Anyone who’s ever stood in front of a bare wall with a print in hand knows the feeling: the frame can make or break the room. This Ireland-focused guide cuts through the noise to show you what’s trending in 2026, which retailers have the real stock, and how much you should actually expect to spend.

4 related posts

Frames in stock at bgastore.ie: Over 10,000 ·
Popular frame sizes: 70×100 cm, 60×80 cm, A2, A3, 50×70 cm ·
Average custom frame cost: €50–€200

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five facts sum up the Irish picture-frame market in 2026:

Fact Detail
Largest Irish frame retailer bgastore.ie with over 10,000 frames in stock (bgastore.ie official site)
Most popular frame size 70×100 cm
Typical custom frame cost €50–€200
Number of major Irish frame retailers At least 5 (bgastore.ie, eframe.ie, pictureframes.ie, ikea.ie, strandframing.com)
Common frame materials Wood, metal, plastic
Dominant 2026 trend Natural wood tones (walnut, oak, maple) – Tribeca Printworks framing trend report

What picture frames are in style in 2026?

Current popular styles

The upshot

Irish buyers are moving away from thin black plastic – the demand is now for frames that feel substantial, warm, and intentionally chosen.

Predicted 2026 trends

Why this matters

A frame is no longer just a border – it’s a design statement. For Irish homeowners, choosing a warm wood or brushed metal can lift a room without a full renovation.

Materials and colors

The implication: if you’re buying a frame in 2026, your biggest decision isn’t colour – it’s whether you want the frame to blend in or stand out.

Where’s the best place to get frames?

Online vs. physical stores

Buying online gives you access to bigger catalogues and often better prices. In-store, you can feel the material and see the finish. The best approach depends on whether you need custom sizing or a standard size off the shelf.

Top Irish retailers: bgastore.ie, eframe.ie, pictureframes.ie

International options: IKEA

IKEA Ireland, with stores in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, offers affordable modern frames in standard sizes (IKEA Ireland locations). Good for budget-friendly options but limited on custom sizes and premium materials.

Five Irish retailers compared side by side:

Retailer Stock range Custom framing Price range (ready-made) Unique advantage
bgastore.ie 10,000+ frames Yes €10–€150 Biggest selection in Ireland
eframe.ie Custom only Yes (specialist) €35–€250 Professional custom service
pictureframes.ie 500+ readymade No €15–€80 Fast shipping, quality finish
IKEA Ireland ~100 styles No €5–€60 Lowest prices, modern designs
Strand Framing Custom/readymade Yes €20–€200 30+ years in Dublin

The pattern: specialists like eframe.ie and Strand Framing dominate custom work, while bgastore.ie wins on volume. IKEA is your cheapest option if you fit a standard size.

How much should a good picture frame cost?

Ready-made frame costs

  • Standard sizes (A3, A4, 50×70 cm): €10–€50 (bgastore.ie pricing)
  • Large sizes (70×100 cm and up): €30–€100 (pictureframes.ie online store)

Custom frame pricing

Factors affecting cost

  • Size – larger frames require more material and cost more
  • Material – wood frames cost more than plastic or metal
  • Glass – UV-protective or non-reflective glass adds €20–€60
  • Labour – custom cutting and assembly
The catch

A €10 frame from IKEA can look fine – but if you’re framing a heirloom print, spending €80–€150 on a custom frame with UV glass pays off over time.

What color picture frames are in style?

Neutral tones

  • White, black, and natural wood are timeless and versatile – Pictureframes.com trend guide
  • Neutral frames work with any wall colour and art style

Bold accent colors

Metallic finishes

  • Gold, silver, and brushed bronze remain popular – Tribeca Printworks framing trend report
  • Matte aluminum is returning as a modern alternative – Galerie Beauchamp framing trends

The trade-off: bold colours make a statement but limit flexibility. A neutral frame lets you swap art without buying a new frame.

What is the 2/3 rule for wall art?

Definition of the 2/3 rule

The 2/3 rule is a guideline from interior design: the width of a picture frame should be no more than two-thirds the width of the furniture underneath it. For example, a 90 cm sofa should have art with a frame width up to 60 cm.

How to apply it

  • Measure the width of the furniture (or the empty wall space for standalone art)
  • Multiply by 0.67 to get the maximum frame width
  • For a blank wall, the art should cover about two-thirds of the available surface – Architectural Digest interior design guide

Furniture and wall proportion

The rule helps create visual balance. Ignore it and your art can feel small and lost – or oversized and overwhelming.

Why this matters: in Irish homes where rooms are often moderate in size, following the 2/3 rule prevents frames from dominating the space.

Upsides of custom framing

  • Perfect fit for non-standard sizes
  • Choice of materials and finishes
  • UV glass protects artwork
  • Adds long-term value to art

Downsides of custom framing

  • Higher cost (€50–€200+)
  • Longer wait time (1–2 weeks)
  • Not ideal for budget projects
  • Overkill for temporary displays

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

What’s still unclear

  • Exact cost of custom framing depends on size and material (eframe.ie custom framing specialist)
  • Which specific colours will dominate in 2026 is speculative (Pictureframes.com trend guide)

What retailers say

“We have over 10,000 frames in stock – one of the largest selections in Ireland.”

bgastore.ie Irish frame retailer

“2026 framing is about intentional design – natural materials and layered depth.”

Dogwood Framing trend report

“Professional picture framers bring decades of experience to every order.”

eframe.ie custom framing specialist

For anyone in Ireland looking to frame a piece, the choice is clear: visit a specialist for custom work or save with a retailer like IKEA for standard sizes. Spending €80 on a well-made wood frame with UV glass will protect your art for decades – a €10 plastic frame is fine for a student rental.

For those looking to frame photos or artwork, comparing prices and styles across local picture framing shops can help you find the best deal in your area.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What size frame do I need for an A4 print?

A4 paper is 21 x 29.7 cm. A frame with a 21 x 29.7 cm window is ideal, but many ready-made frames labelled “A4” will have a slightly larger outer size.

How do I clean a picture frame?

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to dust the frame and glass. For stubborn marks on glass, use a damp cloth followed by a dry one. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on wood frames.

Are expensive picture frames worth the investment?

If you’re framing a valuable print or family photo, a quality frame with UV-protective glass and acid-free matting prevents fading and yellowing. For cheap posters, inexpensive frames work fine.

Can I custom frame a poster?

Yes. Many Irish framers (eframe.ie, Strand Framing) custom-frame posters. Expect to pay €50–€150 including mounting and glass.

What is the best material for a picture frame?

Wood is best for heirloom pieces and durability. Metal is modern and lightweight. Plastic is cheapest but less durable. Choose based on your room’s decor and the frame’s purpose.

How do I hang a heavy picture frame?

Use a wall anchor rated for the weight – plastic plugs for drywall, or toggle bolts for plaster. For frames over 10 kg, use two hooks spaced apart.

Do I need a mat for my picture frame?

A mat adds visual breathing room and prevents the print from touching the glass (which can cause moisture damage). For valuable artwork, a mat is recommended.

How long does custom framing take?

Most Irish custom framers quote 5–10 working days. Rush services may cost extra. Plan ahead for gifts or exhibitions.

Related reading

Ceiling Lights for Living Room: A Guide for Irish Homes – Illuminate your framed art effectively.
Salt and Pepper Grinders: Best Picks, Differences & Buying Guide – Complete your home décor with the right accessories.