Acrylic picture frames offer that designer look, with minimal glare or distraction from the frame itself. The image appears to float just inches from the wall.

More and more every year, Art To Frames sees clients choosing this modern look, particularly in contemporary or minimalist decor where the look of a traditional frame in wood would clash with the surroundings. We've put together 5 tips for styling acrylic picture frames.

Why do acrylic picture frames look so good?

They provide maximum color vibrancy and contrast to the image behind them. According to Piedmont Plastics, acrylic can transmit up to 92 percent of the visible light spectrum, compared to 80-90 percent transmission in glass, and weighs half as much. This increased light transmission is what causes colors to pop more than they would behind a traditional frame.

5 Tips for Styling Acrylic Picture Frames

1. Let the Standoffs Tell Their Own Story

Acrylic frames have metal standoffs on the back of the frame, set at an angle to keep the plexiglass away from the wall. Depending on the look you're going for, you can select the finish of your standoffs to add to the visual appeal or blend the whole ensemble together. Chrome finishes lean contemporary, black is edgy and gold adds a warm contrast to the coolness of the metal.

Popular Standoff Finishes

Chrome and brushed silver finishes lean towards contemporary while matte black finishes tend to favor modern farmhouse styles.

2. Lean Into High Contrast and Colorful Photography

Photography with high contrast and color pops on acrylic frames make a statement. Our tips for acrylic prints for summer photography have some great advice when it comes to what kind of photography looks best on acrylic, and if you're looking for more general styling tips, check out this Pinterest board.

3. Great for Moisture Rich Environments

You won't find wood frames in humid climates, and you shouldn't. Wood rots, warps, and yellows in the presence of water. Acrylic avoids all of those pitfalls, making it the obvious choice for humid areas like bathrooms, with minimal sacrifice to style.

4. Use Acrylic As An Accent Frame

A single acrylic framed piece next to two wooden frames on a gallery wall balances modern and traditional styles. Our guide to using wood frames as accents might help you find that perfect balance.

5. Go Big or Go Home With Picture Frames

Acrylic frames tend to look best either alone or in small groupings, because the minimalist look of a frameless picture frame draws a lot of attention to itself. If you're interested in finding the right size for your space, our guide to large picture frames might help.

Ready to Style With Acrylic?

An acrylic picture frame can update a space faster than almost anything else in your decor toolbox. It looks fabulous, offers maximum value to the image being displayed, and fits into most styles if you choose the right one for your needs.

Are you ready to update a space with acrylic? Our acrylic frames and custom framing services can help. Contact us and our team would be happy to help you choose the right size, standoff finish, and image to display in your next project.