construction of the magnetic frame - comparable to this is the internal dimension of the basic element.

Distance: Central measurement for Object or Distance frames

The distance, on the other hand, indicates a completely different dimension of the picture frame. For example, if you want to frame not only thin photos and pictures, but also medals or other memorabilia or awards, the distance between the background and the glass pane is crucial. This value informs you what circumference or depth an object may have in order to fit into the frame.

bilderrahmen einlegetiefe distance

In the case of so-called Distance or Object frames, you should ensure that there is sufficient distance between the glass and the background so that the desired object has enough space in the frame. With a Distance frame, the insertion depth is very small. Instead, the distance between the background cardboard and the glass is significantly greater than with classic picture frames: five, ten or twenty millimetres are available to choose from with the Distance frames from HALBE.

Good luck with measuring and selecting the optimal picture frame!