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.
Finding a frame for a 17×23-inch print often means settling for flimsy plastic or paying custom-shop prices. This guide sorts through the best options that fit that exact size, breaking down which ones hold up, which use real glass, and which just look the part.
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.
You want a 17 X 23 picture frame that shows off your art without warping or scratching it. The best options pair sturdy materials with a finish that complements your piece, whether you’re framing a matted print, a shadow box of keepsakes, or a rustic statement piece.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 17 X 23 Picture Frame
Before you pick, know that “17×23” is the size of the art it holds, not the outside edge of the frame. A frame’s outer dimensions are always a few inches larger, which changes how much wall space you need.
The front cover material—plexiglass or glass—is the biggest decision. Plexiglass is light and shatterproof, so it suits kids’ rooms and large posters, but it can scratch and cling to dust. Tempered or real glass gives a clearer, more premium view but adds weight and needs careful handling.
Mat or No Mat
Some frames hold a full 17×23 poster with no mat, giving you edge-to-edge art. Others include a mat that drops the opening to 13×19 or 12×16, which adds a gallery look but shrinks your visible image.
Frame Depth and Backing
If you plan to frame a thick canvas or a shadow-box item, check the interior depth. Standard poster frames are shallow, while a shadow box offers 7/8 inches of usable depth for layered keepsakes.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Front Material | Frame Material | Matted Opening | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Frames★ Best Overall | Rustic farmhouse decor | Plexiglass | Engineered Wood | None | Amazon |
| MCS Studio GalleryBest Value | Budget gallery walls | Plexiglass | Engineered Wood | 13×19 | Amazon |
| Americanflat | Crowd-favorite value | Plexiglass | Engineered Wood | None | Amazon |
| Acovy | Bronze modern style | Tempered Glass | Aluminum | 13×19 | Amazon |
| Heimlove | Safe real glass | Tempered Glass | Aluminum | None | Amazon |
| FLYJOE | Solid wood elegance | Tempered Glass | Solid Oak Wood | 13×19 | Amazon |
| Poster Palooza | Deep shadow box items | Acrylic | Wood | None | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Craig Frames 17×23 Blue Picture Frame
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The rustic blue statement piece that looks like custom barnwood without the custom price tag.
This frame leads with a 2-inch wide flat profile in a distressed blue finish that owners say draws compliments and looks more expensive than it is. The engineered wood build feels solid, and buyers report it presents art “as it deserves,” with quality and appearance dominating what people praise most.
It ships with a sawtooth hanging kit for vertical or horizontal display, so you can orient it to fit your wall. Made in the USA, it carries a rustic, nature-inspired look that stands apart from the sea of black poster frames.
The trade-off is the plexiglass front, which attracts dust and isn’t real glass. An occasional unit has durability concerns, but the craftsmanship praise is consistent enough that this earns the top spot.
What wins people over
- Distinctive rustic blue finish with a wide 2-inch profile
- Perceived as far higher quality than its price tier suggests
- Hangs vertically or horizontally with included sawtooth kit
Know before you buy
- Plexiglass front, not real glass, so dust clings
- Best suited to standard prints, not thick canvases
Reach for it if: you want a farmhouse-style centerpiece that sparks conversation.
Look elsewhere if: you specifically need a crisp glass front for a gallery-grade display—this frame uses acrylic, not glass.
2. MCS Studio Gallery Poster Frame, 17×23 Matted to 13×19
The lightweight black woodgrain frame that wins on price and easy, tool-free loading.
This frame offers a classic black woodgrain finish with a modern profile, and it flexes between sizes: hold a full 17×23-inch poster without the mat, or use the included mat for a 13×19-inch display. The mat runs slightly reduced by 0.5 inches to keep your photo stable, so it won’t slide around.
Owners highlight how simple it is to swap photos thanks to easy-open turn buttons and a slide-in back, with pre-attached sawtooth hangers for instant hanging. The MDF build keeps it light at 2.2 kg, and buyers describe it as a pretty good value for the money.
The catch is the plexiglass front, which scratches easily and isn’t real glass. This is a smart budget pick that looks nice once on the wall, though it’s not a high-end wood product.
Why it fits budgets: the price-to-look ratio is strong, with owners calling it a good buy for framing poster-style art.
Pick this for: a quick, affordable way to frame a 17×23 poster or a matted 13×19 print.
Consider another if: you want real glass or a heavier, more premium-feeling frame.
3. DOAI ART 17×23 Black Picture Frame, 12×16 with Mat
A sleek black frame with a double-size design that fits both 17×23 and 12×16 prints.
This DOAI ART frame is built around flexibility: it takes a full 17×23 photo with no mat, or a 12×16-inch photo with its mat. The mat opening is 11.5×15.5 inches so it grips pictures tightly, and the polished plexiglass front is described as HD and break-proof.
Buyers praise the professional appearance once hung and note the classic black lines highlight posters well. The brand positions it as a thoughtful gift for anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays, and packaging includes extra corner protection and bubble wrap.
Honest fit notes: some owners found the mat opening runs larger than expected, and a few mention durability and stability concerns with pieces or the frame moving. Some also found hanging requires two parallel nail holes, which is less convenient than a single hook.
The honest trade-off: it looks polished for the price, but treat it gently and verify your mat needs before ordering.
Best for: someone who wants one frame that handles two different print sizes.
skip it if: you need a rigid, heavy-duty frame for daily handling.
4. Americanflat 17×23 Poster Frame – Engineered Wood – Black
The crowd-favorite black frame known for looking like real glass at a fraction of custom cost.
Americanflat’s 17×23 frame pairs wide molding with engineered wood and a polished plexiglass front that owners say looks just like glass. It’s designed to display oversized photos or art, and the swivel tabs on the back make loading prints far easier and safer than metal tabs on other frames.
With 3.3 pounds of weight and hanging hardware included for both orientations, it feels substantial on the wall. Buyers describe it as a solid frame that avoids custom framing costs, though they note it’s not gallery-grade construction.
The recurring note is that the plexiglass isn’t real glass, and some owners flagged painted-over corner chips. But with quality being the most-praised aspect by a wide margin, this is a dependable choice for prints and puzzles.
What stands out
- Swivel tabs make loading prints quick and safe
- Plexiglass has peelable covers on both sides to prevent scratches
- Two hanger hooks for vertical or horizontal mounting
Watch for
- Occasional corner finish imperfections
- Plexiglass, not true glass
Grab it for: a reliable everyday frame that handles posters, puzzles, and art prints with ease.
Think twice if: you demand flawless corners or genuine glass.
5. Acovy 17×23 Picture Frame, Aluminum with Tempered Glass
A burnished bronze aluminum frame with real tempered glass and a matted 13×19 option.
This Acovy frame swaps typical plastic for durable aluminum with a satin, burnished finish that owners call shiny and nice. The front is high-definition tempered glass, which gives a clearer view than plexiglass and protects against dust, fingerprints, and damage.
It stores a 17×23-inch print in full glory or uses the removable mat for a 13×19 display, hanging vertically or horizontally. At 5.7 pounds, it’s heavier than plastic frames — a sign of the sturdy build buyers praise. The FSC-certified engineered wood back and included wall hook round out the package.
The main complaint is glass consistency: some units arrive shattered or with warped centers. Quality and sturdiness are the top praises, but inspect your unit on arrival.
The standout spec: real tempered glass at this price is rare — most rivals use plexiglass.
Choose this for: a modern bronze look with the clarity of true glass.
Be cautious if: you’re worried about receiving a damaged unit in transit.
6. Heimlove 17×23 Metal Picture Frame, Black Aluminum
A solid metal frame with real tempered glass, designed with safety for kids in mind.
Heimlove’s black aluminum frame pairs a matte finish with real tempered glass, which the brand highlights as a safe option for homes with children since it resists shattering into dangerous shards. The frame opening runs 0.5 inches smaller than the photo to grip it tightly rather than letting it slide.
Owners describe solid metal construction with adjustable back clips, and some ordered additional sizes after the first purchase. It’s water-resistant and mounts easily on the wall, earning praise as a perfect accent for portraits. Packaging includes shrink wrap and corner protectors.
The one caveat: the shallow interior won’t fit foam-core backing, so pastel artists may need to bend clips. Size runs slightly larger than stated for a few buyers, so measure your art first.
Why it’s a standout
- Real tempered glass, not plastic — safer and clearer
- Solid metal build with adjustable back clips
- Water-resistant for humid rooms
Keep in mind
- Shallow depth won’t fit foam-core boards
- Runs slightly larger than stated for some
Reach for this if: you want metal durability and real glass in a family-friendly package.
Pass if: you need deep interior space for thick backing.
7. FLYJOE 17×23 Solid Oak Wood Picture Frame with Mat for 13×19
The solid oak frame that brings real wood grain and a built-in easel to your wall or shelf.
This FLYJOE frame is crafted from FSC-certified solid oak wood with a walnut finish and rounded corners, giving it a warmth that engineered wood can’t match. Owners say it looks more expensive than the pictures suggest, with the natural grain adding timeless appeal.
It includes a mat for 13×19-inch prints plus 2.0mm HD tempered glass that’s scratch-resistant and polished on the edges for safety. Unlike most wall-only frames, it also has a built-in easel, so you can display on a desk, shelf, or mantel. Hanging hardware and easy clips are included.
At 2.75 kg, it feels substantial, and buyers praise the easy-to-move fasteners. The occasional scratched glass center is offset by solid wood construction and dual display options, making this a premium-feeling choice.
The defining feature: solid oak with a built-in easel — rare in this size, where most frames only hang.
Buy it for: a warm wood look that works on walls and tabletops alike.
Skip if: you prefer a slim metal profile over chunky natural wood.
8. Poster Palooza 17×23 Shadow Box Frame
The made-in-USA shadow box with real depth for canvases, puzzles, and layered keepsakes.
This Poster Palooza frame is different from the rest: it’s a shadow box with a 7/8-inch usable rabbet depth, so it holds thick items like canvases, puzzles, and mementos that flat frames can’t. The overall dimensions are 18.5×24.5 inches with a slim 0.75-inch moulding width.
It comes with a UV-resistant acrylic front, acid-free backing, and wall hangers, letting you display vertically or horizontally. Owners praise it for framing thin artist canvases and even an iridescent resin fish, noting the clean corners and functional design.
The honest catch: interior adhesive foam strips reduce usable space, and some owners remove them with a razor for exact-fit items. The sawtooth hanger also prevents a completely flush wall mount. At this price, you’re paying for the depth and USA manufacturing, not luxury finishes.
What makes it unique
- 7/8-inch depth fits canvases and thick objects
- UV-resistant acrylic protects art from sun damage
- Acid-free backing preserves your items
Plan for
- Foam strips inside reduce usable space until removed
- Sawtooth hanger isn’t flush to the wall
Choose this for: shadow-box displays where depth and UV protection matter more than a flush mount.
Look elsewhere if: you just need a simple flat frame for a thin poster.
Understanding the Specs
Plexiglass vs. Tempered Glass
Plexiglass (a clear acrylic) is lightweight and shatterproof, so it’s safe for large posters and homes with kids, but it scratches more easily and attracts dust. Tempered glass is heavier and gives a clearer, more premium view, though you must handle it carefully. Real glass (non-tempered) offers the clearest optics but is the most fragile and dangerous if broken.
Interior Opening vs. Mat Size
When a frame says “17×23,” that’s the size of the art it holds. Adding a mat reduces the visible opening — a 13×19 mat shrinks your 17×23 poster view, creating a gallery-style border. Check whether the mat is included or removable, and note that some mats run slightly smaller to grip the photo firmly.
Frame Depth and Weight
Standard poster frames are shallow and light, suited for thin prints. Shadow boxes offer deeper usable space (like 7/8 inches) for canvases and objects. Heavier frames (5+ pounds) signal metal or solid wood construction, which feels premium but requires sturdy wall anchors rather than simple nails.
Hanging Hardware Options
Most frames include either sawtooth hangers or wire. Sawtooth hangers suit lightweight frames and quick mounting but won’t sit flush against the wall. For heavy frames, look for two hooks or D-rings for secure, level mounting. Some frames include both vertical and horizontal hardware options.
FAQ
Will a 17×23 frame fit my 17×23 poster exactly?
What does “matted to 13×19” mean on a 17×23 frame?
Is plexiglass or tempered glass better for a picture frame?
Can a 17×23 shadow box hold thick canvases?
How much does a 17×23 frame weigh?
Can I hang a 17×23 frame vertically and horizontally?
What’s the difference between a poster frame and a shadow box?
Are 17×23 frames available in finishes other than black?
How do I know if a 17×23 frame includes a mat?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the 17 x 23 picture frame winner is the Craig Frames because its rustic blue finish and solid construction deliver the most compliments per dollar. If you want a flexible budget option that holds a matted 13×19 print, grab the MCS Studio Gallery. And for a deep, made-in-USA display of canvases or keepsakes, the Poster Palooza Shadow Box 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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