13 x 17 Picture Frames

Is a 13 x 17 frame the right choice?

Choose this size when your artwork is already 13 x 17 and you want a frame that fits cleanly with no trimming. It’s also a strong option when you want a larger “frame presence” around a smaller piece by using a mat.

Best uses for 13 x 17

• 13 x 17 art prints and posters (a common small-poster / large-print format)
• Photography prints that need more presence than 11 x 14 without moving into large poster sizes
• Medium wall accents for offices, bedrooms, hallways, apartments, and dorm rooms
• Sets or series of prints where matching frames create a cohesive arrangement

Exact fit vs. matted presentation

Go with an exact fit when:

• Your print measures a true 13 x 17
• You want minimal border and a clean edge-to-frame look

Use a mat in a 13 x 17 frame when:

• You’re framing a smaller piece and want a more substantial border
• You want a gallery-style look with extra breathing room around the artwork
• You’re matching the visual weight of other framed pieces on a gallery wall

Common mat-to-frame pairings include 11 x 14 matted to 13 x 17, 10 x 13 to 13 x 17, 9 x 12 to 13 x 17, and 8 x 10 to 13 x 17. If you need matting options, explore custom picture frame mats.

Orientation and wall placement tips

• Portrait vs. landscape: confirm how your artwork reads best before choosing how you’ll hang it.
• Above furniture: 13 x 17 is a natural fit above a desk or console table when you want a mid-size focal point.
• Gallery walls: repeating the same size in a set (two or three pieces) creates rhythm; keeping the same profile and finish helps everything feel intentional.

Frame profile, finish, and room style

• Thin profiles: keep the look clean and modern, especially for typography and minimalist art.
• Wider profiles: add visual weight and can help a single 13 x 17 piece feel more substantial on the wall.
• Consistency for sets: when framing a series, matching the profile and finish is often more important than making each piece “stand alone.”

Glazing and backing considerations

For bright rooms or high-traffic areas, glazing choice can affect visibility and glare. Backing and hanging hardware also matter for a mid-size frame that may be handled, moved, or re-hung over time. If you’re sourcing components, see acrylic for picture framing and mounting board.

When a 13 x 17 frame is NOT the best fit

• Your art is not actually 13 x 17: if it’s smaller, consider matting; if it’s larger, choose the correct larger frame size instead of forcing the fit.
• You want a noticeably bigger statement piece: consider stepping up to a larger wall size (for example, 16 x 20 or 18 x 24) for more impact.
• You need a nearby alternative size: 12 x 16 can be a close option for similarly scaled prints, while 11 x 14 is a common step-down.

Need help confirming sizing before you order?

Use the custom picture frame sizes guide to double-check measurements and understand how fit and matting affect the final presentation. For broader options beyond this size, browse custom picture frames.