Starting Fresh at Home: Should You Go Framed or Unframed?
Moving into a new place is one of those rare moments where everything feels possible. Blank walls, no clutter, a clean start. And then you realise you actually have to fill those walls, and suddenly it feels a lot more complicated than you expected.
I hear this a lot from customers who've just moved into their first home. They know they want something on the wall. They know they want it to feel like them. But they're not sure whether to go framed or unframed, and they don't want to get it wrong.
So here's my honest take, as someone who makes both.
What's the Actual Difference?
An unframed print arrives rolled in a protective tube, printed on 250gsm premium matte art paper using giclee archival inks. It's the print itself, nothing else. You source a frame yourself, which means you can match it to whatever timber, colour or style you already have going on.
A framed print arrives ready to hang. My classic frame uses that same archival paper, sits behind 2mm clear glass (or shatterproof acrylic at XL size), and comes in a solid FSC certified timber frame in black, white or oak. It's got a metal hanger and steel wire on the back, and it's ready to go straight on the wall.
If you're starting fresh in a new home, here's what I'd actually recommend.
When Unframed Makes Sense
Go unframed if you already have a frame you love, or if you're going to a framer locally and want full control over the result. Some people have very specific tastes about frame profiles, and that's totally fair. Unframed is also the lower upfront cost, which matters when you're splitting your budget across furniture, blinds, kitchen gear and everything else a new place needs.
The trade-off is that you need to source a frame that fits, and standard off-the-shelf frames often don't match the sizes I print. My sizes are A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0 (plus the EPIC 100x150cm), so a lot of standard frames will work at the smaller end. At medium and large sizes, you'll likely need a custom frame or one from a proper framing shop.
When Framed Is the Better Call
For most people starting fresh, I'd actually nudge them toward a framed print. Here's why.
When you're moving in, you've got a hundred decisions to make. A framed print arrives ready to hang and takes one thing off the list. The frame is solid timber, the inks are archival, the whole thing is built to last. Customers tell me prints they ordered years ago still look as good as the day they arrived.
The classic frame is my most popular option, and for good reason. It's well made, it looks great, and it's not going to cost you what a custom framer would charge. If you're after something with a bit more presence, the shadow box frame has the glass sitting 20mm off the print, which gives it a subtle floating effect that looks really impressive in person.
A great starting point for a new home is something like the Point Addis Art Print I, which is my top seller for a reason. It's the kind of print that becomes the centrepiece of a room without trying too hard. Or if you want something with real energy, the Bells Beach Art Print I brings a lot of colour and movement to a space.
Both start from $89 unframed, with framing options from there depending on size and frame type.
What About Sizing in a New Space?
This is where people go wrong most often. They buy small and then wish they'd gone bigger once it's on the wall. In a new home with empty walls, there's nothing around the print to give you a sense of scale, so it's easy to underestimate.
As a general rule: if the wall feels big, go at least Medium (42x59.4cm) or Large (59.4x84.1cm). If you've got a main living area you want to anchor, an XL (84.1x118.9cm) makes a real statement. I've got a size guide on the site that walks you through exactly how each size looks in a room.
I also wrote a more detailed piece on this if you want to go deeper: Coastal Wall Art for a New Build: How to Choose Prints That Make a House Feel Like Home.
Take the Coast Home
If you're decorating a new place and want something that actually means something, rather than something generic from a homewares chain, a coastal print is a great place to start. Every image I sell is a real beach I've been to and shot myself. There's no stock imagery here, no scenes pulled from a catalogue.
You can browse framed beach prints from across the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Queensland at localbreaks.com.au. Free shipping across Australia, printed and shipped from Victoria, ready to hang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy framed or unframed prints for a new home?
For most people moving into a new home, a framed print is the easier and more practical choice. It arrives ready to hang with no extra steps, and my classic frame uses solid FSC certified timber and archival glass, so it's built to last. Go unframed if you have a specific frame style in mind or want to use a local framer for a custom finish.
Are framed beach prints in Australia worth the extra cost compared to unframed?
Framed prints do cost more upfront, but when you factor in the cost of buying a quality frame separately, you often end up ahead with a framed option. My frames use solid plantation timber, archival glass and giclee printing, and come with a 10-year warranty. For most people, the convenience and quality is worth it.
What size beach print should I get for a living room in a new home?
In most living rooms, a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print works best as a focal point. Smaller sizes tend to get lost on a big wall, especially in a new home where the space feels open. If you're unsure, check the size guide for a visual reference before you order.
Do beach prints from Local Breaks come ready to hang?
All framed prints arrive with hanging hardware already attached, so they're ready to go on the wall straight out of the box. Unframed prints are shipped rolled in a protective tube and will need to be framed before hanging. Every order ships free across Australia, printed and shipped from Victoria.
