Laura Ashley Photo Frames

Finding the Perfect Frame for Your Cherished Moments

As a longtime interior design enthusiast and collector of beautiful home accessories, I’ve always had a soft spot for photo frames. They’re not just vessels for our memories; they’re pieces of art that enhance our living spaces and tell our stories. Among the many brands I’ve encountered over the years, Laura Ashley photo frames have consistently stood out for their timeless elegance and exceptional quality.

I still remember my first Laura Ashley frame—a delicate silver-plated piece with subtle floral embossing that my mother gifted me for my university graduation. Fifteen years and countless frames later, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about these beautiful keepsakes with you.

Whether you’re a longtime Laura Ashley devotee or just discovering this iconic British brand, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of Laura Ashley photo frames with confidence and inspiration. Let’s dive in!

The Laura Ashley Legacy: A Brief History

Before we explore the frames themselves, it’s worth understanding the heritage behind them. Laura Ashley began as a modest kitchen-table business in 1953, when Laura and Bernard Ashley started printing textiles from their London flat. What began as a small operation creating headscarves and table linens blossomed into one of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands, known for its distinctive floral patterns and quintessentially English aesthetic.

While the company has evolved over the decades, the Laura Ashley ethos of combining beauty, quality, and practicality remains at the heart of everything they create—including their photo frames.

I’ve visited the Laura Ashley archives during a special exhibition in London, and seeing the evolution of their designs across the decades was fascinating. The frames, like all their products, reflect both tradition and contemporary sensibilities, making them suitable for virtually any home.

Where to Find Laura Ashley Photo Frames

One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is where to purchase these coveted frames. The good news is that there are multiple avenues to explore:

Official Laura Ashley Stores and Outlets

Despite some retail changes in recent years, dedicated Laura Ashley stores still exist in select locations. These stores offer the advantage of seeing the frames in person—something I always prefer when possible. The tactile experience of holding a frame, examining its finish, and visualizing it in your space is invaluable.

I recently visited their flagship store and was impressed by the knowledgeable staff who guided me through their latest collection. They were particularly helpful in suggesting combinations of frames that would work well together as a gallery wall.

Department Stores and Home Retailers

Many upscale department stores and home décor retailers carry Laura Ashley products, including their frame collections. Stores like John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Debenhams often stock a selection of Laura Ashley frames, though the range may be more limited than what you’d find in dedicated Laura Ashley stores.

Last autumn, I discovered a gorgeous vintage-inspired frame at a local home retailer that I hadn’t seen online—a reminder that sometimes the best finds come when you’re not specifically looking for them!

Online Shopping Options

In our digital age, online shopping has become the most convenient way to browse and purchase Laura Ashley frames. The official Laura Ashley website offers the most comprehensive selection, often including exclusive designs not available elsewhere.

Additionally, major online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and eBay frequently carry Laura Ashley frames. I’ve had particular success with Wayfair, where I found a discontinued frame design I’d been searching for over a year.

Vintage and Second-Hand Markets

For those seeking unique or discontinued designs, vintage shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Etsy can be treasure troves. Some of my most cherished Laura Ashley frames were discovered in antique shops in the Cotswolds during a weekend getaway.

The thrill of finding a rare piece from an older collection is unmatched, and these vintage frames often have a patina and character that new ones are still developing. Just last month, I stumbled upon a beautiful 1990s Laura Ashley silver frame at a charity shop for a fraction of its original price—proof that patience in the hunt can be rewarding!

Popular Laura Ashley Photo Frame Designs

Over the years, I’ve observed certain designs that consistently captivate customers and stand the test of time. Here’s my overview of the most beloved Laura Ashley frame styles:

Classic Floral Patterns

True to the brand’s roots, floral-inspired frames remain perennially popular. These range from subtle embossed flowers to more pronounced floral motifs that serve as statement pieces.

My personal favorite is the “Rose Garden” collection, which features delicate rose patterns in relief against silver or white backgrounds. I have three of these frames on my bedroom dresser, holding black and white family photos—the contrast between the ornate frames and simple images creates a beautiful balance.

Elegant Simplicity

Not all Laura Ashley frames feature elaborate designs. Many showcase clean lines and understated elegance, with the quality of materials speaking for itself. These minimalist frames work beautifully in contemporary settings or when you want your photographs to be the focal point.

I’ve used their simple white wooden frames throughout my home office, creating a cohesive gallery wall that doesn’t compete with my colorful art prints.

Vintage-Inspired Designs

Laura Ashley excels at creating frames with nostalgic appeal. Their vintage-inspired collections often feature ornate scrollwork, antique finishes, and romantic details that evoke earlier eras.

The “Victorian Romance” collection has been a long-standing favorite of mine. I received one as a wedding gift and have slowly collected matching pieces over the years. They have that wonderful quality of looking like family heirlooms from the moment you bring them home.

Rustic and Country Charm

For those who favor a more relaxed, country-inspired aesthetic, Laura Ashley offers frames with rustic finishes, distressed effects, and natural materials. These frames add warmth and character to any space.

My cottage kitchen features several of their weathered wood frames displaying family recipes handed down through generations. The frames’ rustic quality perfectly complements the handwritten recipe cards within them.

Seasonal and Special Occasion Frames

Laura Ashley regularly releases limited edition frames for holidays, seasons, or special occasions like weddings and new babies. These make thoughtful gifts and often become cherished keepsakes.

I still treasure the silver-plated “First Christmas” frame my sister gave me when my daughter was born. Seven years later, it still holds pride of place among our holiday decorations each December.

Price Points and Value Considerations

Laura Ashley frames span a range of price points, making them accessible to various budgets while maintaining their reputation for quality. Here’s my honest assessment of what you can expect at different price levels:

Entry-Level Options ($15-30)

Even at the lower end of their price spectrum, Laura Ashley frames offer excellent quality. These frames typically feature simpler designs, standard sizes, and materials like painted wood or basic metal finishes.

I’ve purchased several small frames in this range for my guest bedroom, and they’ve maintained their appearance beautifully over five years of display.

Mid-Range Selections ($30-75)

The mid-range collection is where Laura Ashley truly shines, in my opinion. These frames often feature more detailed craftsmanship, premium materials, and versatile designs that work in various settings.

Most of my personal collection falls into this category, and I find they offer the best balance of quality and value. The silver-plated frames I purchased six years ago still look as lustrous as the day I bought them, despite being handled regularly when I change photos.

Premium and Collector Pieces ($75-200+)

For special occasions or statement pieces, Laura Ashley’s premium frames are worth the investment. These typically feature exceptional materials like sterling silver, hand-applied finishes, intricate detailing, or larger dimensions.

Last year, I splurged on one of their large ornate frames for my parents’ 50th anniversary portrait, and the craftsmanship is truly exceptional—it’s become a focal point in their living room that draws compliments from every visitor.

Value for Money

While Laura Ashley frames are not the least expensive option on the market, I’ve found their durability and timeless design make them excellent value in the long run. Unlike cheaper frames that may warp, discolor, or fall apart after a few years, Laura Ashley frames are built to last and often become more treasured with time.

I still have the first Laura Ashley frame I purchased nearly twenty years ago, and it looks virtually identical to newer pieces—something I can’t say for some other brands I’ve tried over the years.

Materials and Quality Craftsmanship

The materials used in Laura Ashley frames contribute significantly to both their aesthetic appeal and longevity. Here’s what I’ve observed across their various collections:

Metals and Finishes

Laura Ashley offers frames in a variety of metals, including:

• Silver-plated options with tarnish-resistant coatings
• Solid brass with antique or polished finishes
• Pewter-look frames with a softer, more vintage appearance
• Rose gold and copper finishes for contemporary appeal

I’ve found their silver-plated frames particularly impressive—the plating is substantial, and with minimal care, they maintain their luster for years. The weight of these frames also speaks to their quality; they have a substantialness that cheaper frames simply lack.

Wood Varieties and Treatments

The wooden frames showcase equal attention to detail:

• Solid oak, mahogany, and pine options
• Hand-painted finishes in classic whites, creams, and pastels
• Distressed and weathered treatments for rustic appeal
• Smooth lacquered finishes for more contemporary styles

My collection includes several white-painted wooden frames that have retained their crisp appearance despite years in sun-exposed areas—a testament to the quality of both the wood and the finishes used.

Glass and Protective Elements

Most Laura Ashley frames feature:

• Clear glass fronts (rather than acrylic) for superior clarity and scratch resistance
• Acid-free backing boards to protect photographs from discoloration
• Secure closures that keep everything in place while allowing easy access for changing photos

I particularly appreciate the glass quality in their frames. Even after cleaning them countless times over the years, they remain crystal clear with no scratches or cloudiness.

Special Materials and Embellishments

Some of their premium collections incorporate:

• Mother of pearl inlays
• Enameling and hand-painted details
• Fabric coverings using signature Laura Ashley prints
• Crystal and rhinestone accents

My most treasured frame features delicate mother of pearl inlay around the border—it catches the light beautifully and adds a subtle iridescence that makes it truly special.

Available Sizes and Formats

Laura Ashley offers frames in virtually every standard size as well as some unique dimensions:

Standard Photograph Sizes

• 4×6 inches (10×15 cm) – Perfect for standard prints and everyday snapshots
• 5×7 inches (13×18 cm) – Ideal for portrait photography and more prominent display
• 8×10 inches (20×25 cm) – Excellent for larger portraits and significant photographs
• 11×14 inches (28×35 cm) – Statement size for important images or artistic photography

I tend to keep a variety of 4×6 and 5×7 frames on hand for casual family photos, while reserving larger sizes for special portraits or professional photographs.

Specialty Formats

• Square frames (perfect for Instagram prints and modern photography)
• Multi-aperture frames that display several photos within one frame
• Heart-shaped and oval formats for romantic or vintage-inspired displays
• Miniature frames for small treasured images or as part of larger arrangements

The multi-aperture frames have been particularly useful for displaying vacation photos—I have one that holds six 4×6 prints from our trip to Italy, telling a more complete story than a single image could.

Display Options

Laura Ashley frames come in a variety of display configurations:

• Tabletop frames with sturdy easel backs
• Wall-mountable frames with secure hanging hardware
• Freestanding floor frames for larger photographs
• Hinged double and triple frames for related images

I’ve found their wall-mounting hardware to be particularly well-designed—secure enough to trust with precious photographs while being easy to adjust for perfect alignment.

Styling with Laura Ashley Frames

One of the joys of collecting Laura Ashley frames is experimenting with different styling approaches. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate them into home décor:

Creating Cohesive Gallery Walls

Laura Ashley frames lend themselves beautifully to gallery wall arrangements. I’ve found two approaches particularly effective:

1. The Unified Approach: Using frames from the same collection in different sizes creates a harmonious, elegant display. In my dining room, I’ve arranged seven frames from their “Heritage” collection in a symmetrical pattern, filled with family portraits spanning four generations.
2. The Eclectic Mix: Combining different frame styles within a consistent color palette creates visual interest while maintaining cohesion. My stairway gallery wall features a mix of ornate and simple frames in varying silver tones, creating a collected-over-time feel that guests often comment on.

Seasonal Rotation

I’ve embraced the practice of rotating photos seasonally, which keeps my décor fresh and allows me to display more of my photography collection:

• Spring/Summer: Bright, colorful frames with vacation photos and outdoor family portraits
• Autumn/Winter: Warmer tones and more substantial frames with cozy indoor images and holiday memories

This rotation has become a cherished ritual that helps mark the changing seasons in our home.

Themed Groupings

Creating themed collections adds personality and storytelling to your display:

• Travel memories from specific destinations
• Chronological displays showing children growing up
• Wedding and anniversary collections
• Celebrations and holiday gatherings

In my husband’s study, we’ve created a “heritage wall” with black and white family photos spanning 100 years, all housed in similar Laura Ashley frames. The consistent framing unifies these images from different eras into a powerful family narrative.

Mixing with Other Decorative Elements

Laura Ashley frames pair beautifully with:

• Small potted plants or bud vases
• Vintage trinket boxes or jewelry dishes
• Candles and tea light holders
• Books and decorative objects

On my bedroom dresser, I’ve created a vignette with three Laura Ashley frames interspersed with antique perfume bottles and a small potted orchid. The combination feels both personal and styled.

Care and Maintenance

With proper care, Laura Ashley frames will maintain their beauty for decades. Here are my tried-and-true maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning

• For glass: A light mist of glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth (never spray directly on the frame)
• For metal frames: Gentle wiping with a slightly damp cloth, followed by thorough drying
• For wooden frames: Dusting with a soft cloth, occasionally treated with appropriate wood polish

I clean my frames approximately once a month, and this regular maintenance prevents buildup that might require more aggressive cleaning methods.

Protecting from Environmental Factors

• Position frames away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping
• Avoid placing frames in areas with high humidity like bathrooms
• Keep frames away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces

When we renovated our living room with large south-facing windows, I specifically arranged furniture to ensure my most precious frames would be displayed away from direct sun exposure.

Storage Considerations

When not in use, frames should be:

• Wrapped individually in acid-free tissue paper
• Stored flat rather than stacked
• Kept in a climate-controlled environment

I keep my seasonal frames in archival boxes in my linen closet, which maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level throughout the year.

Comparing Laura Ashley to Other Premium Frame Brands

Over the years, I’ve also purchased frames from other high-end brands, giving me perspective on how Laura Ashley compares:

Laura Ashley vs. Pottery Barn

While both brands offer quality frames, I’ve found Laura Ashley pieces generally feature more intricate detailing and higher-quality finishes. Pottery Barn frames often have a more contemporary, American aesthetic compared to Laura Ashley’s distinctly British sensibility.

The silver-plated frames from Laura Ashley have proven more tarnish-resistant than similar Pottery Barn options in my collection.

Laura Ashley vs. Anthropologie

Anthropologie offers wonderfully eclectic frames with bohemian and global influences. While creative and eye-catching, I’ve found they sometimes prioritize novelty over lasting quality.

Laura Ashley frames tend to have a more timeless quality that remains relevant as design trends come and go. However, if you’re looking for something truly unique or conversation-starting, Anthropologie might be the better choice.

Laura Ashley vs. Vintage and Antique Frames

Nothing quite matches the character of genuine antique frames, but they often come with preservation challenges and can be quite fragile.

Laura Ashley’s vintage-inspired collections offer a beautiful compromise—the aesthetic appeal of antiques with modern construction quality and standardized sizes that accommodate contemporary photographs.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

In recent years, I’ve become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of my purchasing decisions. Here’s what I’ve learned about Laura Ashley’s approach to sustainability:

Materials and Production

Laura Ashley has made strides toward more sustainable practices, including:

• Increasing use of responsibly sourced wood for their wooden frames
• Implementing more eco-friendly finishing processes
• Reducing packaging waste with recyclable materials

While not perfect, their efforts show commitment to improvement in this area.

Longevity as Sustainability

Perhaps the most sustainable aspect of Laura Ashley frames is their durability. In an era of disposable décor, investing in quality pieces that won’t need replacement contributes significantly to reducing waste.

The fact that I’m still using frames purchased decades ago—rather than replacing cheaper options every few years—represents a meaningful reduction in consumption and waste.

Vintage and Second-Hand Options

For the most eco-conscious approach, seeking out vintage Laura Ashley frames gives new life to existing products. I’ve found some wonderful pieces through estate sales and online marketplaces, simultaneously reducing environmental impact and discovering unique designs no longer in production.

Gift-Giving Considerations

Laura Ashley frames make exceptional gifts for numerous occasions. Here’s my guide to selecting the perfect frame as a present:

Wedding and Anniversary Gifts

For couples, consider:

• Silver-plated or crystal-embellished frames for wedding photos
• Matching pairs of frames for bedside tables
• Larger statement frames for significant anniversary portraits

The “Eternal Love” collection has been my go-to for wedding gifts, with its timeless design that complements virtually any décor style.

New Baby and Child Milestones

For celebrating new additions and childhood moments:

• Delicate, smaller frames for nurseries
• Growth timeline multi-aperture frames
• Personalized frames with space for birth details

Last year, I gave my niece a beautiful Laura Ashley frame with subtle pink detailing for her daughter’s first birthday. It was substantial enough to become an heirloom while still being appropriate for a child’s room.

Holiday and Seasonal Gifting

Seasonal considerations include:

• Christmas-themed frames for annual family portraits
• Summer frames for vacation memories
• Graduation and achievement-centered designs

I’ve started a tradition of giving each family member a special frame at Christmas, selected to complement their home décor and personality. These have become anticipated gifts that grow more meaningful each year.

Personalization Options

While Laura Ashley doesn’t offer in-house engraving, many customers (myself included) have found ways to personalize their frames:

• Working with local engravers to add dates or names to metal frames
• Adding small commemorative plaques to wooden frames
• Including handwritten notes or special messages in the back of the frame

For my parents’ 40th anniversary, I had a local jeweler engrave their wedding date on a Laura Ashley silver frame—a simple addition that transformed a beautiful frame into a truly personal keepsake.

Creating a Collection Over Time

One approach I’ve particularly enjoyed is building a Laura Ashley frame collection gradually:

Starting with Versatile Basics

Begin with 2-3 frames in neutral finishes and standard sizes that will work with various photographs and in different settings. These versatile pieces form the foundation of your collection.

My starter collection included a classic silver 5×7, a white wooden 4×6, and a larger 8×10 in natural wood—pieces that have moved between rooms and held different photos as my needs changed.

Adding Statement Pieces

As your collection grows, incorporate more distinctive or specialized frames for specific purposes or to serve as focal points in your décor.

The ornate Victorian-inspired frame I purchased for our tenth anniversary portrait serves as a centerpiece on our mantel, surrounded by simpler frames in complementary finishes.

Seasonal Additions

Consider adding seasonal frames for holiday displays or to refresh your décor throughout the year.

I have a collection of six frames specifically for Christmas display, featuring subtle holiday motifs that enhance our seasonal décor without overwhelming it.

Investment Pieces

For significant milestones or particularly special photographs, select premium frames that will become family heirlooms.

The hand-finished silver frame I chose for my daughter’s christening portrait was a significant investment, but eleven years later, it remains one of our most treasured possessions.

Final Thoughts: Why Laura Ashley Frames Endure

After decades of collecting and using Laura Ashley frames in my home, their enduring appeal comes down to several key factors:

1. Timeless Design: Unlike trendy frames that quickly look dated, Laura Ashley’s aesthetic transcends short-term fashion cycles.
2. Exceptional Quality: The materials and craftsmanship ensure these frames last for generations rather than years.
3. Versatility: From traditional to contemporary settings, these frames adapt beautifully to various décor styles.
4. Emotional Resonance: There’s something about the Laura Ashley aesthetic that feels both fresh and nostalgic, creating an emotional connection that goes beyond mere functionality.

Whether you’re just beginning your collection or are a longtime enthusiast like me, Laura Ashley frames offer a perfect blend of beauty, quality, and timelessness that makes them worth seeking out. In a world of mass-produced, disposable home goods, these frames stand apart as items worth collecting, treasuring, and passing down through generations.

As I look around my home at the dozens of Laura Ashley frames displaying everything from century-old family portraits to last summer’s vacation snapshots, I’m reminded that the true value of these frames lies not just in their beauty, but in their ability to elevate our most precious memories into works of art that enhance our daily lives.

Happy collecting!