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How to choose the right photo frames materials for your home? Choosing the right photo frames material isn’t just about size or colour. The material plays a bigger role than most people realise. It affects how the artwork looks, how long it lasts and how naturally it blends into your home. Explore our Wooden Frames Collection
In Australia, the three most common frame materials are wood, aluminium, and plastic. Each has its strengths, this guide breaks down the differences clearly.
1. Wooden Photo Frames
The warmest, most natural and most durable choice. Wooden frames have long been the preferred option for Australian homes. When you’re choosing a picture with framing, the material shapes how the artwork sits in your space. Timber brings texture, warmth and a furniture-grade finish that no synthetic material can fully match.
Why wooden photo frames stand out
Natural warmth and texture
Real timber picture frames have grain, variation and depth. It makes a room feel lived-in rather than styled. Whether you’re framing photo, art prints, or kids’ drawings, timber adds a gentle sense of home.
Visually premium
Good wooden frames elevate the wall immediately.They add a refined border around your artwork. They are clean, understated and elegant.
Strong and long-lasting
Compared with plastic frames, timber framing is far more stable, less likely to warp, and more resistant to daily bumps. Compared with aluminium, it feels more natural and less “cold”.
Solid Wood Photo Frames vs Non-Solid Wood Photo Frames
Not all “wood-look” frames are actually wood. Many inexpensive frames are made from MDF or composite board with a printed woodgrain wrap. They may look similar from far away, but they behave very differently.
Solid Wood (Beechwood / Walnut)
✔ Authentic grain
✔ Durable and resistant to wear
✔ Smooth, warm touch
✔ Ages beautifully
✔ Stable for long-term display
MDF / Composite Frames
✘ Woodgrain is printed, not real
✘ Chips easily and can’t be repaired
✘ Collects dents and corner damage
✘ Not suitable for premium photography
✘ Shorter lifespan
In short: If you want your picture with framing to genuinely improve your home, solid wood is the most satisfying and reliable choice.
Beechwood vs Walnut: Two Timbers, Two Personalities
VeeArt’s wooden timber frames are crafted from Beechwood and Walnut, both well-loved for their beauty and reliability. They deliver very different moods, so choosing the right one can completely change how your artwork feels.
Beechwood Timber Frames
Beechwood leans towards lighter tones, with smooth, fine grain. It has a clean, uplifting look that suits many modern Australian homes.
Best for:
- Nordic,Scandinavian styles
- Minimalist or light interiors
- Kids’ rooms, hallways, living spaces
- Framing soft-toned art or bright family photos
What makes it special:
- Fresh, airy colour that doesn’t overpower your artwork
- Blends beautifully with white walls
- Creates a gentle, effortless warmth
People often describe Beechwood as “light, clean and quietly beautiful.”
Walnut Timber Frames
Walnut carries deep, chocolate-brown tones and stronger grain patterns. It instantly gives artwork a sense of weight and sophistication — especially when used in a framed art wall arrangement.
Best for:
- Modern, contemporary or luxury interiors
- Darker décor and timber furniture
- Black-and-white photography
- Classic art prints
What makes it special:
- Adds depth and contrast
- Makes a wall look more structured and intentional
- Works brilliantly with moody or high-contrast artwork
Many customers describe Walnut as “elegant, warm and gallery-grade.”
2. Aluminium Photo Frames
Aluminium metal frames have a very different visual impact. They’re loved for their strength and lightweight nature, especially for large prints.
Advantages:
- Extremely lightweight, Suited for oversized prints
- Creates a sharp, modern look
- Hard to warp
Limitations:
- Feels colder and more industrial
- Visible metal edges can feel a bit harsh
- Less adaptable to family-focused spaces
Best used in: offices, modern flats, monochrome photography, poster-style displays.
3. Plastic Photo Frames
Plastic frames offer a clear benefit in affordability and lightweight handling. They are suitable for casual use, rentals, kids’ rooms or temporary displays. Compared with timber frames, they may show signs of wear sooner, and the woodgrain finish is printed rather than natural. While they are a practical budget option, those seeking long-term durability and a more refined look often prefer real wood frames.
Which material is best for your home?
If you want:
✔ warmth
✔ durability
✔ premium feel
✔ natural texture
✔ picture frames that become part of your home’s character
Then solid wood photo frames and especially Beechwood or Walnut is the best all-round choice. Whether you’re building a family gallery wall or planning a framed art wall with multiple prints, wooden frames offer the most satisfying and timeless finish.
Want help choosing the right photo frames?
This guide walks through the frame materials commonly seen in Australia. With a clearer understanding of how each material works, framing photo frames and choosing the right style becomes much easier.
At VeeArt we work mainly with beechwood and walnut photo frames, two versatile timber photo frames well suited to Australian interiors. If you’d like to see how these picture frames look in real spaces, feel free to browse our website or contact us for advice on materials and frame selection.