How to Reduce Glare and Reflections on Picture Frames

You have chosen the perfect artwork, found a beautiful place to display it and finally hung it on the wall—only to notice reflections from a nearby window, lamp or ceiling light.

Glare can occur on any framed artwork with clear glazing, whether the frame uses acrylic or glass. The amount of reflection you see will depend heavily on the artwork’s position, the surrounding light sources and where you are standing in the room.

The easiest ways to reduce glare on a picture frame are to move it away from direct windows, reposition nearby lighting or slightly adjust its viewing angle. For the greatest reduction in reflections, a professional framer can replace standard acrylic or glass with specialist anti-reflective glass or acrylic.

Below, we explain the available options, beginning with simple changes you can make at home and progressing to professional glazing upgrades.

Before We Look at the Solutions

Reflections are normal with both clear acrylic and standard picture-framing glass. The amount of glare will depend on the artwork’s position, nearby windows, lighting and viewing angle. Specialist anti-reflective glass and coated acrylic are separate, much more expensive products. Our framed prints are supplied with the glazing described and shown on the product page, photographs and videos before purchase.

If minimal reflection is especially important, ordering the artwork unframed and arranging specialist glazing through a local framer may be the best option.

Why We Use Acrylic Glazing? Our large framed prints are made in Australia using solid timber frames and clear acrylic glazing. We previously used glass, but approximately 50% of larger frames arrived broken during transit. Acrylic is lighter, much stronger and safer to deliver, while still providing excellent clarity.

This was not a cost-cutting decision. The acrylic costs us more than the standard glass we previously used and was selected as the best practical option for safely shipping oversized framed artwork. Please note acrylic glazing is slihglty less refelctive than real glsss glazing: which is cheaper, heavier, and tends to break more easily.

1. Acrylic is Less Reflective

Both clear acrylic and standard picture-framing glass reflect light. However acrylic is slightly less reflective than real glass.

Windows, glass doors, lamps, ceiling lights and television screens can all appear on the surface of framed artwork. The amount of picture frame glare will vary depending on the position and brightness of these light sources.

The reflection may also change throughout the day. A framed print that appears clear in the morning may reflect a window more strongly in the afternoon as the position and intensity of the sunlight changes.

Standard clear acrylic is not completely non-reflective. However, neither is standard picture-framing glass. Specialist anti-reflective glass and optically coated acrylic are separate premium products designed specifically to minimise reflections. 

Below is a photo showing the same framed picture in a room. On the left is glass glazing, and on the right is acrylic glazing. The difference is not overly noticeable, acrylic offers approximately 2-5% reduction in glare.

Image above shows the slight difference between glass and acrylic glazing. Glass in on the right, the acylic is on the left.

2. Change the Lighting Around Your Framed Art

Changing the position or direction of a light may make more difference than changing the picture frame itself. Try turning individual lights on and off to identify which light source is creating the strongest reflection. Adjustable ceiling lights can often be angled away from the artwork. Lamps may also be repositioned slightly so their light does not reflect directly toward the main viewing area.

Lighting framed art from above at an angle is generally better than pointing a bright light directly toward the glazing. You may need to experiment with both daytime and evening lighting, as reflections caused by windows will be different from those caused by lamps and ceiling lights.

Curtains, blinds or sheer window coverings may also help soften bright daylight and reduce harsh window reflections.

Photo above showing overhead lighting, with soft room lighting, to help reduce the glare on a set of wall art prints.

3. Adjust the Angle of the Picture Frame

A small adjustment to the angle of the frame can redirect a reflection away from eye level. Add a folded up piece of paper or cardboard behind the frame on both sides, to test what happens. A sight change can really help with reflections. If all is well, just some felt bumpers to permantly change the angle. 

A professional picture hanger or framer may also be able to alter the hanging hardware so that the frame sits at a very slight angle against the wall. This can be particularly useful when the reflection is caused by a fixed ceiling light or a window that cannot be covered or repositioned.

Large framed prints must be installed securely. We do not recommend making improvised changes to the hanging hardware of an oversized or heavy frame. A professional installer can confirm whether the wall fixings and hanging system are suitable for any adjustment.

In mage above: Sheeer cutrains used to diffuse the light so the relefection are softer. Framed art on the left is not on an angle. Framed art on the right is on a slight angle, with bumpers added at the bottom to create a slight tilt so the light is not as reflective.

4. Install Anti-Reflective Glazing

Anti-reflective glass is designed to reduce visible reflections while maintaining image clarity. Some premium museum-grade options also provide additional UV protection. It is usually the clearest option, but it is also expensive, particularly for large frames. It will make the frame much heavier and is still vulnerable to breakage.

Anti-Reflective Acrylic offers lower weight and greater impact resistance than glass. Matte anti-glare acrylic reduces reflections by diffusing light, but it can slightly soften fine details and reduce colour vibrancy. Premium optically coated acrylic maintains better clarity, but it is a specialist product and can be very expensive at larger sizes.

Print and Proper does not currently supply anti-reflective glazing, but a local professional framer may be able to install it into your existing frame. Ask your framer to show you samples before choosing, as the appearance and price can vary significantly.

Image above shows anti reflective glazing being installed on a print. One helpful supplier in Sydney is called Frame Shop who can install or ship anti reflective acrylic directly to you in the size you require. Or you can drop in and they will install it for you.

5. Consider Professional Anti-Glare Film

Anti-glare and anti-reflective films may be suitable for some glass or acrylic surfaces. However, applying film evenly to a large picture frame is difficult. Dust, bubbles, creases, haze or lifting edges may remain visible, and some films can reduce the clarity of the artwork. For this reason, we do not recommend DIY application. 

Think about all the bad car window tint you have seen with bubbles... this is why we say it's best left to a professional, unless you are confident in your installation abilities. You can watch youtube for some great methods before you start!)

But again we highly recommend speaking with a professional film installer or framer who can confirm whether a suitable film is compatible with the existing acrylic.

Above image shows a professional framer applying anti reflective film to acrylic glazing. Here is one film option to consider, and you can google "anti reflective film for windows" to view more options.

7. Avoid DIY Anti-Glare Sprays

We do not recommend spraying varnish, frosting products or anti-glare coatings onto picture frame glazing at home. Achieving an even finish across a large surface is difficult and may result in streaks, cloudiness, trapped dust or permanently reduced clarity. Once applied, these treatments may be difficult or impossible to remove. Professional replacement glazing is generally a safer and more reliable solution.

Above photo shows a reflective framed art on the right. However on the left someone has tried applying a matt clear spray which has resulted in dust getting trapped while spraying, and uneven coating. The final result looks dirty and blurry.

In summary - Which Option Is Best?

Start with the simplest solutions first:

• Move the artwork away from direct window glare.
• Adjust nearby lighting.
• Slightly change the viewing angle.
• Use curtains or blinds to soften strong daylight.
• Speak with a professional framer about anti-reflective glazing if reflections remain a major concern.

For most homes, changing the position or lighting will provide the easiest and most affordable improvement.

For the strongest reduction in reflections, professionally installed anti-reflective glazing will generally provide the best result.

There is no single glazing option that suits every room. The best choice will depend on the frame size, lighting, budget, weight, safety and preferred appearance.

Need More Help?

We are always happy to explain the materials used in our framed prints before you order. Please reach out to us with the artwork, size and framing option you are considering. Although we cannot assess the lighting conditions in every room or guarantee a completely reflection-free result, we can help you understand what is included and decide whether our standard framed option is suitable for your space.