mistakes when framing kids' art

Avoid common mistakes when framing kids’ art to ensure your child’s creations are protected, beautifully displayed, and celebrated every day.

Framing your child’s artwork is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate their creativity.

It turns simple drawings into treasured keepsakes and helps build confidence by showing children their work is valued.

But while the intention is beautiful, many parents unknowingly make small mistakes that can damage artwork or make displays harder to maintain.

The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Using the Wrong Type of Frame

Not all frames are created equal—especially when it comes to children’s artwork.

Standard frames may not offer enough space or flexibility for thicker paper, layered crafts, or textured paint.

Using frames without protective covers can leave artwork exposed to dust, smudging, and fading.

Choosing frames with acrylic or glass protection—and ideally UV protection—helps preserve colors and keep artwork safe over time.

Not Rotating Artwork Regularly

Children create art often, and if one piece stays in the frame too long, others get overlooked.

This can unintentionally make children feel like only certain pieces are “worthy” of display.

Rotating artwork regularly keeps the display fresh and gives every creation a moment to shine.

Front-opening frames or clip systems make this process quick and easy.

Skipping Proper Storage for Older Pieces

While framing is great for display, not every piece can stay on the wall.

A common mistake is stacking older artwork in drawers or boxes without protection.

Over time, this can lead to wrinkling, fading, or tearing.

Using portfolios or archival storage helps preserve these pieces so they can be enjoyed later.

Overcrowding the Display Space

It’s tempting to display everything at once, but too many pieces in one area can feel cluttered and overwhelming.

Highlighting each artwork can make the display feel chaotic.

Creating a clean, organized layout—like a grid or a small gallery wall—helps each piece stand out.

Less is often more when showcasing children’s art.

Ignoring Your Child’s Input

One of the biggest missed opportunities is not involving your child in the process.

Choosing which artwork to frame and where to display it can be empowering for them.

When children are part of the decision-making, they feel a stronger sense of pride and ownership.

It turns the display into something personal rather than something done for them.

Five Products to Help You Frame Kids’ Art the Right Way

Here are five helpful products you can feature with affiliate links:

Golden State Art Kids Art Frames (Front Opening) – Makes it easy to swap artwork and display multiple pieces neatly.

Front-Opening Picture Frame Great for Kids Drawings
$19.99

Showcase your child’s creativity with the Golden State Art 10x12.5 Kids Art Frames, designed with a convenient front-opening feature for easy updates. This set of two white frames is perfect for displaying drawings, school projects, and artwork at home or in the office.

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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
04/09/2026 12:11 pm GMT

Changeable Art Cabinet Frame – Stores dozens of drawings behind one frame while showcasing a favorite.

Artwork Frame Changeable - Magnetic Door Holds
$18.99

Showcase your child's masterpieces with these frames for kids' artwork. Designed to hold 8.5x11 photos or art with the mat, or 10x12.5 without the mat, this front-loading picture frame makes quick, easy changes. The frames are available in several colors.

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04/09/2026 05:30 pm GMT

Magnetic Wooden Artwork Hangers – A simple and flexible option for quickly changing artwork.

Magnetic Light Wood Frame Hanger for Artwork
$14.99

Magnetic poster hangers with powerful magnets, strong enough to hang any kind of prints, maps, posters, and children's artwork.

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04/10/2026 06:14 am GMT

Command Picture Hanging Strips – Perfect for creating a gallery wall without damaging walls.

Command Hanging Strips 14 Pairs (28 Strips)
$13.99

Wall hanging strips work on a variety of smooth surfaces, including painted walls, finished wood, painted concrete cinder blocks, laminate, glass, metal, and tiles.

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04/09/2026 08:20 am GMT

Kids Art Portfolio Storage Folder – Protects and organizes artwork that isn’t currently displayed.

Accordian File Organizer with 13 Pockets, Art Portfolio for Kids
$29.99

This zippered binder, designed as an accordion file organizer, is perfect for a kid's art portfolio. It measures 11 x 17 inches, making it suitable for A3-sized documents and similar-sized children's artwork.

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04/09/2026 05:34 pm GMT

Turning Mistakes into Meaningful Moments

Framing your child’s artwork should be a joyful and simple experience.

By avoiding mistakes when framing kids’ art, you can create a display that protects their creations while celebrating their creativity.

In the end, it’s not about a perfect presentation—it’s about showing your child that what they create truly matters.