Got a beautiful print and a blank wall staring back at you? The A2 picture frame (420 x 594 mm) is often the perfect answer for showcasing art in New Zealand homes. It hits that 'just right' sweet spot—large enough to make an impact without completely taking over the room.

Why an A2 Frame Is Your Go-To Choice

The A2 frame is one of the most versatile and popular options out there, ideal for everything from gig posters to fine art prints. Think of it as the hero piece of your wall; it’s substantial enough to command attention on its own, but it also works brilliantly as the anchor for a larger gallery wall. This flexibility is why you’ll find it everywhere, from a teen's bedroom in Christchurch to a sophisticated living room in Auckland.

This isn't just a hunch, either. The A2 size has become a real staple in the New Zealand framing world. Back in 2021, A2 frames made up around 18% of all frame sales by volume in the country, which shows just how much Kiwis rely on them for both off-the-shelf and custom framing jobs. You can discover more insights about NZ framing trends from SONI DESIGN.

Making the Right First Impression

Picking an A2 picture frame in NZ is about more than just finding something that fits. It’s a design choice that should enhance your art and complement your home's style. The frame you choose becomes part of the artwork's story, shaping how people see it.

As you start looking, you'll need to think about a few key things:

• Material and Finish: Are you drawn to the natural warmth of timber, the sleek, modern lines of aluminium, or perhaps a sustainable option like polcore?
• Ready-Made vs. Custom: Will a convenient, off-the-shelf frame do the trick, or does your piece really need the bespoke fit and archival quality of a custom-made frame?
• Elevating with Extras: How can simple additions like a mat board or UV-protective glazing transform your display from homemade to professionally curated?

This guide will walk you through all these decisions. Our goal is to give you the confidence to choose an A2 frame that doesn’t just hold your picture, but actually completes it, turning a simple print into a display you'll love for years to come.

Choosing Your Frame Material and Style

The material you choose for your A2 frame does more than just hold everything together; it sets the entire mood for your display. Get it right, and it elevates the art. Get it wrong, and it can feel jarring or out of place. This is your chance to decide if the frame should be a quiet supporter or a statement piece in its own right.

Think of your frame material as the visual handshake between the artwork and your room's decor. Each option brings a completely different character to the table.

Common Frame Materials in New Zealand

• Wood (Oak, Pine): Nothing beats natural wood for warmth and texture. It's a timeless choice for a reason. An oak frame can create a cosy, bach-like atmosphere or perfectly complement art inspired by nature.

• Aluminium: If you're after a sharp, contemporary look, you can't go past aluminium. Its sleek profile and clean lines are a fantastic match for modern, minimalist interiors, especially for graphic prints or black-and-white photos.

• Polcore: This is a great sustainable option, made from recycled polystyrene. Polcore frames can look just like wood but are often more budget-friendly and resistant to moisture, making them a practical, eco-conscious choice for any room.

Think of the frame material as the supporting actor to your artwork's leading role. A warm oak frame might be perfect for a rustic landscape, while a sleek black aluminium frame is the ideal partner for a bold, modern abstract piece.

The Power of the Finish

Beyond the raw material, the finish is what gives the frame its final personality. The exact same frame profile can look dramatically different depending on its colour and texture. This is a crucial detail when you're looking for an A2 picture frame NZ homes will welcome.

A simple finish can completely transform how your artwork feels. A classic white finish, for example, is brilliant for making vibrant, colourful art pop. It creates a crisp, clean contrast that pulls your eye straight to the image—a gallery favourite for a reason.

A black finish, on the other hand, adds a touch of drama and sophistication. It’s incredibly versatile, creating a strong border that grounds the artwork without ever competing with it. For something a bit more luxe, a metallic finish like gold or silver can add a touch of class to certificates, formal portraits, or fine art prints. The finish you choose helps tie the whole story together, connecting the art, the frame, and the room into one cohesive look.

Protecting Your Art with Glazing and Backing

When you're choosing an A2 picture frame in NZ, it’s easy to focus on the frame itself. But the real magic of preservation happens with two components that are often overlooked: the glazing and the backing board.

Think of them as the silent bodyguards for your art. They stand guard against damage and decay, turning a simple frame into a secure, long-term home for your piece.

Choosing the Right Glazing

The glazing is the clear panel at the front, and it's much more than just a dust cover. Think of it as sunscreen for your artwork. Standard glass or acrylic won't stop the invisible threat of ultraviolet (UV) light, which is especially strong here in New Zealand. Over time, those UV rays will fade vibrant colours and turn paper yellow.

For a temporary poster or a cheap print, standard glazing will probably do the job. But if you're framing a treasured family photo, a limited-edition print, or an original piece of art, upgrading to UV-protective glazing is one of the smartest investments you can make.

You've got two main options here:

• Glass: It offers fantastic clarity and has a nice, solid weight. Glass is also very scratch-resistant, but it's heavy and can shatter, which poses a risk to your artwork.
• Acrylic (Perspex): This is a much lighter alternative and it's virtually shatter-proof, making it ideal for shipping or for hanging in busy homes. High-quality UV-protective acrylic can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

Your choice of glazing is the guardian of your art. While standard glass is just a window, UV-protective acrylic is a shield. It actively defends against sunlight, preserving the piece's original beauty for decades to come.

The Importance of Archival Backing

Now, let's flip the frame over and talk about the backing board. Using the wrong material here is a slow-motion disaster waiting to happen. Many off-the-shelf frames come with cheap MDF or cardboard backings, which are full of acids.

Over the years, these acids can leach into your artwork, causing that dreaded yellowing and irreversible damage.

The professional standard is an acid-free foam core backing. This material is completely inert and chemically stable, creating a safe, neutral environment for your art. It provides a crucial barrier against moisture and airborne pollutants, keeping your piece looking as pristine as the day you framed it.

For anyone framing cherished memories, getting these details right is everything. It’s the same logic behind using expert tips for preserving old photographs – you want to ensure they last for generations to enjoy.

Using Mat Boards to Elevate Your Artwork

Think of a mat board as the secret weapon in a professional framer’s toolkit. It’s that crisp border you see in galleries that makes art pop, but it does more than just look good. A mat creates a bit of breathing room around your piece, guiding your eye directly to the image itself.

It also serves a crucial protective role. By creating a gap, the mat prevents your artwork from touching the frame's glazing (the glass or acrylic front). This is vital for long-term preservation, stopping any potential moisture or adhesion issues in their tracks.

Using a mat board with your A2 picture frame in NZ gives you incredible flexibility. Suddenly, that beautiful A3 print (297 x 420 mm) that feels a bit lost on its own can be showcased in a larger A2 frame, giving it the presence and impact it deserves on your wall.

As you can see, the mat board acts as a safe, acid-free buffer zone, working with the glazing and backing to create a protective sandwich for your art.

Mastering Mat Board Proportions

Getting the mat's colour and size right is where the magic happens. You can never go wrong with a classic, off-white mat. It’s a timeless choice because it makes the colours in your artwork appear richer and more vibrant without trying to steal the show. If you're after a bit more drama, a dark or coloured mat can be used to pick up on specific tones within your art.

Here's a little trick the pros use: "weighting the bottom." This just means making the bottom border of the mat ever-so-slightly wider than the sides and top. It’s a subtle adjustment, but it creates a beautifully balanced, gallery-quality look and stops the artwork from feeling like it's slipping down inside the frame.

A well-chosen mat board doesn’t just frame the art; it completes it. Think of it as the perfect stage—it supports the main performance without ever stealing the spotlight, ensuring all eyes are exactly where they should be.

Calculating Your Mat Dimensions

Working out the right measurements is much easier than you might think. The golden rule is to make the mat's window opening just a little bit smaller than your artwork.

This creates a small overlap, usually about 5mm on each side, which lets you securely tape the art to the back of the mat board without the edges peeking through.

Here’s a quick reference table to help you visualise how this works for common print sizes you might want to place inside a standard A2 frame.

Standard Mat Board Dimensions for A2 Frames

These recommended window sizes ensure you have that crucial overlap for secure mounting, giving your final piece a clean, intentional, and professional finish. Once you get the hang of using mat boards, you'll see how they can completely transform your display, making even a simple print look like a bespoke, high-end piece of art.

Finding Ready-Made and Custom Frames in NZ

So, where do you actually find the perfect A2 picture frame here in New Zealand? You've really got two main paths to go down: grabbing a ready-made frame from a big retailer or getting a bespoke piece from a custom framer.

Each has its place, and the right choice really boils down to what you're framing, your budget, and the final look you're after.

Ready-made frames are the instant gratification option. You'll see them at places like Kmart, The Warehouse, or Briscoes. They're a quick, affordable way to get a standard print or poster up on the wall, no fuss. If it's not a priceless piece and you just need something simple that works, this is a great way to go.

But for anything that deserves a bit more care, custom framing is where the magic happens. It offers a level of quality and a perfect fit that an off-the-shelf frame just can't compete with. And it’s not just for high-end gallery art, either!

When to Choose a Custom Framer

Going to a custom framer is your best move when you're dealing with something special or a little out of the ordinary. Think about it for situations like these:

• Non-Standard Sizes: If your art is almost A2 but not quite, a custom frame will fit it like a glove. No awkward gaps or trimming needed.
• Valuable or Sentimental Pieces: This is non-negotiable for precious items. A professional framer will use conservation-grade materials—like UV-protective glazing and acid-free backing—to make sure your art is protected for years to come.
• Unique Art Forms: Different types of art need different handling. For instance, knowing how to frame an unstretched canvas painting correctly makes a huge difference to the final result, and a pro will get it right.

Finding Local Framing Expertise in New Zealand

The good news is that New Zealand has a fantastic community of skilled picture framers, especially in the main centres. You’re never too far from getting some expert advice. In fact, the 2018 Census showed there were 123 picture framers in Auckland and 60 in Canterbury alone, which tells you there's a real appreciation for quality craftsmanship here.

A great local framer isn't just someone who builds frames; they're a consultant for your art. They'll walk you through all the choices—the frame style, the mat colour, the best type of glass—to make sure the final result doesn't just protect your piece, but makes it truly shine.

This is exactly where we at SONI DESIGN fit in. We bridge that gap between just buying a product and receiving a personalised, expert service. We bring together top-notch materials and genuine advice to give you a result that feels both professional and convenient.

Ultimately, choosing a local specialist means you're not just buying an A2 picture frame. You're investing in the perfect home for your art, made just for you.

Let's talk about the bottom line: what should you expect to pay for an A2 picture frame in New Zealand, and what about shipping? It can feel like a bit of a guessing game, as prices can be all over the place. Knowing what goes into the final cost helps you make a choice you feel good about.

You can find a basic, off-the-shelf A2 frame at a big retailer for as little as $30-$50. These are perfectly fine for a simple poster or a print where you're not too worried about long-term preservation. But once you start looking for higher quality materials and custom touches, the price naturally starts to climb.

What Goes Into the Price?

The final price tag really just comes down to the materials and the craftsmanship. It makes sense that a custom-made solid oak frame will cost more than a standard polcore one – the raw timber is more expensive, and it takes a skilled person time to build it.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main factors influencing the cost:

• Frame Material: Solid timbers like oak are at the premium end, while sleek aluminium or versatile polcore are often more wallet-friendly options.
• Glazing: This is a big one. Upgrading from standard acrylic to 99% UV-protective glazing can add $40-$80+ to the total, but it's an absolute must for protecting valuable or sentimental art from fading.
• Customisation: Anything made-to-order, like a unique size or a special mat board layout, will cost more than a standard frame that's been mass-produced.

It's also worth noting that Kiwis are increasingly investing in their homes and art. The demand for quality framing is on the rise, with industry analysis projecting the New Zealand photo frame market will grow at a steady rate of 2.76% by 2027. You can read the full research about NZ market trends here.

Think of your frame as an investment in your art's future. A cheaper frame might save you money today, but a higher-quality custom frame with archival materials protects your piece for a lifetime, preserving its value and vibrancy.

Getting Your A2 Frame Home Safely

If you’re buying online, shipping is a huge consideration. An A2 frame isn't small, and it can be fragile, especially if you've opted for glass. It's always best to buy from a supplier who knows what they're doing and uses sturdy, purpose-built packaging with plenty of padding and corner protection.

Within New Zealand, you can expect shipping for an item this size to be somewhere in the $15-$30 range. The exact cost will depend on whether you’re in a main city or a more rural spot. It’s a small price to pay to make sure your beautiful new frame arrives in one piece, ready to hang.

Your A2 Picture Frame Questions Answered

Framing can seem a bit complicated at first, but it doesn't have to be. To help clear things up, we’ve put together some straight-up answers to the questions we hear most often about choosing an A2 picture frame in NZ. Think of this as your final checklist before you get started.

What Size Art Actually Fits in an A2 Frame?

This is a great question. An A2 frame is built to perfectly house a piece of art that measures exactly 420 x 594 mm. If your print is this size, it will fit snugly inside the frame edge-to-edge, with no border.

But what if your art is smaller? That’s where a mat board comes in. A very popular approach is to place a smaller A3 print (297 x 420 mm) inside an A2 frame with a custom-cut mat. The mat board creates a crisp, clean border that makes the artwork pop and gives it that professional, gallery-quality look.

Is a Custom Frame Really Worth the Extra Money?

Honestly, it all depends on what you're framing. If you've got a standard-sized concert poster or a print you might want to swap out later, a ready-made frame is a fantastic, wallet-friendly option that looks great.

A ready-made frame is a great solution, but a custom frame is a long-term investment. It's the difference between buying a suit off the rack and having one tailored—the custom option is a perfect fit, designed to last and protect what's important.

However, if you're framing a valuable piece of art, a treasured family photograph, or something with unusual dimensions, custom framing is absolutely worth the investment. It opens up a world of conservation-grade materials, like UV-filtering glazing and acid-free backing, that actively protect your art from fading and damage. It’s about preserving something you love for a lifetime.

How Do I Hang a Heavy A2 Frame Securely?

For a heavier A2 frame, particularly one with real glass, a single nail just won't cut it. You need a more robust approach to keep it safe and straight on your wall. The most reliable method involves using two D-rings and picture wire.

Here’s a simple, secure way to get it hung perfectly:

1. On the back of the frame, screw in two D-rings. A good rule of thumb is to place them about one-third of the way down from the top on each side.
2. Run your picture wire between the two rings. Don't pull it completely taut—a little bit of slack is key.
3. On the wall, install two picture hooks, spaced apart. This distributes the frame's weight evenly instead of concentrating it on a single point.
4. If you have plasterboard walls (like GIB®), it’s crucial to use a proper wall anchor for each hook. This will stop the hooks from pulling out of the wall under the frame's weight.

Using two hooks not only provides better support but also makes it much easier to keep your frame level.

At SONI DESIGN, we're here to help you find the perfect way to display your art. Whether you need a custom solution or a high-quality ready-made frame, check out our options at https://www.sonidesign.co.nz.