Introducing New Shaped Mounts & Decorative Corners

Where to Find the New Options

The new shapes are part of the designer you already use – there is nothing extra to set up.

• Start a design: go to our picture frame designer, enter your artwork size (or upload an image) and choose a single or double mount.
• Turn on More options: in the Mounts tab, switch on More options, just under the border widths.
• Pick a shape or corner: choose from the Aperture Shape and Corners lists – each option shows a small picture of the cut, and the preview of your design updates straight away.

Shaped openings are also available on our framed product pages, and in the made-to-measure mount designer when you switch to Advanced mode.

Shaped Openings

A shaped opening changes the character of a picture without changing the moulding. An arch softens a portrait, a bell top or bowed top gives a more traditional, period feel, and an octagon or hexagon suits cleaner, more geometric pieces. Here are some of the shapes you can choose:

Oval

Arch

Bowed Top

Bell Top

Arch, Rounded Base

Notched Oval

Hexagon

Octagon

These are just a few of the shapes available – open the Aperture Shape list in the designer to see them all.

Decorative Corners

If you prefer a rectangular opening but want something a little more finished, decorative corners add detail to each corner of a standard mount. Corners are available on the rectangle opening:

Cut

Stepped

Stepped Cut

Rounded

There are many more corner styles in the Corners list, from simple cuts to ornate notches.

See It Before You Order

• Live preview: the preview redraws as soon as you choose a shape or corner, at the size you have entered and in your chosen mount colour and frame.
• Your own artwork: upload a photo of your picture and it is shown behind the shaped opening, so you can judge the crop and proportions.
• Double mounts: the bottom mount follows the same shape, giving an even border of colour all the way round.
• Everything else stays the same: mount colours, border widths, exact size and title boxes all work just as they always have.

When a Shaped Mount Works Best

A rectangular opening is still the right choice for many pieces. Shaped openings and corners come into their own when a standard window feels a little plain:

• Portraits: an oval or arch frames a face naturally, especially head-and-shoulders photographs.
• Certificates and awards: decorative corners add a sense of occasion without needing a heavier frame.
• Traditional and period artwork: bell top and bowed top openings sit comfortably with classic mouldings.
• Modern and graphic pieces: an octagon or hexagon gives a crisp, designed finish.

How to Try It

1. Go to our picture frame designer and enter your artwork size
2. In the Mounts tab, choose a single or double mount, your border widths and colour as usual
3. Switch on More options and choose an Aperture Shape or Corners style
4. Check the preview – upload your image if you would like to see your own artwork in the opening
5. Choose your frame and glazing, review your design and add it to your basket

Made in the UK and dispatched in 1–3 working days, with free delivery on orders over £50 to most UK addresses. Questions? Contact our friendly customer service team.