Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Buying a 14 x 17 frame sounds simple until you notice the size on the box rarely matches the picture you already own. This guide sorts the difference between engineered wood and real aluminum, plexiglass and tempered glass, so you can pick the frame that fits your print the first time.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Every pick below was checked against one hard rule: the opening has to actually take a 17 by 14 inch print. That single measurement decides more returns than color or finish ever will, which is why each listing here is judged on how its 17 x 14 frame opening is cut and how the backing holds the print flat.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 17 X 14 Frame
The frame you want is the one whose opening, glass, and backing match the print already on your table. It is the one whose opening, glass, and backing all match the print you already have on the table.
Confirm the opening before anything else
A frame sold as 14×17 usually has an opening a touch under the real print size, so the paper sits behind the lip instead of falling through. One black frame in this list cuts its window a full 0.5 inches smaller than a 14 x 17 photo on purpose, and that is a feature, not a defect. Measure both dimensions of your print and check the frame carries them the same way round — some listings write 17″L x 14″W, others flip it, and the difference is only in how the frame hangs.
Glass, plexiglass, or acrylic
Tempered glass gives the clearest view and cleans like a window, but it is heavier and arrives with more shipping risk. Plexiglass and acrylic are lighter, ship safer, and are far friendlier around kids, but they scratch easier and carry a plastic look that some buyers never warm to. If the frame hangs in a bright room, glare is the real enemy, whatever front you pick.
How the back opens
Swivel tabs let you swap a print in seconds without tools. Bendable metal tabs need a little more patience and can fatigue over time. Whichever the frame uses, the depth of the recess matters too — thick foam-core backing and rigid puzzle boards are the two things most likely to stop a slim frame closing properly.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Frame Material | Cover Material | Opening Count | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americanflat 14×17 Picture Frame★ Best Overall | Posters and large prints | Engineered Wood | Plexiglass | 1 | Amazon |
| Heimlove 14×17 Metal Picture FrameTop Performer | Gallery-style wall hangs | Aluminum | Tempered Glass | 1 | Amazon |
| HLiWEGNS Light Walnut 14×17 | Puzzles and big prints | Plastic | Plexiglass | 1 | Amazon |
| Rustic Walnut 14×17 Frame | Vintage-look art | Polystyrene | Acrylic Glass | 1 | Amazon |
| Fun Memories 14×17 Metal Picture Frame | Art you send as a gift | Metal, Wood | Tempered HD Glass | 1 | Amazon |
| Black 14×17 Picture Frame Wall Hanging | Fast print swaps | Polyvinyl Chloride | Polystyrene | 1 | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Americanflat 14×17 Picture Frame – Engineered Wood – Black
Our pick — 4.5★ from 41,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The best-selling engineered-wood frame that turns a bare 14×17 poster into wall art without a custom-framing bill.
If you have ever been quoted a custom framing price for a concert poster and quietly put it back in the tube, this is the frame that ends that standoff. The build is engineered wood — a pressed wood composite often called MDF (medium-density fiberboard, a smooth manufactured wood) — so you get a uniform surface at a lighter weight than solid timber. It is finished in a black veneer (a thin decorative wood layer) that reads as a proper gallery frame from across the room. What wins people over is the quality of that molding, and at 2.8 pounds it hangs on a single nail without you hunting for a stud.
Setup is genuinely tool-free. Hanging hardware ships in the box for both directions, so a landscape print or a portrait print both work straight out of the packaging — no trip to the hardware store. The polished plexiglass (a clear plastic glazing that is lighter and less breakable than glass) arrives with protective film on both faces that peels away clean. A condensed buyer report on this exact frame sums it up: “Great looking basic frame for concert posters. Easy to use”. Owners regularly compare it to more expensive framing and land on the same answer — it is not gallery-grade, but for prints and photos it does the job.
Thousands of owners rate the quality highly, and its appearance is right behind — so you get a lot of frame for the money. The honest catch is the material, which splits opinion. Some owners love that the plexiglass looks just like glass and stays light on the wall, while others wish it were real glass and describe the construction as cheaper than it photographs. The one thing to inspect on arrival is the corners, since a few arrive with chipped edges touched up in a slightly different black. Check them within the return window and you are covered.
Where it pulls ahead
- Quality is what owners praise most — thousands single it out, and the look follows right behind.
- Hanging hardware for both portrait and landscape is already in the box.
- At 2.8 pounds, one nail holds it without a wall anchor.
- Plexiglass ships with peel-off film on both sides, so it arrives clear.
What to check before you commit
- No mat is included, so a 14×17 print fills the whole opening edge to edge.
- The plexiglass front is not real glass — a distinction some owners mind and others do not.
- Inspect the corners on arrival; a handful ship with touched-up chips.
Grab this one if: you want a poster or oversized photo on the wall this week with zero measuring and no custom-framing bill.
Think twice if: you insist on genuine glass over the print or you want a mat around a smaller image.
2. Heimlove 14×17 Metal Picture Frame, Black Aluminum Photo Frames
A slim aluminum frame with genuine tempered glass for anyone who wants a real glass pane over the print.
Here is the cleanest answer for art you actually care about: real aluminum instead of pressed wood, and real tempered glass instead of plexiglass. Tempered glass is heat-treated so it breaks into small blunt pieces rather than long shards — that is the whole reason it belongs in a home with kids or pets. The frame opening is cut 0.5 inches smaller than the photo, a deliberate lip that keeps the print from sliding down behind the glass — the maker states this outright so it does not read as a sizing fault.
Where this one pulls ahead of the engineered-wood pick above is the depth of the hardware, not the width. The back panel uses adjustable clips that owners describe as more secure than the bendable metal tabs on cheaper frames, and the whole thing ships shrink-wrapped with reinforced corner protectors inside a custom corrugated box. That packaging is why it tends to arrive without the chipped corners that show up on lighter builds.
The quality of this one is what owners talk about first — it is far and away the most-praised aspect — with value for money and appearance following close behind. Buyers report it looks professionally framed for a fraction of a frame-shop quote, which is the compliment a metal frame wants. Know the catch going in: the recess is shallow, and one buyer had to bend the clips with pliers to fit a thick foam-core backing on pastels. If your art is pastels, thick canvas, or a rigid puzzle board, check the depth before you buy. On size it runs at 17″L x 14″W, exactly the 17 by 14 orientation most posters are printed in.
The real upgrade here: tempered glass and aluminum cost you nothing in setup — it hangs like any other frame but looks a tier above the pressed-wood options.
Size it before you commit: the panel is built for a 14×17 print, so a smaller image without a mat will sit loose in the opening.
Reach for this if a watercolor, a signed print, or a valuable photo deserves real glass and a metal edge.
Look elsewhere if your artwork is mounted on thick foam core and you need a deeper recess.
3. HLiWEGNS Light Walnut 14×17 – Single Frame – Rustic Woodgrain
A lightweight woodgrain frame with a 0.8-inch border and 0.7-inch depth that gives a finished 14×17 puzzle the presence of real furniture.
If you have a completed 14 by 17 puzzle sitting on a board and nowhere to put it, this is the frame that solves that specific problem. The wide 0.8 inch (2cm) border gives the walnut grain room to read, and at 0.7 inch (1.78cm) thick it has more depth than the slimmest budget options. The material is PS — polystyrene, a molded plastic that mimics woodgrain without the weight or price of real timber — and the border width is what makes the faux finish convincing from a normal viewing distance.
The front is plexiglass rather than glass, which is the smart choice here: it is lighter, it does not shatter, and it will not hurt a child if the frame ever comes off the wall. Peel the protective film from both faces before you hang it, or the view will look foggy. Two back hooks cover both hanging directions, so a landscape puzzle and a portrait poster both work from the same hardware.
Quality is the aspect owners praise above all, with the appearance and the woodgrain matching furniture running second — so it looks like a piece of furniture, not a cheap add-on. It is also a favorite for big jigsaw puzzles because the light walnut tone sets off the artwork instead of fighting it. Two honest notes: the finish is plastic, not wood, and buyers who expected timber have said so; and the frame has a slight tendency toward glare, with at least one owner removing the plexiglass entirely when the frame hung near a window. Hang it away from direct light and it looks its best.
Made for the puzzle crowd: the 0.8 inch border and 0.7 inch depth give a finished puzzle the presence a thin frame cannot.
Best suited to puzzle finishers and vintage-poster collectors who want a warm woodgrain look without the weight of glass.
A poor fit if you need genuine wood, or the frame will hang in a spot where window glare hits it head-on.
4. Rustic Walnut 14×17 Frame – Single Frame, Poster Frame for Artwork
A deep walnut-toned polystyrene frame that makes a modern reprint read like a vintage find.
Some prints want a black frame; this one is for the ones that want warmth. The rich walnut-toned faux woodgrain comes from a PS plastic body finished in a textured veneer, and the intent is clear — dress up a Futurama print or a flea-market poster until it reads old-school. Owners have used it exactly that way and come away pleased with the look, with the frame doing the work of making a modern reprint feel like a period piece.
What it does that the lighter builds above do not: the back opens with a simple twist of the metal clips, so you can reframe in seconds without hunting for a tab. Two metal hooks on the back cover both vertical and horizontal hanging. The front is shatterproof acrylic — a clear plastic pane that resists breaking — and it arrives protected on both sides by removable film.
Where this frame beats the light-walnut pick above is the finish tone: the deep walnut reads more like real timber, and buyers have compared the look to pieces that cost substantially more. What owners praise most is how well-made it feels for the money, with appearance and value rounding out the top of the list. If your frame uses a mat to size down a smaller print, the depth is slim, so keep thick backing in mind.
The honest trade-off: the body is polystyrene rather than wood, and several buyers have pointed that out; the acrylic pane is also lighter than glass and rewards gentle handling.
Why it still earns the slot: the deep walnut finish and the twist-open back put it ahead of thinner décor frames on looks and ease.
Made for anyone hanging a vintage-style print or textured art who wants the frame to do the styling.
skip it if you specifically need wood or glass — this one is honest plastic and acrylic throughout.
5. Fun Memories 14×17 Metal Picture Frame with 11×14 Mat
The only frame in the group that ships with an 11×14 mat, so a smaller print fits without buying one separately.
Most 14×17 frames expect a full-size print; this one gives you two sizes for the price of one. It ships with a white mat opening that holds an 11×14 picture, and pull the mat out and the same frame takes a full 14×17 print. That flexibility is why it makes a strong gift — if you are not certain what size the recipient’s photo is, this frame covers both cases. The body is premium aluminum alloy, and the glass is tempered with polished edges to remove the sharp shard risk of ordinary glass.
Compared with the straight aluminum pick above, this one costs a little more and adds the mat plus tabletop capability. It can stand on a desk as well as hang, so a small print can sit on a shelf instead of going on a nail. The tempered glass arrives shrink-wrapped with corner protectors in a custom corrugated box, and buyers have used it comfortably for artwork and concert prints.
What owners mention first is the quality — it is the aspect that comes up most often, well ahead of everything else, with appearance and sturdiness close behind. Notes from owners mention reinforced internal corners and the included hooks, and the general read is that it looks like something a frame shop would sell. The one honest caveat is consistency: at least one buyer received two frames where one had glass and the other a plastic front. Order and check the front pane on arrival, and you are protected by the return window.
The flexible pick: a mat for 11×14, no mat for 14×17, and a tabletop stand; three ways to use one frame.
What to verify: the glass front — one reviewer noted receiving a plastic front instead of glass, so confirm yours on arrival.
Pick this one when you are gifting and are not sure whether the recipient’s photo is 11×14 or 14×17.
Not the one for you if you need the absolute lowest weight — the mat and glass front add heft.
6. Black 14×17 Picture Frame Lightweight yet Durable Frame Wall Hanging
A PVC frame with a one-press spring-loaded back for anyone who swaps prints more than once a year.
If you rotate prints often — seasonal art, new photos, a poster you will swap next month — the spring-loaded back on this frame is the feature to pay attention to. One press opens the back, and the print drops in without tools or metal tabs to bend. The frame body is PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a light molded plastic that resists moisture and holds its shape) with a black PVC-wrapped finish, and the front is a high-clarity polystyrene pane rather than glass.
Two details are worth knowing before you mount it. The photo window is precision-cut 0.5 inches smaller than a 14 x 17 photo — the maker is upfront about this, and it is what holds the print snugly instead of letting it shift within the frame. Second, peel the scratch-resistant film from BOTH sides of the plastic pane before you hang it, or the surface will look cloudy from day one. A single hook handles vertical or horizontal hanging, so one frame covers every orientation.
For the price tier, the build punches above its weight: owners describe it as lightweight but sturdy, and the swivel back tabs draw repeated praise as easier and safer than bendable metal tabs. It also tends to run a little larger than listed, which shows up as visible cardboard edges when you mount a smaller 6×9 image without a mat. The plastic pane is thin and one buyer had it arrive cracked but still usable, so handle the front with a bit of care during setup. Reframe speed is the reason to pick it.
Where it wins: one-press spring back makes this the fastest reframe in the group, and the plastic front keeps it light enough for any wall.
Handle with care: the pane is thin plastic, not glass, and runs slightly larger than listed size, so measure your print before you commit.
The right call for renters and frequent reframers who want to swap prints without breaking out the tools.
pass on it if you need a glass front or a strictly sized opening for a precise 14×17 fit.
Understanding the Specs
Frame Material
The frame material decides how the frame feels on the wall and how it ages. Engineered wood, also called MDF, is pressed wood composite — smooth, uniform, and lighter than solid timber. Aluminum is metal and feels the most premium, but adds weight. Polystyrene and PVC are molded plastics that mimic woodgrain or matte black at the lightest weight and lowest price. None is wrong; the choice is between a heavier, more solid feel and a lighter, more affordable frame.
Cover Material
The cover is the clear pane over your print. Tempered glass is heat-treated so it breaks into small pieces rather than shards, which makes it the safest choice around kids and pets, but it is heavier and riskier to ship. Plexiglass, acrylic, and polystyrene are all plastics: lighter, safer to handle, and cheaper to ship, but softer and more prone to scratches. Both plexiglass and acrylic arrive with peel-off protective film on each side that must be removed before hanging.
Opening and Fit
A 14×17 frame’s opening is usually cut slightly smaller than the print itself — often 0.5 inches — so the paper sits behind a lip and holds flat without shifting. Check which dimension the listing lists first: some frames read 17″L x 14″W, others 14″L x 17″W, and the difference is only in how the frame hangs. Buyers should also match print size to opening size; a print smaller than the opening will sit loose unless you add a mat.
Backing and Hanging Hardware
The backing is what holds the print against the pane, and it comes in three common styles. Spring-loaded backs open with one press for the fastest swaps. Swivel tabs are the owner-favorite for safety and ease. Bendable metal tabs are the most traditional but can fatigue and are harder to work without tools. Hanging hardware is usually included, often as one hook for both portrait and landscape or two hooks for extra stability.
FAQ
Will a 14×17 frame fit a 14×17 poster exactly?
Is plexiglass as good as glass in a picture frame?
How do I stop the print from slipping inside the frame?
Can I hang a 14×17 frame horizontally or only vertically?
Will thicker artwork like a puzzle board fit in a 14×17 frame?
How do I clean a plexiglass or acrylic frame without scratching it?
Does a black 14×17 frame or a woodgrain one look better?
Do I need to buy hanging hardware separately for a 14×17 frame?
How much does a 14×17 frame weigh on the wall?
What size mat fits in a 14×17 frame?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the 17 x 14 frame that balances quality and value best is the Americanflat 14×17 Picture Frame, whose wide black molding and included hardware make a poster or oversized photo look intentional without a custom-framing bill. If you want genuine tempered glass and an aluminum edge for art you care about, grab the Heimlove 14×17 Metal Picture Frame. And for the puzzle finishers and vintage-poster crowd who need depth and a warm woodgrain tone, the HLiWEGNS Light Walnut 14×17 is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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