How to Choose the Right 20 x 27 Frame Size?

Choosing a frame for a 20 x 27 piece comes down to one measurement: the artwork itself. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

Measure the Artwork First, Not the Frame

The single most important step is measuring the piece edge to edge. Use a rigid tape measure or a metal ruler, and round to the nearest 1/16 inch if you can. Flexible fabric tape stretches and gives you a false reading, which is a common reason frames end up being returned.

If the art has an irregular edge, measure at the widest and tallest points. And measure twice. Posters and prints often vary slightly from their stated size, so trusting the label instead of the ruler is how mismatches happen.

Exact Fit vs. Mat: Two Different Frame Sizes

The mat border takes up space between the art and the frame’s inner edge, so the frame’s opening has to be bigger than the artwork. Standard framing practice keeps the art opening smaller than the outer frame size to leave room for that mat border.

Orientation, Depth, and Glare

Orientation matters more than people expect. A 20 x 27 frame works in portrait or landscape, depending on the artwork’s layout. Vertical art needs a portrait orientation; horizontal art needs landscape. Getting this wrong makes the piece look off on the wall even when the size is perfect.

Depth is the next check. If the piece is mounted on canvas, textured, or unusually thick, confirm the frame’s clearance before ordering. Framing guides note that artwork depth matters when choosing a frame, and a shallow frame won’t hold a thick canvas properly.

Glare is the final consideration. In bright rooms or near windows, standard glass reflects light and washes out the art. Upgraded glazing that reduces reflections makes a real difference in those settings.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

The mistakes people make with 20 x 27 frames are predictable, and most are avoidable:

• Buying a 20 x 27 frame for artwork that’s only approximately that size, skipping the measurement step entirely.
• Forgetting that a mat changes the required frame dimensions.
• Confusing the outer frame size with the internal opening size — framing guides use the internal size as the frame size to order.
• Ignoring orientation, which makes the piece look wrong even at the correct size.
• Using a flexible measuring tape instead of a rigid ruler for precise art sizing.

A related point worth knowing: 20 x 27 isn’t one of the most common standard poster sizes. General size charts more often list 20 x 24, 20 x 28, or 20 x 30. That means you might not find a ready-made 20 x 27 frame at a big-box store, and a custom frame is often the practical route for artwork that’s exactly this size. If you’re ready to see what’s available, our tested roundup of the best 20 x 27 frames covers the options that actually fit this size well.

Once the size, orientation, and glazing are settled, the remaining work is straightforward. A sturdy backing keeps larger prints flat and crisp against the glass, which matters for a piece this size. The frame you choose should hold the art securely without the print buckling or shifting over time.

Dick Blick’s framing guide and Frame USA’s picture frame size reference both confirm the same core rule: the frame size should match the artwork dimensions for a frameless fit, and the frame must be larger when a mat is involved. Measure the art, decide on the mat, check the orientation and depth, and you’ll pick the right 20 x 27 frame the first time.