Quick answer: What is an easel back frame? It is a picture frame with a hinged support, called an easel back or strut, attached to its backing board so the frame can stand on a table or shelf without being hung. The strut folds out at an angle and props the frame up, and many easel backs also include a hanging slot so the same frame can go on a wall. They are common for small artwork, photos and certificates, typically up to around 8 x 10 or 11 x 14 inches.
If you have ever unfolded the little cardboard leg on the back of a photo frame, you have used an easel back. The term shows up in framing catalogs, art supply stores and product listings, and it can be confusing because it sounds like it has something to do with a painting easel. It does, loosely: both hold artwork upright at a viewing angle.
This guide explains what an easel back frame is, how the strut works, the different types and materials, how to fit artwork into one, and when a separate tabletop or display easel is the better option. If you want a freestanding easel to display or paint on rather than a framed stand, our guide to the best A-frame easels under $30 covers inexpensive choices.
What Is an Easel Back Frame, Exactly?
The “easel back” is the backing panel of a frame with a stand built into it. The frame itself can be any style: wood, metal, plastic, ornate or minimal. What defines it is the back.
A typical easel back includes:
- The backing board: a rigid panel, often MDF, hardboard or thick cardboard, that sits behind the artwork and holds it against the glass.
- The strut (easel leg): a narrow arm hinged near the top of the backing. It swings out to form a triangle with the frame.
- A hinge: usually a strip of fabric, tape or a small metal or plastic hinge.
- A stop or tether: a ribbon, cord or notch that keeps the strut from opening too far, which would let the frame fall backward.
- Turn buttons or clips: small metal tabs that rotate to hold the backing inside the frame.
- A hanging slot or sawtooth hanger: on many frames, so you can wall-mount instead.
How an Easel Back Works
When the strut folds out, it creates a triangle between the frame, the table and the strut. The frame leans back at a gentle angle, usually somewhere around 15 to 25 degrees from vertical, which is comfortable for viewing on a desk or shelf. The tether or stop sets that angle and prevents the strut from sliding.
Many easel backs let you rotate the strut or have two hinge positions, so the frame can stand in portrait (tall) or landscape (wide) orientation. On cheaper frames, the strut is fixed for one orientation only, so check before buying if you need both.
Types of Easel Back Frames
| Type | Description | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard easel back | Folded card strut glued or taped to a card backing | Inexpensive photo frames, gifts | Can bend or weaken with humidity and repeated use |
| MDF or hardboard easel back | Rigid fiberboard backing with a hinged strut | Small to medium artwork, certificates | Adds weight |
| Velvet or fabric-covered back | Board covered in velvet or felt with matching strut | Gifts, keepsakes, decorative displays | More decorative than archival |
| Metal or wire strut | Thin metal leg attached to the back or frame | Thin metal frames, modern designs | Less common, can scratch surfaces |
| Two-way (rotating) easel back | Strut can be set for portrait or landscape | Flexible display | Slightly more complex mechanism |
| Adhesive add-on easel back | Self-stick strut you attach to an existing frame or panel | Converting panels or frames to stand | Adhesive strength varies |
Common Sizes
Easel backs work best for small and medium frames. As frames get larger and heavier, a strut becomes less stable. Common easel back frame sizes include:
- 4 x 6 inches
- 5 x 7 inches
- 8 x 10 inches
- 8.5 x 11 inches (certificates)
- 11 x 14 inches (on sturdier frames)
Above that size, a separate tabletop easel or wall hanging is usually more practical and safer for the artwork.
Easel Back Frames for Artists
For painters and illustrators, easel back frames are useful in several situations:
- Small original works: miniature paintings, ACEOs (art cards), small watercolors and sketches.
- Craft fairs and markets: framed small works can stand on a table display without extra stands.
- Gifts and commissions: recipients can display the work immediately without wall hanging.
- Studio reference: a framed color chart or reference study can sit on your work table.
Protecting artwork in an easel back frame
If you are framing an original piece, consider what touches it. Inexpensive backing boards and mats may not be acid-free, which can discolor paper over time. For artwork you want to last, use an acid-free mat and backing paper between the artwork and the frame’s backing board. For pastel or charcoal, a mat also keeps the surface from touching the glass.
How to Fit Artwork Into an Easel Back Frame
- Lay the frame face down on a soft, clean towel to protect the glass and frame face.
- Rotate the turn buttons or bend the flexible tabs to release the backing board.
- Lift out the backing and any placeholder insert.
- Clean the glass on both sides and let it dry fully.
- Place a mat if using one, then position the artwork face down on the glass or mat.
- Add an acid-free sheet behind the artwork if the backing board is not archival.
- Replace the backing board with the strut facing outward and the strut hinge at the top.
- Secure the tabs and check the front for dust or misalignment.
- Open the strut and make sure the tether holds it at a stable angle.
Check the orientation before closing
The most common mistake is putting a portrait image into a frame whose strut is set for landscape. Before securing the backing, confirm that the strut’s hinge sits at the top edge of your image.
Making or Adding an Easel Back
You can add a stand to a frame or a painted panel that does not have one.
Option 1: Adhesive easel back
Ready-made self-adhesive struts are sold in craft and framing supply stores. Clean the back surface, press the strut firmly in place and let the adhesive set before standing the frame up. These work best on smooth, rigid backs and lighter pieces.
Option 2: DIY cardboard strut
- Cut a strip of rigid board about one-third to one-half the height of the frame and around 1.5 to 2 inches wide.
- Score a fold line about an inch from the top end.
- Glue the short section to the back of the frame, centered horizontally and placed in the upper half.
- Attach a ribbon or cord between the strut and the frame back, near the bottom, to limit how far the strut opens.
- Test on a flat surface and adjust the ribbon length until the angle is stable.
Option 3: Use a small display easel
For painted canvas panels, a separate mini tabletop easel is often easier and avoids gluing anything to the artwork.
Easel Back Frame vs Tabletop Display Easel
| Feature | Easel back frame | Separate tabletop easel |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | Framed artwork in that frame | Any frame, canvas or panel within its size range |
| Footprint | Very compact | Slightly larger |
| Stability | Good for small, light frames | Better for heavier or larger pieces |
| Look | Hidden support, clean front view | Easel visible, can add a gallery look |
| Flexibility | Fixed to the frame | Reusable for different works |
Many artists use both: easel backs for small framed pieces, and display or A-frame easels for unframed canvases and larger works. If you also need an easel to paint at, our comparison of inexpensive A-frame easels for home studios is a good reference.
Choosing a Good Easel Back Frame
Easel back frames look similar in product photos, but small details decide whether they stand reliably for years or sag within months. When you shop, look closely at these points.
Strut material and width
A wider, rigid strut is more stable than a narrow cardboard tab. Fiberboard or wood struts hold their shape better in humid rooms than plain card.
Hinge quality
Fabric or tape hinges are common and work well if they are glued across their full width. Small metal hinges last longer but add weight. Avoid struts attached only with a dab of glue.
Tether or stop
A ribbon or notched stop is essential. Without it, the strut can slide outward and the frame will fall flat. Check that the tether is securely attached at both ends.
Backing fit
The backing board should fit snugly in the frame rabbet so the artwork does not shift. Loose backings let dust in and allow the image to slip out of alignment.
Glazing
Frames come with glass or acrylic glazing. Glass is clearer and scratch-resistant but heavier and breakable. Acrylic is lighter and safer for shipping and children’s rooms but scratches more easily. For original works on paper, glazing with UV protection is worth considering.
Weight balance
Heavy, ornate frames on a thin strut tip easily. If the frame moulding is wide or the glazing is glass in a larger size, choose a sturdier backing or use a separate tabletop easel.
Mat opening
If the frame includes a mat, make sure the opening matches your artwork size. A 5 x 7 inch frame with a mat often has a smaller opening for a 4 x 6 inch image, which is useful for small sketches and art cards.
Common Problems and Fixes
The frame keeps falling backward
The tether is too long or broken, or the strut opens too wide. Shorten or replace the ribbon so the strut stops at a steeper angle.
The frame tips forward
The strut is too short or the frame is top-heavy. Try a slightly longer strut or display the piece on a small easel instead.
The strut is loose or floppy
The hinge has weakened. Reinforce it with bookbinding tape or a small replacement hinge, or use an adhesive easel back.
The frame slides on smooth surfaces
Add small felt or rubber pads to the bottom edge of the frame and the strut foot.
The backing board has warped
Humidity can warp cardboard backs. Replace with a rigid backing such as hardboard or foam board, and keep the frame away from moisture.
Tips for Displaying Art in Easel Back Frames
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade artwork over time, especially watercolors, markers and prints.
- Choose a mat color that supports the artwork rather than competes with it; neutral whites and creams are a safe default.
- Group several small easel back frames together on a shelf for a mini gallery.
- For selling at markets, keep a few extra struts and a roll of hinge tape in your kit for quick repairs.
- Label the back of each frame with the title, medium and date for easy identification.
FAQs
What is the stand on the back of a picture frame called?
It is usually called an easel back, strut, easel stand or frame back stand. The whole backing with a stand is the easel back.
Can an easel back frame be hung on the wall?
Many can. Look for a hanging slot, keyhole or sawtooth hanger on the backing. Fold the strut flat before hanging.
What size frames come with an easel back?
Easel backs are most common on frames from about 4 x 6 to 8 x 10 inches, with some sturdier frames up to 11 x 14 inches.
How do you fix a broken easel back?
Reattach the strut with bookbinding tape or a small hinge, replace the tether ribbon, or add a self-adhesive replacement easel back.
Is an easel back frame safe for original artwork?
It can be, provided you use acid-free mats and backing material between the artwork and the frame’s board, and keep it out of direct sunlight and humidity.
Can easel backs stand in portrait and landscape?
Some can. Two-way or rotating easel backs allow both orientations, while others work only one way. Check before buying.
Final Thoughts
An easel back frame is simply a frame with a folding stand built into its backing, ideal for small artworks, photos and gifts that need to sit on a desk or shelf. For larger pieces, canvases or anything you want to paint on, a proper easel works better. To find a stable, budget-friendly option for painting or display, explore our guide to A-frame easels that cost under $30.
