Finding the Perfect Frame for Your 16x24 Art at Michaels

That moment of triumph—you've found the perfect piece of art, a cherished poster from a favorite band, or a meaningful photograph you're finally ready to display. It's 16x24 inches, an ideal size that offers a modern, impactful presence on any wall. But then comes the next crucial step: finding the right frame to protect it, complement it, and integrate it into your home's aesthetic. For many, the first and most convenient stop is Michaels, the arts and crafts haven. But with so many options, how do you ensure you're making the best choice?

Why the 16x24 Size is a Standout Choice

Before diving into the frames themselves, it's worth appreciating the canvas. The 16x24 inch dimension is a fantastic landscape format, offering 50% more width than height. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for panoramic photographs, movie posters, travel prints, and custom collages. It provides a cinematic feel that standard sizes often lack, allowing the artwork to breathe and command attention without overwhelming a space. Finding a ready-made frame for this specific size used to be a challenge, but retailers like Michaels have stepped up to meet the demand.

Navigating the Michaels Frame Aisle: What to Look For

Walking into a Michaels store or browsing their online selection for a "24x16 frame" (note the interchangeable width/height listing) can present a surprising array of choices. The key is to look beyond the price tag and consider the components that contribute to a frame's quality and function.

Frame Construction and Material

Michaels typically offers frames in a variety of materials. You'll find options in:

Solid Wood: Often the most durable and premium option. Wood frames offer a classic, substantial feel and can be stained or painted in countless finishes. They are less prone to warping over time compared to synthetic materials.
Metal: Usually aluminum, these frames provide a sleek, modern, and minimalist profile. They are typically lightweight and often feature a slimline design that keeps the focus squarely on the art.
Composite/MDF: These are engineered wood frames that are generally more affordable. They can be a great budget-friendly choice and are often finished with a veneer that mimics real wood or other textures.

The Protector: Glazing Options

This is arguably the most critical component for preserving your artwork. Glazing refers to the clear front sheet of the frame.

Basic Acrylic: Standard in most ready-made frames. It's lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it safe for homes with children or for shipping. However, it can scratch easily and offers no protection from UV light, which can cause fading over time.
Conservation Acrylic: A significant upgrade. This glazing includes a coating that filters out up to 99% of harmful UV rays, drastically reducing the risk of your art fading from exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lights. It is well worth the investment for valuable, irreplaceable, or sentimental pieces.
Glass: Traditional glass offers a crystal-clear, non-yellowing view but is heavy and can break. Some higher-end frames may offer conservation glass with similar UV-filtering properties.

The Backing Board: More Important Than You Think

Your art should never touch the glazing. A quality backing board, usually made of foam-core or acid-free cardboard, provides a rigid, flat surface to mount your piece. For anything you care about preserving, ensure the backing is acid-free. Acidic materials can migrate into your paper art over decades, causing yellowing and brittleness. Many of Michaels' better frames include this conservation-minded feature.

A Personal Framing Success Story

I recently acquired a beautiful 16x24 print from a local artist after a studio tour. The paper was thick but delicate, and the colors were vibrant blues and greens that I was terrified of seeing fade. I headed to Michaels with a specific mission: find a frame that would protect my new treasure, not just cover it.

After comparing several "michaels 16x24 poster frame" options, I settled on a simple black wood frame from their Studio Decor collection. What sold me wasn't just the aesthetic, but the details on the packaging: it featured conservation-grade acrylic and an acid-free foam board backing. The assembly was straightforward with tabs that securely locked the contents in place. While it cost a bit more than the most basic option, the peace of mind knowing my art is shielded from UV light and acidic degradation was invaluable. It now hangs in a spot with indirect sunlight, and the frame's clean lines keep all the attention on the art itself—exactly as it should be.

Assembly and hanging Made Simple

Most ready-made frames from Michaels are designed for easy self-assembly. They typically feature a series of flexible metal tabs or a compressed cardboard backing that secures with metal springs. For a 16x24 frame, which has a fair amount of surface area, ensure all sides are securely fastened to prevent the contents from shifting over time. When hanging, due to the size and weight, always use two hooks or two nails on the wall, levelly spaced to match the hanging hardware on the frame. This provides crucial stability and prevents the frame from tilting or becoming a hazard.

When to Consider Custom Framing

While the ready-made "24x16 frame michaels" selection is extensive, there are times when a custom framing order is the superior route. If your artwork is an odd thickness, incredibly valuable (monetarily or sentimentally), or requires a specific matting treatment to enhance its appearance, the experts at the Michaels framing counter can guide you. They can help you choose from hundreds of mouldings, mats, and glazing options to create a truly one-of-a-kind presentation. It's a service that embodies expertise and provides a tailored solution.

The Final Verdict on Michaels 16x24 Frames

Michaels proves to be a reliable and accessible resource for framing your 16x24 inch prints and posters. The key to success lies in being an informed consumer. Look past the style and price to examine the construction details—the type of glazing and the quality of the backing board. Investing a little more in features like UV protection and acid-free materials can make the difference between a display that lasts a few years and one that preserves your memory for a lifetime. Whether you choose a sleek metal profile or a warm wooden finish, your perfectly framed art is ready to transform your space and tell your story.