TL;DR: Borders can completely change how your artwork feels, fits, and lasts. Whether you’re signing, framing, or mounting your print, choosing the right border option helps preserve your image and achieve the look you want.
Why Borders Matter in Art Printing
Borders are more than just white space — they frame your artwork, protect it during handling, and create room for signatures or matting. At The Stackhouse, borders are always added outside your selected image size, meaning a 16x20 print with a one-inch border will result in an 18x22-inch final sheet. This ensures your printed image stays true to the size you ordered.
Understanding how borders impact your presentation will help you choose the best option for your workflow — whether you’re selling fine art prints, framing pieces for galleries, or shipping orders to customers.
When to Choose Borderless Prints
Borderless prints are printed edge-to-edge, giving them a clean, modern appearance. They’re ideal when you want your image to extend fully to the edges of the paper or canvas. This option is perfect for:
- Standard frame sizes that already include matting.
- Mounted or gallery-wrapped canvases.
- Photo prints designed for sleek, frameless displays.
Borderless printing is best when the artwork’s edges are visually complete and don’t need extra space. However, this format offers less protection during handling and leaves no room for signatures or notes.
When to Choose Bordered Prints
Bordered prints include additional white margins around the image area. These borders serve both functional and aesthetic purposes — providing room for matting, signing, or numbering limited editions. They also reduce the risk of edge damage during framing and shipping.
Here’s how different border sizes are typically used:
- ¼-inch border: Great for tight framing or small prints.
- 1-inch border: Ideal for signing and matting.
- 2-inch border: Recommended for large-format or collector pieces.
If you’re selling giclée fine art prints, borders can also elevate the perceived value of your work, creating a professional, gallery-ready appearance.
Matching Border Choices to Your Display Style
How you plan to display or sell your prints can determine which border option fits best:
- For ready-to-frame prints: Choose borderless for standard frames or bordered if using mats.
- For limited editions: A 1-inch or larger border gives space for signatures, numbering, or authentication stamps.
- For exhibitions or collectors: Wider borders provide breathing room and visual balance in gallery displays.
Borders can also influence how light and contrast interact with your artwork. Wider borders often make dark or highly detailed pieces stand out more dramatically, while borderless prints can enhance minimalist or colorful compositions.
Tips for Choosing Borders Like a Pro
- Always preview your crop before adding a border — your border is added outside the print area, not cropped from it.
- When framing, remember to size the frame to the total paper size, not just the printed area.
- For signed editions, leave consistent border margins across all prints for a cohesive collection.
To explore all your print and border options, check out our print sizing and border guide or visit our Order Now page to customize your next print.
Ready to see how borders transform your art? Order your next print today or request a free media sample set to feel the difference in person.
