A 14 x 24 picture frame is a non-standard rectangular frame size designed to hold artwork or a mat opening of exactly 14 inches by 24 inches, not the outer dimensions of the frame itself.
If you have a 14 x 24 print or artwork, it won’t slide into a standard 11×14 or 16×20 frame from a big-box store. That oddball rectangle — 14 inches tall by 24 wide — sits between common sizes, making ready-made frames trickier to find. But this opens the door to custom framing, where you get the exact look and fit your piece deserves. Here is what you need to know about sizing, shopping, and the one mistake that trips up most buyers.
What Does “14 x 24” Actually Mean on a Frame?
When a frame is labeled 14 x 24, that number refers to the inside edge of the frame — the opening that holds your artwork or mat behind the glass. The actual outer dimensions are always larger because the molding adds width. For example, a frame with two-inch-wide molding would measure roughly 18 inches by 28 inches on the outside. The Frame USA guide and other sizing references confirm this standard labeling practice: the listed size is the artwork opening, never the exterior.
This matters most when measuring a wall space. If you are planning a gallery wall or a tight spot between shelves, measure the frame’s listed size first, then add the molding width from product specs before committing to a spot.
Is a 14 x 24 Frame a Standard Size?
No — it is not considered a common ready-made size in the United States. Standard frame size guides from framing retailers and photography outlets consistently list the most popular sizes as 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 18×24, 20×30, and 24×36. The 14 x 24 dimension falls squarely between those benchmarks, meaning you will rarely find it on a shelf at a craft store or big-box retailer.
That does not mean it is hard to get; it just means the path is different. For a 14 x 24 piece, you are shopping custom framing or a specialty retailer that carries off-size options — not the standard aisle.
Matching Your Artwork or Print to a 14 x 24 Frame
The 14 x 24 proportion is a 7:12 aspect ratio — noticeably wider than a standard 8×10 (4:5) or 11×14 (roughly 3:4). Prints created at this size will fit perfectly with no cropping. If you are fitting a standard photo print into a 14 x 24 frame, you have two routes: crop the image to the frame’s proportions, or use a mat to bridge the gap.
Using a mat is more forgiving. General framing guidance suggests making the frame about one to two inches larger than the picture on each side for a visible mat border. Since a 14 x 24 frame is already generous on width, a mat gives room to center a smaller print while keeping the overall look intentional. Remember that the frame lip overlaps the artwork by roughly 1/4 inch on each side, so any critical image detail needs to stay at least that far from the edge.
The Most Common Buying Mistakes
Three errors account for nearly every return and frustration with non-standard frame sizes:
- Confusing listed size with outer dimensions. The most frequent mistake is measuring a wall space against the 14 x 24 number and finding the actual frame won’t fit. Always check the product’s full outer dimensions, which the seller must list.
- Measuring with a soft tape measure. For custom orders, use a rigid ruler and measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. A flexible tape can bow and throw off the fit by a noticeable margin.
- Ignoring the aspect ratio mismatch. A 14 x 24 frame is very wide. If your print is a standard 16×20, the proportions will clash, and cropping or matting becomes mandatory — not optional.
FAQs
Will a 14 x 24 poster fit a frame labeled 14 x 24?
Yes, but the frame’s lip will overlap the poster by about 1/4 inch on each side, so the visible image will be slightly smaller than 14 x 24. If the poster has critical content right at the edge, you may need a mat or a frame with a narrower lip.
Where can I buy a 14 x 24 picture frame?
Specialty online framing retailers and custom frame shops are your best options because 14 x 24 is not a standard shelf size at most craft stores. The Frame USA sizing guide confirms it is outside the standard list, so you will likely order online or visit a local custom framer.
Can I use a mat to make a smaller print fit a 14 x 24 frame?
Yes. A mat creates a border around your artwork inside the frame opening. Standard practice recommends making the frame about 1–2 inches larger than the picture on each side for a balanced mat border, which a 14 x 24 frame can easily accommodate for prints in the 10–12 inch range.
References & Sources
- Frame USA. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Standard sizing guide confirming frame labels refer to opening size and listing common U.S. sizes; 14 x 24 is not among standard options.
- MeFoto. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Framing reference covering how frame labels work, overlap allowances, and measuring best practices.
- Shotkit. “The Complete Guide to Picture Frame Sizes.” Comprehensive guide to standard and non-standard picture frame sizes with practical compatibility advice.
