Sometimes, all it takes is one print to transform a room. This blog post is about how to print and frame large printable art at home. This technique is perfect for anyone exploring oversized art printing solutions without breaking the bank.
One question pops up on my Instagram and YouTube all the time: How do you print your large printable art? Right behind that is, where did you get the frame? So, let’s peel back the curtain and dive into some easy, budget-friendly tricks I’ve used for years.
Because if you know me, you know I love to switch out art for every season, holiday, or simply because the mood strikes. Let’s jump into this tutorial!
How to Print and Frame Large Printable Art
Before we dive into exactly how to print and frame large printable art you might be asking where do I get large printable art. I've got you covered!
Where to Buy Large Printable Art
Since I love to create printable art, from tiny to large, my go-to is my Etsy shop. With hundreds of designs, I bet you will find something for your home.
If you can't find what you're looking for in my Etsy shop, you can try my free printable library by subscribing to my newsletter. I have free vintage art downloads, watercolors, and so much more.
You can also check out many more printable art pieces on Etsy. The options are endless. Once you pick your art, let's save the download and print it.
Where to Print Large Printable Art
My go-to? Walgreens.
It’s speedy, it’s local, and with a coupon, it’s usually half off. That combo is hard to beat. I usually order the 16×20 poster size and upload the printable (remember you can find tons in my Etsy shop!). Within an hour, I get the text—it’s ready to pick up.
I share more details on downloading and uploading the printable to the Walgreens site in my YouTube video here.
The process is easy! Click “start upload” on the Walgreens website or another print provider.
But there's one more step before I slide it into a frame.
Walgreens’ one-hour posters come out shiny, like super glossy. And glossy doesn’t always scream art gallery, so let's begin a DIY process.
Make Your Print Look Like Real Art
Here’s my not-so-secret trick: decoupage.
Dip a sponge brush or soft-bristle brush into matte Mod Podge (or similar) and swirl it across the print. Make circles, zig-zags, and go wild. You’re aiming for texture, not perfection.
Adding texture with Mod Podge helps your printable look more like real artwork.
Let it dry completely.
Then spray mount the print onto foam board. Here is how I do it. Spray the back of the art and lay it carefully on the foam board, or spray the foam board instead. Either way works. This is your print surface.
Dollar Tree foam board is my little secret—it’s cheap, lightweight, and works like a charm. If you switch out art frequently, grab a bundle online to save your future self a trip.
Once mounted, it’s ready to frame.
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Frames
Big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Hobby Lobby have some great ones, especially when there’s a sale. But the real magic? Thrift stores. I’ve unearthed some wood frame gems that needed a little dusting.
I usually keep frames in these sizes on hand: 16×20, 11×14, and 8×10. Those frame size options play well with standard printable files and are easy to find.
But if you want to get crafty, try this frame idea, which includes two sticks, twine, and a stapler.
This printable was printed 20 x 30 at Walgreens. After decoupaging it, I simply stapled it to the back of a piece of wood on the top and bottom using a heavy-duty office stapler. Then, I stapled the twine on it, and like magic, I had a really large canvas style piece of art.
Another great place to find simple frames is Ikea. This frame is great for more modern designs or when your art needs more simplicity, like this ocean print from my Etsy shop.
I bought a set of three for printables that come in sets like this Santa sleigh printable art.
Smaller prints, like 8x10s, can be printed at Walgreens or at home. Just be sure to use cardstock. Then, give them the same decoupage treatment for that hand-painted feel.
Also, I never use glass inside my framed prints. Remember the idea is to make them look like a real piece of art and typically a real piece of art doesn't have glass.
Now, once you’ve printed a large printable like this once, you’ll feel like a pro.
But if you’re curious about other methods, here’s where we dig deeper.
Now that we have covered the basics of how to print and frame large printable art, examine more details and answer any questions you may have.
Where to Print Large Printable Art (In More Detail)
Online Print Services That Work Well for Large Files
Not near a Walgreens? No problem. Try:
- Staples – Great for blueprint-style engineering prints
- FedEx Office – Offers color poster printing on various paper types
- Office Depot – Quick turnaround and solid quality
- Canva – Upload your design and order prints directly
- Vistaprint and Mpix – Especially good for high-quality art prints
Also, lots of online print shops offer canvas prints too. I have a post on how to frame canvas art that will help you if you decide to go canvas.
Printing at Home — What You Need to Know
Not all printers can handle large sizes, but you're golden if you’ve got a wide-format printer. Otherwise, try the tiling method, where your large print is split across multiple sheets and then taped together. It takes time, but it’s a clever workaround!
Local Print Shops — What to Ask For
Support your local printer! When you walk in, use terms like:
- Poster print (for glossy or satin finishes)
- Engineering print (for black and white line art)
And ask about matte or satin paper if you want a soft, non-reflective finish that looks more high-end.
Choosing the Right Frame for Large Printable Art
Ready-Made vs. Custom Frames
- Ready-made: Inexpensive and easy to find. Ideal for standard sizes like 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20.
- Custom frames: Pricier, but worth it if your art has an unusual shape or you want a special look.
Remember, thrift stores are excellent places to find both. Don't just look for a frame; look at frames with art inside. If you love the wood frame, remove the art and add your printable.
How to Size Your Art to Fit the Frame
Cropping a printable can throw off its look. Instead:
- Match the aspect ratio of the art to the frame (I have included a whole aspect ratio chart below to make it easy)
- Use online tools like Photoshop or Canva to resize without stretching. Canva is a free option.
- Add a white border if needed to fill out the frame or use a mat.
Aspect Ratio Chart
- 4:5 ratio file for printing – 4″x5″ | 8″x10″ | 16″x20″ | 10x12cm I 20x25cm | 40x50cm
- 3:4 ratio file for printing – 6″×8″ | 9″x12″ | 12″x16″ | 18″x24″ | 15x20cm | 22x30cm | 30x40xm I 45x60cm
- 2:3 ratio file for printing – 4″x6″ | 6″x9″ | 8″×12″ | 10″x15″ | 12″x18″ | 16×24″ | 10x15cm 15x22cm | 20x30cm | 25x38cm | 30x45cm | 40x60cm | 50x76cm
- ISO ratio file for printing – 5″x7″ | A5 | A4 | A3 | A2 | A1 I 50x70cm
- 11:14 ratio for printing 11″x14″ | 27×35cm
Display Tips for Oversized Printable Art
Hanging It Without Damage
Don’t want to put holes in the wall? Try:
- Command strips for no-nail hanging (this works great if you want to put the poster right on the wall, or for lightweight frames
- Poster hangers for a modern look (think two stripes of wood with a magnet in the middle).
- Velcro strips on foam board prints (this works great for outdoor or heavier pieces)
- Ribbons and hooks are fantastic ways to change your designs without making new nail holes. Here is an example in my kitchen sitting room.
If you are not worried about damaging the wall, consider frame hangers from this picture hanging kit.
- Frame hangers have been my go-to for years as an interior designer. Pick out the one that will hold the weight of your frame.
Where to Style Large Art in Your Home
Oversized printables add serious wow factor. Try hanging them:
- Over your bed
- Behind the sofa
- In the entryway to greet guests
- Over the mantel
Landscape themes look especially stunning in these areas.
They also look amazing when layered with mirrors or smaller frames. When hanging heavier art, don’t forget the hardware—a couple of screws or wall anchors go a long way.
If you're hanging a gallery wall, use masking tape to plan it out. If you want to get really clever, use spacers behind the frame for a floating look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Low Resolution Files
Printing a blurry image is the fastest way to ruin your art. Make sure your files are at least 300 DPI and sized properly for the frame.
Look for digital downloads that include the quantity of prints and print size recommendations or dimensions. If it says the print can be printed large like 16 x 20 then you are good.
The Bleed Area and Border Confusion
A bleed is the area that gets trimmed off after printing. If your art goes edge-to-edge, make sure it has a bleed—or your frame might cut off part of the design.
Always preview your print and select “no border” if your printer allows.
Bonus: Where to Find Beautiful Large Printables
- Etsy is packed with high-res art files, especially in standard frame sizes (I have loads in my Etsy shop here)
- Creative Commons archives from libraries and museums
- Blogs and free printable websites with seasonal art, typography, and vintage designs. I have free printables on my website. All you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter to access the library.
Look for:
- File types: JPG or PDF (you will need a JPG to print from Walgreens)
- Size info in inches or pixels
- Clear licensing terms (personal use is safest)
Remember, large printable art can also be found in free download options. Search Google or check out my free printable library.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post has answered all your questions about how to print and frame large printable art. Do you have a printable you want to print on a large scale? Share in the comments. I would love to hear.
With a little creativity and a few clever tricks, printable art can turn into stunning home decor. Whether you swap yours monthly or hang it up for good, there's something satisfying about turning a digital file into something that makes your space feel more like you.
Looking for more printable DIYs? Check these blog posts out:
Happy Decorating!
