The Photo Do’s and Dont’s of Using Round Picture Frames

Round picture frames add an artistic dimension to any picture frame collection. There are many different types of decorative round picture frames however, not every photo will look good in a round frame so you need to be careful. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll know what types of pictures to avoid and which ones look great in a round picture frame so your photos will always look good framed.

Round picture frames are an interesting way to display pictures, but unfortunately most people put the wrong type of photos in them. So, to help you avoid the pitfalls of using round frames, it’s best to start off with the types of photos to avoid using in round frames.

What You Should Avoid with Round Frames

Round picture frames are a great choice in certain circumstances, but there are times when you should avoid using a round frame. Here are the two top things to avoid in round picture frames:

1) Close-up Headshots: The round shape of the frame tends to give faces a more full appearance. No one wants to look round or have a full looking face so never put a close up head-shot in a round frame. In almost every case, the photo will look unflattering to the person in the picture so don’t do it. The only case where up-close photos look good in round frames are pictures of babies who are cute and round anyways.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have headshot photos displayed in round frames- you just need to be at a distance. If you’re a good distance away, headshots look good but you should always be conscious to how the frame makes the person’s face look.

2) Cropping the Photo Too Tight:  If you need to crop a photograph to fit into a round frame, don’t crop it too close. You want the subject in the picture to have some spacing around them so they don’t look like they were crammed into the frame. Any picture you display in a round picture frame needs to have the subject positioned with an equal amount of space around them so the picture and frame complement each other.

Remembering not to use close-up shots and not to crop your picture too tight are two important rules that are easy to follow. That leaves a huge selection of photos that you can display in round frames.

The Types of Photos You Should Use in Round Frames

There are many pictures that will look great in a round picture frame. Round picture frames add interest to your picture and help to add a unique look to your decorating, whether it’s displayed all by itself or part of a picture wall display. Here are some ideas of what will look good in a round frame:

1) Landscape photos are perfectly suited for a round frame. Framing a landscape photo in a round frame makes it look like you’re gazing through a small window at the outside scenery. Round frames are best to use with landscape scenery taken at a distance so it best fits the dimensions of the frame.

2) Pets are a favorite choice for round decorative picture frames. The compact size of most pets makes their photos a great fit for a round photo frame, whether it’s a picture of their head or their entire body. 

3) Drawings, sketches, needlepoint or other artwork can be beautifully displayed in a round picture frame. If you are looking for a unique way to enhance and display your artistic creation, consider using a round picture frame.

4) Baby photos are a favorite choice for round photo frames. Round picture frames and the cute round shape of babies go great together. Just make sure to center your baby’s picture properly within the baby frame for best results.

5) Don’t limit your thinking to pictures. Photos and artwork are not the only items that look great in a round frame. Mirrors add depth and light to any room. Not only will you have a useful item on your wall, but it will add a beautiful stylish touch to your decor. 

If you’ve never used a round frame, now is a good time to try one. Now that you know what photos to avoid and which ones look best in a round frame, you’ll feel confident in selecting a round frame that will look great in your home.