How to Choose a Frame for Black and White Photos

Best Frames for Black and White Photos: A Guide from Perth’s Custom Framers

The quick version 

• Choosing the best frames for black and white photos is about more than choosing a frame colour. The right frame should complement the photograph's mood, subject, and surroundings.  

• Black frames create contrast, white frames offer a gallery-style finish, natural timber adds warmth, and metallic finishes suit contemporary photography.

• Combined with thoughtful matting and acid-free, UV-safe materials, the result is a beautifully presented photograph that's protected for years to come. 
  

Why black and white photography deserves thoughtful framing

Black and white photography has a unique ability to draw your attention to detail. Every shadow, texture, expression, and line becomes more noticeable. Sometimes a monochrome image captures the mood of a moment better than colour ever could, while other photographs simply feel more timeless in black and white. 

That's one of the reasons black and white photography remains so popular in homes, galleries, and professional collections. It works beautifully with almost any interior style, making it an excellent choice for both standalone pieces and cohesive gallery walls.

The same qualities that make black and white photography so striking also make framing it more considered. Unlike colour photography, where the tones within the image often influence the frame choice, monochrome photographs rely on composition, contrast, and emotion. A thoughtfully chosen frame should enhance these features without competing with them. 

That's why professional custom framing makes such a difference. Rather than choosing a ready-made frame that simply fits, every element is selected to complement the picture and the space where it will be displayed. The same considered approach extends across everything we frame, from photographs and original artwork to textiles, memorabilia and other treasured keepsakes. When you visit our Myaree studio, we can compare different frame profiles and mat colours alongside your print, making it much easier to find a combination that feels just right.

Choosing the right frame colour 

The colour of your frame plays a significant role in how your black and white photograph is perceived. Here are a few of the most popular custom frame options for monochrome imagery.  

Black frames: bold contrast and contemporary confidence 

Black remains one of the most well-liked black and white photo frame ideas, and for good reason. It enhances contrast and creates a confident, contemporary look that works beautifully in homes, offices, and gallery spaces. It tends to work well when paired with: 

• High-contrast portraits 

• Fine art photography  

• Architectural photography  

• Dramatic landscapes  

• Minimalist photographic prints 

A slim black frame keeps the attention firmly on the photograph, while a slightly wider profile can create a stronger visual presence for larger statement pieces. And if you’re creating a gallery wall featuring several black and white photographs, using matching black frames can bring the collection together while allowing each image to retain its own character.  

White frames: clean, gallery-worthy simplicity

White frames create a softer interpretation of black and white photography. They provide a clean border that allows lighter tones within the image to stand out naturally. This is often associated with galleries because it feels understated and timeless. White frames are particularly well suited to: 

• Family portraits  

• Lifestyle photography 

• Coastal and nature photography

• Light-toned interiors  

• Contemporary gallery walls

They also work beautifully when paired with generous white matting, which creates additional space around the image and allows the photograph to become the focal point.   

Natural timber frames: warmth that softens monochrome

The warmth and textures of timber soften monochrome images, making them feel more relaxed without losing their sophistication. These frames are especially effective for: 

• Family images  

• Landscape images

• Wildlife photography 

• Travel photography 

• Documentary-style images  

They also enhance homes featuring timber flooring, natural textures, and organic finishes.  

Metallic frames: modern sophistication for architectural and urban photography 

For some pictures, a metallic finish provides exactly the right balance between simplicity and refinement. It has a clean, contemporary appearance that suits: 

• Architectural photography 

• Urban landscapes 

• City skylines  

• Contemporary fine art photography   

Because the finish is subtle rather than overpowering, it adds a sophisticated edge without distracting from the image itself. 

Coloured frames: a statement that belongs in the room   

Although neutral frames remain a common choice for framing black and white photography, there are occasions where a coloured design can create a striking result. The important thing is that the colour relates to the room rather than the photograph. Choosing a hue that complements your furniture, artwork, or interior palette creates a cohesive display without competing with the photograph itself.  

Our team can help you explore whether a coloured frame enriches the overall presentation or whether a more neutral option allows the photograph to speak for itself.  

Frame size and proportion matter too 

Though it’s easy to focus solely on colour and material when choosing frames for black and white photos, the proportions are just as important.  

A narrow frame typically suits smaller, minimalist prints, while larger statement photographs benefit from a slightly wider profile that gives the piece greater presence. The scale of the frame should be chosen based on the size of the photograph and the space where it will be displayed. If you’re unsure about the size of your print, our guide to standard photo print sizes explains the most common dimensions and what to consider before selecting a frame.

The matting decision: why black and white prints need space to breathe  

Matting is one of the most important design choices when framing black and white photography. It creates visual space between the photograph and the frame, allowing the image to take centre stage. 

White and cream mats remain the safest choice, creating a classic gallery-style presentation that suits almost every monochrome photograph. Off-white matting adds warmth and works beautifully with vintage-inspired images or softer family portraits. Meanwhile, black matting creates a more dramatic look for high-contrast photographs and contemporary fine art prints. 

Colourful matting can also create a more expressive presentation. When chosen carefully, an accent colour can complement your interior and turn a black and white photograph into a striking focal point. 

Mat width also influences the finished presentation. A generous border can give a relatively small photograph greater presence on the wall. During your free, no-obligation consultation at our studio, we’ll compare different mat colours and widths alongside your chosen photograph so you can see how each option changes the overall look. 

UV-safe glazing and acid-free materials: protecting your photography for the long term 

Whether you're framing a professional print or a treasured family photograph, an eye-catching image should continue looking its best for many years to come. That’s why the materials inside the frame are just as important as the frame itself.  

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we use acid-free materials to help protect photographic prints over time, and we also offer UV-safe glazing to reduce fading caused by light exposure. These help preserve treasured family photographs, limited-edition prints, and fine art photography without altering the appearance of the finished piece. 

Why seeing the frame in person makes all the difference 

If you're looking for picture frames in Perth, visiting our studio gives you the opportunity to compare frame styles, mat colours, and finishes in person before making your decision. 

This is particularly valuable if you're creating a gallery wall. Black and white photography naturally lends itself to cohesive displays, and seeing the collection together allows us to recommend frame styles, mat colours, and layouts that work as a complete display rather than as individual pieces. Matching frame profiles can create a polished look, while varying print sizes and orientations add visual interest without losing consistency.

Many of our customers arrive with several photographs and no clear idea which frame will suit them best, and that's completely normal. We'll guide you through the options, recommend combinations that complement both your photographs and your home, and help you create a finished display you'll enjoy for years to come.

If your photographs need printing before they're framed, we can also assist through our professional photo printing service. We're a one-stop shop for preserving and displaying your favourite memories. And if you're planning a gallery wall, you can also explore inspiration in our curated range of wall photo frames.

Frequently asked questions  

What colour frame is best for black and white photos? 

The best choice depends on the subject, your interior, and the mood you want to create. Black frames create bold contrast, white frames offer a clean gallery feel, natural timber introduces warmth, and metallic finishes suit contemporary photography. 

Should black and white photos be matted? 

In many cases, yes. A mat gives the photograph room to breathe, enhances the presentation, and creates a more refined gallery-style finish. White, cream, and off-white mats are popular choices. Conversely, black mats create additional drama for high-contrast prints, and colourful mats can offer a touch of playful personality.  

What frame suits vintage black and white photos? 

Vintage photographs often work beautifully with natural timber frames or carefully selected metallic finishes, depending on the style of the image and the room where it will be displayed. Off-white matting can also help produce a softer, classic appearance.  

Where can I find custom photo frames in Perth? 

Portfolio Picture Framers has been creating custom photo frames in Perth for more than 30 years. Visit our Myaree studio for a free, no-obligation consultation and compare a wide range of frame styles, matting options, and finishes in person.