How to Choose Art Size for a Bobby Berk Classic Staircase Frame

By Frameology | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to pick the right print size for each frame in the Bobby Berk Classic Staircase set, from paper dimensions to mat-free fitting, with a simple step-by-step method.

Quick answer

For the Bobby Berk Classic Staircase set, choose one 16" x 20" print for the large vertical frame and two 11" x 14" prints for the medium frames. Because this version has no mat, your paper dimensions should match the frame's inner opening exactly.

Why mat-free frames demand exact paper dimensions

In a mat-free frame, the artwork sits directly against the frame's inner edge. That means the visible print area equals the paper size—there's no mat to hide a slightly oversized sheet or to create a border around a smaller one. If your print is even a quarter-inch off, you'll either see gaps at the edges or struggle to seat the print flat.

This is different from matted frames, where you can often size the print to the mat opening rather than the frame itself. With the Classic Staircase set, the lack of a mat simplifies the look but removes that margin for error. Always confirm the frame's inner opening before ordering prints.

The trade-off: consistency vs. flexibility

Sticking to the standard sizes—one 16" x 20" and two 11" x 14"—keeps the staircase arrangement visually balanced and makes shopping for prints straightforward. But it also limits you to those dimensions unless you're willing to crop or resize images. If you have a favorite photo that doesn't fit those proportions, you'll need to decide whether to crop it to fit or choose a different frame set.

Also note that the Classic Staircase set includes one horizontal 11" x 14" frame. That orientation matters: a portrait-oriented print won't work in the horizontal frame without cropping or rotating the image. Plan your print orientation to match each frame's layout before you order.

Step-by-step: sizing art for your Classic Staircase frames

Measure the frame openings: Remove each frame's backing and measure the inner opening width and height with a ruler. Use these exact dimensions—not the outer frame size—as your target paper size. Record measurements in inches to the nearest 1/8 inch; small discrepancies matter in mat-free frames.
Match print sizes to frame sizes: Order one 16" x 20" print for the large vertical frame and two 11" x 14" prints for the medium frames. For the horizontal 11" x 14" frame, choose a landscape-oriented image or crop a portrait image to landscape. Double-check orientation: the horizontal frame will not accept a portrait print without cropping.
Account for paper vs. image size: If your print service offers a borderless option, select it so the image fills the entire paper. If borders are unavoidable, crop your image to the full paper size or expect a visible white edge inside the frame. A borderless print is the safest choice for a mat-free look.
Test-fit before framing: Place each print into its frame without the backing to check for gaps or buckling. If the paper is slightly oversized, trim evenly from opposite edges; if undersized, reorder at the correct size. Never force an oversized print—it can damage the frame's finish or glass.

Product facts

Bobby Berk - Classic Staircase - Black (Left - No Mat): The set includes one 16" x 20" vertical frame and two 11" x 14" frames (one vertical, one horizontal), all without mats. You'll need three prints in two sizes, and the horizontal frame requires a landscape-oriented 11" x 14" print.
Bobby Berk - Classic Staircase - Black (Left - No Mat)