How to frame your Blule Limited Edition Print : A3 + A2
So your Blule Limited Edition print has arrived 🎉
It's been travelling safely rolled in its tube (the print equivalent of a cosy sleeping bag), and now it's ready for its new life on your wall.
If you've never framed an art print before : don't worry. It's much easier than it sounds, especially because my prints come in two very standard sizes : A3 (297 × 420 mm) and A2 (420 × 594 mm).
Quick guide:
A3 = 297×420mm | A2 = 420×594mm
Budget: $15–40 (IKEA/Kmart) | Mid: $50–120 (online) | Premium: $80–200+ (framer)
Before you frame : a couple of reassuring notes
Why your print arrives rolled (and why that's a good thing)
Your print is shipped rolled in a sturdy tube for extra protection during its journey. It keeps the paper safe from bends, corners, and accidental squishes.
Once framed, the paper naturally relaxes and sits beautifully flat.
First step : unroll it gently
When you're ready:
: Wash your hands (paper loves clean fingers).
: Unroll the print gently on a clean, dry surface.
: Let it rest for a little while.
Tip : if it wants to curl back, place a couple of clean books on the corners (not on top of the illustration) to help it relax.
Not framing right away? Store it flat or rolled loosely in the tube, away from heat and moisture and dust.
The tiny detail that makes framing easier : the 5mm margin
When I print your Limited Edition, I always keep a 5mm white margin all around the illustration.
That little border is there on purpose : it gives breathing room, and it makes framing easier, especially if you choose to add a mat board (also called a mount). It helps the mat sit nicely without stealing too much of the illustration.
Step 1 : choose your framing route (4 practical options)
Option 1 : The premium one : go to a local framer
If you want the easiest, most polished result : bring your print to a professional framer.
Tip : keep it in the mailing tube until you arrive, so it stays protected.
A framer can guide you through everything:
: mat colour + mat size
: frame style (wood, colour, grain, details…)
: glass options (anti-glare, UV protection…)
They'll handle the whole process, and you'll end up with a "forever" frame.
Budget : roughly $80–$200+ USD depending on mat, frame quality, and glass options
Option 2 : The budget-friendly one : IKEA, Kmart + home décor shops
Because A3 and A2 are standard sizes, you can find frames almost anywhere : IKEA, Kmart, and many home décor shops.
Quick tip : if your frame comes with a mat, try to match the mat white to the paper white so it looks clean and intentional.
You'll frame it yourself, but it's totally doable (promise).
My go-to pick : IKEA Ribba frames in A3 (40×50 cm) or A2 (50×70 cm)
Budget : roughly $15–$40 USD for a basic frame with mat
Option 3 : The online one : order a frame to your door
If you want something nicer than a shop frame, with more options, but don't have time to visit a framer : online framing shops are a great middle ground.
Usually you:
: choose A3 or A2
: pick your frame colour/style
: choose mat or no mat and sometimes the colour.
: receive the frame at home
Budget : roughly $50–$120 USD depending on customization and shipping
Option 4 : The "no frame" look : wood hangers
Wooden magnetic hangers look beautiful : minimal, airy, very modern.
You can find many online.
Honest note : because your print is paper, without glass it won't be protected from:
: sunlight
: humidity
: dust
: curious fingers and little paws
So it's a gorgeous option for a short-term display, or a low-risk spot in your home. If you want your print to last for years, a proper frame with glass is the safest choice.
Budget : roughly $20–$50 USD for quality wooden hangers
Step 2 : pick a style (my favourite looks) : 4 clear suggestions
Now for the fun part. Here are four framing styles that work beautifully with Blule prints. If you're not sure, start with the one that matches your home vibe.
Style 1 : No mat board : frame sits right around the illustration
This is clean, bold, and very simple : the frame hugs the print.
Best for : modern spaces, strong colours, smaller walls.
Tip : choose a slim frame so it doesn't feel too heavy.
Style 2 : Mat board + wood frame : the "gallery breathing space"
This is the classic gallery look. A larger mat gives the illustration more space to breathe and can even make it feel bigger on the wall.
Mat colour tips :
: off-white for classic look
: warm grey for a soft, elegant look (watercolour loves this)
: coloured mats can be stunning, but don't go too saturated : think desaturated colours, gentle warm greys, sandy beige, dusty blush, muted sage…Of course if it's a Prince illustration go purple, dah!
A tiny rule I love : if the mat colour whispers, the art sings ✨
Bonus tip : if your frame is slightly too big, a larger mat can bridge the gap beautifully.
Style 3 : My favourite : no mat board, but add a plain background sheet
This one feels modern and a bit design-y : you frame the print without a mat, but you place it over a plain background paper inside the frame. It makes the illustration pop, without the "classic mat" look.
My go-to hack : IKEA Ribba frames
: flip the insert paper inside the frame
: the back is often a lovely warm grey
: it becomes the perfect soft background for your illustration
It's easy, affordable, and looks so good.
Style 4 : Floating frame with a framer : the "museum sandwich"
This is the premium, airy look : the print appears to float, with no background. Framers usually mount it between two layers of glass or perspex, with or without a wood frame around it.
Best for : collectors, minimalist interiors, statement pieces.
Tip : ask for UV protection if the print will be in a bright room.
Which one should you choose?
: If you want it super simple : Style 1
: If you want a classic gallery vibe : Style 2
: If you love modern styling : Style 3
: If you want the ultimate collector finish : Style 4
Glass vs. acrylic : what's the difference?
Many budget frames use acrylic (also called perspex or plexiglass) instead of glass.
Acrylic is lighter, safer to ship, and won't shatter—great for everyday framing.
Be careful not to use any product when you clean it, and it attracts dust easilyGlass feels more premium, has less static (so less dust), and often comes with UV protection options. Easier to clean.
Both work beautifully. Choose based on your budget and where the print will live.
A few final tips so your print lasts beautifully
: Avoid hanging in direct sunlight
: Keep it away from steamy bathrooms (paper hates humidity)
: If it's going in a bright room : consider UV-protective glass
A little note from me
However you frame it : thank you for giving my art a place in your home 🤍
If you ever want help choosing a mat colour or frame style, send me a photo of your space or your frame options : I love helping with that.
I'd love to see your print in its new home!
There's something so special about seeing my illustrations framed and living on your walls. If you'd like to share yours with me, I'd be absolutely delighted to see it!
You can:
: Tag me @doodleblule on Instagram (I love resharing beautiful setups!)
: Send me a photo by email—just hit reply to your order confirmation
Whether it's a quick snap on your phone or a styled shot, I genuinely love seeing where my dragons, Prince pieces, and watercolours end up. Plus, it helps other collectors imagine how the prints might look in their own spaces.
À bientôt,
Clémentine 🎨
Framed by my lovely customers
