Willa Black Prints NZ - Framing Guide
Frame Your Art Without Breaking the Bank
The practical guide to budget-friendly framing in New Zealand and Australia - where to shop, what sizes to buy and why you should always get the artwork first.
Professional framing is always the ideal. But it should never stop you from owning art you love. Every unframed Willa Black Prints piece is printed using exactly the same archival-quality paper and museum-quality inks as our professionally framed orders. The only difference is who does the framing.
No compromise on the print itself
Every unframed Willa Black Prints piece is produced using exactly the same premium printing process, archival-quality paper and museum-quality inks as the artwork we frame in-house. There is absolutely no difference in print quality between a framed and an unframed order. You can buy unframed today and frame it within your current budget - then upgrade the frame later if you choose.
Your artwork will stay with you far longer than most frames ever will. Whether you choose a $30 ready-made frame today or eventually commission a custom timber frame, the print remains exactly the same. Great art should be accessible at every budget.
Perfect for: first homes, rentals, buying multiple prints at once, or simply keeping costs down without compromising on the art itself.
Start with a standard size
One of the easiest ways to save money on framing is to purchase artwork in standard paper sizes. Ready-made frames are widely available for A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0 - and buying a standard size usually costs significantly less than having a completely custom frame made.
Before you order, it's worth checking what ready-made frame sizes are available at your preferred retailer - particularly for larger sizes like A1 and A0, which not every store stocks. Many Willa Black Prints art prints can be custom sized to suit standard ready-made frames, and in most cases a small adjustment to the print dimensions won't change the price from the closest listed size. And if you're dreaming bigger, just ask - many artworks can be professionally scaled well beyond A0 for feature walls, commercial spaces and large residential interiors.
Tip: send us a link to the frame you're considering and we'll recommend the best print size to order.
Can't find the right size? Ask us
Not every retailer stocks exactly the same frame dimensions - particularly once you move into larger statement pieces. If you're planning to buy an unframed print and purchase your own frame, check what's available in your area first. Many Willa Black Prints artworks can be sized to match exactly what you find in store - our goal is to help you get the artwork you love, framed beautifully and within your budget.
Best for: buyers who have found a specific frame they love and want to match the print size to it.
Don't wait for the perfect frame
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until they can afford custom framing before buying the artwork they love. Buy the artwork first. Frame it within your current budget. Upgrade the frame later if you choose. Leaning an unframed print against a wall while you decide on framing is a perfectly respectable interior move - and one that many designers do deliberately.
If you live in a rental, lightweight ready-made frames with removable hanging systems are your best friend. See our guide to styling art in a rental for more on this.
Best for: renters, first-home buyers and anyone building a collection gradually over time.
Not sure how big each size is?
We've created a free printable sizing guide you can tape to your wall so you can visualise each size before ordering. It only takes a few minutes to print and can save you buying the wrong size entirely.
Download the free Willa Black Prints sizing guide here - print it out, tape it to your wall and see exactly how A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0 look in your actual space before you order.
Best for: anyone unsure whether to order A2 or A1 - or wondering if A0 is too large for their wall.
Kmart has become one of the most popular places for affordable picture frames in both New Zealand and Australia. Modern minimalist styling, a great range of black, white and timber-look finishes, and extremely competitive pricing make it an ideal starting point. Most Kmart frames use lightweight acrylic rather than glass - safer to transport and much lighter, but easier to scratch than glass. Perfect if you're decorating on a budget or styling a rental.
Best sizes stocked: A4, A3, A2
Spotlight offers one of the widest ranges of ready-made frames in New Zealand and Australia and regularly runs excellent sales. Better moulding quality than many budget retailers, a large size range that often extends to A1 and A0, and a good colour selection make it an excellent choice when you want a balance between price and quality. Worth checking their sale schedule before you buy.
Best sizes stocked: A4 through to A0
For New Zealand shoppers, The Warehouse offers a reliable affordable option for smaller artwork, children's bedrooms, student accommodation and rental properties. The range changes regularly so it's worth checking in store, but for a simple, inexpensive frame it's a convenient and familiar choice.
Best sizes stocked: A4, A3
If you have access to IKEA, it's well worth a look. Their Scandinavian-inspired designs work beautifully with contemporary artwork and they often stock larger frame sizes at very competitive prices. Particularly good for creating gallery walls or styling multiple prints in a cohesive way without a large budget.
Best sizes stocked: A4, A3, A2, A1 and selected larger sizes
Briscoes is one of New Zealand's most trusted homeware retailers and often overlooked for picture frames. Their frame range sits at a quality mid-range price point - better moulding and finish than the budget end, with brands like Umbra, Brooklyn and Image available. Particularly good when they're running their regular homeware sales, which can bring prices down significantly. Worth checking in store or online before you buy elsewhere.
Best for: A4, A3, A2 - quality mid-range with regular sales
Farmers stocks a solid range of frames through their HAVEN Home Décor line, available in A2, A3, A4 and smaller sizes across black, white and timber finishes. With 58 stores across New Zealand, it's a convenient option many people don't think to check for frames. Their gallery-style black frames work particularly well with contemporary and minimalist artwork and are available to order online with NZ-wide delivery.
Best for: A4, A3, A2 - black gallery frames and HAVEN Home range
Big W is one of Australia's most reliable sources for affordable picture frames. Their range covers standard sizes from small through to A1, with a good mix of black, white and timber-look finishes. Quality sits between Kmart and Target - generally a step up from the very cheapest options. A solid middle-ground choice for Australian buyers who want decent quality without paying premium prices.
Best for: A4, A3, A2, A1 - reliable mid-range quality
Target Australia offers a more style-conscious frame range than Kmart, with their FRASER and HOME house brands covering black, white and timber finishes. Good for smaller to medium sizes and a good selection of gallery-style frames. Their range is more limited for very large sizes but worth checking for A4 through A2. A step up in finish quality from Kmart without jumping to premium pricing.
Best for: A4, A3, A2 - style-conscious mid-range
Don't overlook your local picture framer - many can be surprisingly competitive, particularly for A1, A0 and oversized artwork. A local framer can offer real glass, museum glass, UV-protective glazing and custom mat boards that ready-made frames simply cannot. For a statement piece you intend to keep for many years, it's always worth requesting a quote before assuming custom framing is out of budget.
Best for: A1, A0, oversized, real glass and UV-protective glazing
- +Crystal clear appearance
- +More scratch resistant
- +Premium feel and finish
- +Easier to clean
- -Heavier - especially at larger sizes
- -Can break during transport or hanging
- -More expensive to transport safely
- +Lightweight - much easier to hang
- +Safer - does not shatter
- +Recommended for larger artwork
- +Better for rentals and apartments
- -Can scratch more easily
- -Static can attract dust
- -Slightly softer visual appearance
"The frame is important. But it is the artwork that tells the story. Start with the piece you truly love, frame it in a way that suits your budget, and let your collection grow over time." Willa Black Prints
Check frame sizes before you order your print
Not all retailers stock every standard size - particularly A1 and A0. If you have a specific frame in mind, check what's available first and then order your print to match. Or send us the frame details and we'll recommend the right size to order.
For large artwork, consider acrylic over glass
Many professional framers recommend acrylic for artwork at A1 and A0 because of its lighter weight and increased safety. It's easier to hang alone, safer above sofas and beds, and far more practical for large residential and commercial spaces.
You can always upgrade the frame later
A print in a $30 Kmart frame today is better than no print at all. Your artwork stays exactly the same regardless of the frame around it. Many collectors start with budget frames and gradually upgrade as their space and budget evolve.
Explore the full Willa Black Prints collection
Whether you're ready to frame today or still deciding, explore the full Willa Black Prints collection - contemporary Māori art, NZ landscapes, abstracts and limited editions. Made to order with custom sizing available to suit whatever frame you choose.
Willa Black Prints NZ
Start with the art. The frame will follow.
Explore the full Willa Black Prints collection - made to order with custom sizing to suit your space and your budget. Ships across NZ and Australia.
