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The headline “The Frame Design Awards crown the world’s best interiors” refers to the inaugural Frame Awards winners announced in 2018—not a definitive ranking of every interior in the world. The awards are now called the FRAME Awards, and FRAME’s 2026 program spans spatial projects, executional themes, product design and people in the field.
What the 2018 headline means
Rich Haridy’s New Atlas report, published on 27 February 2018, covered the inaugural Frame Awards. It described more than 30 categories across project types and themes including retail, hospitality, experimental material use and designer recognition. “The world’s best interiors” is headline language for the work selected by the awards, not evidence of an exhaustive or independently measured global ranking. Read the 2018 New Atlas report.
The report distinguished official jury prizes from People’s Choice awards. In most categories, it said, both forms of recognition were given. Haridy observed that audience selections tended toward visually spectacular spaces, while jury winners often leaned toward conceptual work. That is the article’s characterization of those results, not a universal rule about design awards.
#1 Best Overall
- EASY TO USE: The lightweight design makes hanging the 8 x 10 photo frame very easy. You can hang the frame vertically or horizontally on the wall.
- SAFETY AND DURABLE: This 8x10 frame is very sturdy, and high-definition plexiglass is specially chosen to replace traditional glass, which ensures safety and effectively prevents the risk of injuries caused by accidental breakage.
- PROTECTIVE PACKAGING: The 8 by 10 picture frames come with special corner protectors and plastic sealing. Before using, please remember to tear off the double-sided protective film on the plastic panel to get a clear photo effect.
- MULTIPLE SCENARIO MATCH: The classic black design of the 8 x 10 frame can blend seamlessly with a variety of decorative styles, serving as a subtle accent for displaying any content, rather than standing out.
- PERFECT GIFT: Whether as a home decoration or an anniversary, Christmas, or birthday gift for friends and family, this black 8x10 picture frame is a good choice, both practical and sentimental.
Notable winners from the inaugural awards
These are examples from the 2018 report; they are not current-year winners.
| Recognition | 2018 recipient or project | What the report says |
|---|---|---|
| Jury Award for Sustainability | The People’s Pavilion | New Atlas described the pavilion as made with 100% borrowed materials and assembled without screws, glue or drills. Friction steel straps, nylon slings and steel cables held it together so its materials could be reused. |
| Jury Award for Innovation | Zeitz MOCAA by Heatherwick Studio | Named as the jury winner for innovation. |
| Designer of the Year | X+Living | Named as the designer recognition recipient. |
| Lifetime Achievement | Sevil Peach | Named as the lifetime achievement recipient. |
| Jury Prize for Best Use of Color | Messe Dornbirn Exhibition and Event Halls by Marte.Marte Architects | Recognized for the use of color. |
| Best Use of Light | Jian Li Ju Theatre Company performance space | Named in the report for its use of light. |
| Set design | ES Devlin’s design for Ugly Lies The Bone | Included among the report’s examples. |
How the FRAME Awards work in 2026
FRAME says the awards launched in 2018 and calls the 2026 program its ninth edition. Its current awards page says the program receives over 1,000 submissions globally each year. FRAME also says every submission is published on frameweb.com and automatically considered for Winner of the Month and Winner of the Year, with monthly expert panels reviewing entries. Those are descriptions of the current program, not details to project back onto the inaugural awards. See FRAME’s awards information.
Rank #2
- CLASSIC & DURABLE: With sturdy frame, high definition cover, safe packing, upsimples poster frame will protect your photo and give a clear view.
- DOUBLE SIZE DESIGN: Black 18x24 inch picture frame perfects for Posters 16x20 with Mat or 18x24 Without Mat. The display size will be 0.5inch smaller than the photo size to better stable the photo and prevent it from falling off.
- EASY MOUNTING: Spring type action to remove the backing, can be hung horizontally or vertically.
- GIFT & BE MERRY: upsimples 18x24 frame set not only the simple yet classic design for any home or office decor, but also a heartfelt gifts for everyone.
- INTACT PARTS AND PACKING: Protective Packaging let you don't have to worry about receiving damaged products
FRAME’s 2026 submission guide says the awards cover “the entire spectrum of interiors, spatial and product design, as well as the people behind them.” The categories include:
- Spatial projects: retail, hospitality, work, institutions, living and shows.
- Executional themes: colour, light and material—specific aspects of a project rather than the whole project category.
- Products: furniture, lighting, finishes and sanitary fixtures.
- People and studios: honorary recognition; these awards are not open for public submissions, as FRAME selects and nominates recipients.
The 2026 guide says eligible work must have been completed and released to its intended audience after 1 January 2024. Criteria for spatial and product entries include form, innovation, functionality and eco-social impact. Executional judging narrows the focus: colour entries are considered for their colour scheme, light entries for the use and effects of light, and material entries for the use and effects of material. Consult the 2026 FRAME Awards submission guide for the cycle’s rules.
Rank #3
- MULTIPLE FRAMES COLLAGE: Bulk of 5 pieces Picture Frames set in the same Sizes. Perfect for Pictures 5x7 with Mat or 8x10 Without Mat. The frame opening display size will be 0.5 in smaller than the photo to hold the photo in place
- SAFE MATERIAL: These frames are light but firm, have HD plastic cover. When they fall to the ground, you won't worry about hurting the kids
- EASY MOUNTING: Spring type action to remove the backing, can be hung horizontally or vertically
- GIFT& BE MERRY: Our 8x10 frame set not only the simple yet classic design for any home or office decor, but also a heartfelt gifts for everyone
- INTACT PARTS AND PACKING: The frames are wrapped very carefully to ensure safe shipping. You don't have to worry about receiving damaged products
How the current scoring bands differ from the 2018 results
FRAME’s 2026 guide specifies jury scores from 6.0 to 10.0 and associates those scores with four badge bands. These are current guide mechanics, not a scoring scale established by the 2018 report.
| Badge | 2026 score range |
|---|---|
| Bronze | 6.0–6.9 |
| Silver | 7.0–7.9 |
| Gold | 8.0–8.9 |
| Platinum | 9.0–10.0 |
The distinction matters when reading award coverage: a jury prize, a People’s Choice selection and a current score badge are different kinds of recognition. The 2018 report’s examples show both project-wide or conceptual honors and awards focused on particular elements such as colour or light; none alone proves an objective ranking of all interiors.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- #1 REVIEWED DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME
- "The best digital photo frame."—Wirecutter
- "A beautiful digital frame that's incredibly easy to setup."—The Strategist
- "Aura's digital photo frames outshine the competition left and right."—WIRED
- "Fits effortlessly into any home."—Oprah Daily
Rank #4
- Sleek and Minimalist Design: These black picture frames feature simple design that seamlessly blends into any space or theme. Whether it's your bedroom, living room, office, kitchen, gallery, or foyer, these frames will effortlessly create a warm and relaxed ambiance. It makes a great gift for friends and family during in birthdays, weddings, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
- Picture Preservation: Constructed from MDF wood, they are built to last, providing excellent durability and protection for your cherished memories. They are resistant to warping, fading, and other signs of wear over time. The high-definition plexiglass adds an extra layer of defense, safeguarding your precious moments from scratches, moisture, and accidental damage.
- Versatile Display: The 8x10 picture frames can showcase 8x10 photos without a mat, or with a mat, they can accommodate 5x7 photos, allowing you to layer and enhance the visual appeal of your pictures.Cherish your special memories and create a personal gallery that reflects your unique style and personality.
- Easy to Hang: Our frame set features a lightweight, making it quick and effortless to install your frames horizontally or vertically on your walls. No worries about the frames being too heavy and putting excessive strain on your wall hooks. The frame is very easy to change photos and the sturdy clasps hold the photos tightly.
- Affordable and Versatile: These 8x10 photo frames from FIXSMITH offers incredible value for money. With a choice of packs, you can effortlessly create stunning photo displays, whether it's family photos, travel memories, wedding snapshots, or even your own artwork. Mix and match to satisfy your creativity or specific needs.
