Poster Frames – Protect & Display Your Prints | Joann
Our 24×36 poster frame ships ready to hang, with glass front and sturdy MDF backing. The classic black profile pairs with any décor while a pre-installed sawtooth hanger and included wire let you mount horizontally or vertically.
We designed this frame for studio-quality prints, concert posters, architectural drawings, and oversized photographs. The 0.75-inch molding depth accommodates mat boards if you want to add a custom border later.
Frame specs & what's included
Materials & Construction
We build our poster frames from MDF, aluminum, or real-wood veneers depending on the profile you choose. MDF moldings receive a multi-coat finish that resists fingerprints and minor scuffs, while aluminum frames go through an anodizing process for scratch resistance.
Glass fronts ship in the 24×36 and larger sizes for weight distribution; smaller frames use acrylic to keep shipping costs down and prevent breakage. Both materials meet optical-clarity standards, so your prints show true colors under indoor lighting. The backing boards are rigid MDF or chipboard with metal tabs or spring clips, and we pre-drill all hanging hardware slots during manufacturing.
Sizing & Fit Guide
Joann’s poster frames ship in standard print dimensions: 11×17, 18×24, 24×36, and 27×40 inches. Measure your poster edge-to-edge before ordering — our interior rabbet (the channel where the print sits) runs 0.125 inches smaller than the listed size to ensure a snug fit.
Custom Matting
If you want a border around your print, choose a frame one size larger and add a custom mat board. An 18×24 print in a 24×36 frame with a 3-inch mat creates a gallery look. We sell pre-cut mats in white, black, and ivory at every store, or you can trim your own mat using our in-store cutting service.
Hanging & Installation
Every frame includes either a sawtooth hanger, D-rings, or keyhole slots already installed on the backing. Sawtooth and keyhole systems work best for frames under 5 pounds; D-rings with braided wire handle the 27×40 and other large sizes.
We recommend drywall anchors for plaster walls and direct wood-screw mounting into studs when possible. Felt bumpers (included on metal frames) keep the frame level and protect your paint. Horizontal or vertical orientation is your choice — the hardware supports both.
More Frame Sizes & Styles
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Poster Frame Questions
We carry four standard sizes: 11×17 inches (tabloid), 18×24 inches (architectural B), 24×36 inches (standard poster), and 27×40 inches (one-sheet movie poster). Each size accommodates the corresponding print dimension with a 0.125-inch rabbet allowance for secure fit.
If you need a custom size, check our frame department for build-your-own molding and glass-cutting services available in most stores.
Our standard poster frames work best for paper prints, photographs, and thin fabric posters. The backing depth is 0.75–1.5 inches depending on the model, so stretched canvas usually won't fit.
For canvas or 3D objects, we recommend our shadow box frames or floating frames, which offer 2–3 inches of interior depth and accommodate thicker materials without crushing.
Frames 24×36 and larger ship with real glass for optical clarity and weight distribution. Smaller sizes (11×17 and 18×24) use acrylic to prevent shipping damage and reduce overall weight.
Both materials meet the same clarity standards. Glass resists scratches better; acrylic is shatter-resistant and lighter for tabletop or kids' room use.
Locate a wall stud using a stud finder and drive a wood screw directly into the stud for maximum hold. If no stud aligns with your desired spot, use drywall anchors rated for 10–15 pounds.
Hang the frame on the pre-installed sawtooth hanger or wire, then press gently to seat the felt bumpers against the wall. Check level with a bubble level or smartphone app before walking away.
Yes — order a frame one size larger than your print and insert a custom mat board. For example, an 18×24 print fits perfectly in a 24×36 frame with a 3-inch mat border on all sides.
We sell pre-cut mats in white, black, and ivory at every store, and our frame department offers custom mat cutting if you need non-standard dimensions or openings.
Our poster frames are designed for indoor, climate-controlled spaces. MDF and wood moldings will warp in high-humidity environments like bathrooms, and moisture can fog the glazing from the inside.
For outdoor or high-moisture areas, look for all-metal or sealed acrylic frames specifically rated for exterior use. Standard poster frames perform best in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Sawtooth hangers are metal strips with teeth that grip a nail or screw. They work well for lightweight frames under 5 pounds and allow micro-adjustments after hanging.
D-rings attach to the frame sides and use braided wire for weight distribution. They're standard on frames 24×36 and larger, supporting up to 15 pounds and providing more stability on textured walls.