Choosing the right material for your picture frames is more important than you might think. The material you choose affects not only the look of your framed artwork or photos but also their durability, maintenance and longevity. The two most common materials used for photo frames are acrylic and glass, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. While glass has been the traditional choice for centuries, acrylic has gained popularity in recent years due to its lightweight nature, durability and UV protection.

So, which one is better? The answer depends on several factors, including where the frame will be placed, how often it will be moved and whether protection from UV light or breakage is a priority. If you need a lightweight and shatter-resistant option, acrylic might be the best choice. However, if you prefer a classic, scratch-resistant surface that provides a polished look, glass could be the way to go.

In this guide, we’ll compare acrylic vs glass in terms of durability, weight, clarity, cost, scratch resistance and maintenance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which material is best for your photo frames, artwork and home décor.

What Is Acrylic?

Acrylic, also known as plexiglass, is a transparent plastic material that closely resembles glass but offers several practical advantages. It is lightweight, shatter-resistant and highly durable, making it a popular choice for modern picture frames. Unlike glass, which can be heavy and fragile, acrylic is much easier to handle, transport and install, especially for large frames or wall-mounted displays.

Many professional framers and art collectors prefer acrylic because it provides excellent clarity while reducing the risk of breakage. Its impact resistance makes it ideal for homes with children and pets, busy offices, schools and public spaces where safety is a concern. Additionally, acrylic is available in UV-protected variants, which help prevent artwork, photographs and prints from fading due to sunlight exposure.

While acrylic is a versatile and practical option, it does have some downsides. It is more prone to scratches compared to glass, requiring gentle cleaning methods and special microfiber cloths to maintain its clarity. However, scratch-resistant acrylic is available for those who want added durability. Overall, acrylic is a modern, flexible and protective alternative to glass, making it a great option for many framing needs.

What Is Glass?

Glass has been the traditional choice for picture frames for centuries, valued for its timeless appearance, durability and scratch-resistant properties. It provides a clear, polished surface that enhances the look of framed artwork and photographs, giving them a crisp and professional finish. Many high-quality wooden frames and premium photo frames come with glass because of its classic aesthetic and reliable protection.

One of the biggest advantages of glass is its scratch resistance. Unlike acrylic, which can be easily marked or scuffed, glass remains smooth and clear even after years of use. This makes it easier to clean and maintain, as you can simply use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth without worrying about damage. Additionally, glass does not attract as much dust or static as acrylic, meaning your photo frames stay cleaner for longer.

However, glass does have some drawbacks. It is heavier than acrylic, making it more difficult to handle, especially for large frames. If you’re framing oversized artwork or posters, the weight of glass may require extra support when hanging. Another downside is its fragility—if dropped, glass can shatter into sharp shards, posing a safety risk in homes with children or pets.

Despite these concerns, glass remains a popular and elegant choice for framing. Whether you’re preserving family photos, certificates or fine art, glass offers a traditional, high-quality finish that has stood the test of time.

When choosing between acrylic and glass for framing, it’s important to consider key factors such as durability, clarity, weight, scratch resistance, UV protection, cost and maintenance. Here's a more detailed breakdown of these materials to help guide your decision.

1. Durability

Durability is one of the most significant differences between acrylic and glass.

• Acrylic is shatter-resistant, meaning it can withstand falls, impacts and rough handling without breaking. This makes it an excellent option for households with children, pets or in high-traffic areas. Its resilience to damage makes it a top choice for those looking for a material that won't easily crack or shatter.

• Glass, on the other hand, is much more fragile. It can easily break or crack upon impact, and when it does break, it creates sharp shards that can pose a safety risk. Although tempered glass is available and offers increased strength, it still cannot match acrylic's overall durability in most cases.

Winner: Acrylic – It is safer and more robust overall.

2. Clarity and Reflection

Both materials are clear but they differ in terms of their appearance and how they reflect light.

• Glass provides a sharp, traditional look and a smoother surface that gives a clean, polished appearance. It generally offers better optical clarity and is less prone to slight distortions. If you're looking for museum-quality clarity, glass is often considered the standard.

• Acrylic, while also clear, can sometimes exhibit slight distortions, especially in lower-quality versions. High-end acrylic can be nearly indistinguishable from glass in terms of clarity. Additionally, acrylic tends to reflect light more, which may result in glare. However, non-glare acrylic options are available and can reduce reflections, making it a good choice for display in bright rooms.

For museum-quality clarity, some high-end anti-reflective glass options offer a crystal-clear view with reduced glare, ideal for valuable art pieces or photographs.

Winner: Tie – Glass is naturally clearer but high-quality acrylic with non-glare treatment can perform similarly.

3. Weight

Weight is a crucial factor, especially for large frames or when handling and hanging frames.

• Acrylic is considerably lighter than glass, making it easier to handle, mount, and hang. This lighter weight is especially helpful when dealing with large frames or when mounting on walls that may not support heavier materials.

• Glass, being significantly heavier, can be more difficult to handle. Large glass frames require extra care when hanging and you may need additional support to prevent accidents.

Winner: Acrylic – It is lighter and more convenient for handling.

4. Scratch Resistance

Scratches can detract from the appearance of a frame and maintenance plays a key role in keeping a frame looking pristine.

• Glass is naturally scratch-resistant. It’s relatively tough, and you can clean it with standard glass cleaners without worrying about damaging the surface. Its smooth surface makes it more resilient to scratches compared to acrylic.

• Acrylic, however, is prone to scratching. Even soft clothes can leave marks if you aren’t careful. To reduce the risk of scratches, you need to use special cleaning materials like microfiber cloths and avoid harsh cleaners. Although scratch-resistant acrylic is available, it comes at a higher cost.

Winner: Glass – It is more resistant to scratching and easier to maintain.

5. UV Protection

UV protection is essential for preserving the quality of photos, artwork and other framed items over time.

• Acrylic provides better built-in UV protection. Many acrylic sheets are designed to block 90% or more of harmful UV rays, which helps preserve the colors and integrity of your photos and artwork, preventing fading over time.

• Glass typically does not block UV rays unless you opt for UV-filtered glass, which is a more expensive option. Standard glass can allow harmful UV rays to reach your artwork, leading to fading and degradation over time.

Winner: Acrylic – It has built-in UV protection that helps protect your photos and artwork.

6. Cost

Price is a significant factor in the decision-making process.

• Acrylic tends to be more expensive than standard glass. While the initial investment is higher, acrylic’s durability, UV protection and shatter-resistance may make it a better long-term investment, especially for valuable or large items.

• Glass is usually the more budget-friendly option. Standard glass is relatively inexpensive, making it an economical choice for everyday framing. However, special types of glass, such as anti-reflective or UV-filtered glass, can quickly raise the cost.

Winner: Glass – It is generally cheaper, particularly for standard frames.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning

Keeping your frames clean is crucial to preserving their appearance.

• Glass is relatively easy to clean. You can use standard glass cleaners without worrying about scratching or damaging the surface. Its smooth texture makes it simple to wipe down without much risk of leaving streaks or residue.

• Acrylic requires more careful maintenance. It tends to attract dust and fingerprints more easily than glass. You must use a soft microfiber cloth for cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals, as they can scratch the surface or cause discoloration. Despite these challenges, regular cleaning can keep acrylic looking good if you're mindful of how you handle it.

Winner: Glass – It requires less care and is easier to maintain.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here's a quick guide to help you decide which material best suits your needs:

• Choose Acrylic If:

• You want a lightweight, shatter-resistant material that is safer for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.

• You need UV protection to prevent photos and artwork from fading.

• You are framing large pieces of artwork or posters and need something easy to handle and mount.

• Choose Glass If:

• You prefer the classic, polished look of traditional glass with a smooth and clean finish.

• Scratch resistance is important and you want minimal maintenance in cleaning.

• You are looking for a budget-friendly option for regular framing and don’t mind taking extra precautions with larger or more fragile frames.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between acrylic and glass comes down to your specific needs.

• Acrylic offers superior durability, UV protection and a lighter weight, making it the ideal choice for homes with children and pets or for large artworks that need extra protection and easy handling. It’s also a great option for outdoor or high-traffic spaces.

• Glass provides a more traditional look, offers scratch resistance and is more affordable, making it a strong contender for everyday framing needs or for pieces that won’t be subject to rough handling.

Both materials serve their purpose well and can beautifully display your photos and artwork but understanding their strengths will help you make the best choice for your particular requirements.