Decorative photo frames are appropriate for everyday snapshots. However, they come with a risk. These frames either do not come with a mat or spacers to keep the photo from contact with the glass, or they use a poor quality acidic paper mat. Unfortunately, many unmatted photos have been damaged or permanently stuck to glass when fluid seeped between the glass and photo after the glass had been sprayed with liquid cleaner or beverages were spilled near the frame. Never use spray cleaners around photographs and artwork. Many cleaners are corrosive and cause immediate fading and staining if they, or their vapors, come in contact with the photograph.

Important family photos or photographic artworks should be matted to museum standards using high quality matboard for the window mat and the back board. The safest way to attach the photograph to the back board is with paper or plastic photo corners. Photo corners and edge strips are ideal in situations where the window mat will cover over the edges of the photo and hide the photo corner or edge strip. Photo corners should not be used on unmounted prints larger than 20 x 24 inches, or very fragile photos. These items should be attached to the back board with paper hinges adhered to the back top edge of the photo. Hinging should be left to a qualified framer or someone with training and the proper tools, hinging papers and adhesives.

Once a treasured photograph is properly matted and framed, it should not be displayed in direct sunlight, or under bright lamps, near heat sources or in damp locations such as basements, kitchens or bathrooms. Based on studies by Kodak, typical ambient (diffuse) home lighting is probably not harmful over the course of several years, but light slowly will cause fading and other irreversible damage that may not become objectionable for many years. Therefore, treasured photos which you intend to pass on to future generations should not be displayed in sunlight. Instead, a duplicate copy can be made and displayed while the original is kept safe with other family keepsakes.

When using store bought photo frames to display family photos, the glass offers little protection from fading. The solution is simple. Exchange the glass for a high quality conservation glass that blocks harmful UV light.