The IKEA Sannahed and Ribba are two of IKEA's most popular product lines for displaying art, but they serve different aesthetic and functional purposes. The Sannahed series is known for its deep, boxy, and modern profile that can be hung on a wall or stood on a surface, while the Ribba collection offers a classic, thinner frame in a vast range of sizes, making it the go-to choice for traditional gallery walls and matted photos.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which framing solution is best for decorating your space.
IKEA Sannahed Frame
The IKEA Sannahed is a minimalist frame defined by its deep, square profile. This unique design gives it a shadow-box-like quality and provides visual depth, making a simple photo or print stand out. Its chunky frame allows it to be self-standing on a shelf, desk, or mantel, offering more display versatility than a standard wall frame.
- What it is: A modern, deep-profile picture frame ideal for a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
- Key features: Its signature feature is the 1 1/8" deep frame, which allows it to sit upright on any flat surface. It features a plastic front protector for safety and lightweight.
- Price: Around $10 - $25, depending on the size.
- Style: Contemporary, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Its blocky shape creates a geometric, modern look.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of fibreboard with a foil finish, and the front protection is polystyrene plastic.
- Pros: Can be hung on the wall or stood on a surface. The deep design adds dimension and visual interest. Its minimalist look doesn't compete with the artwork. Very affordable for its unique style.
- Cons: Limited range of sizes and colors, primarily available in black and white square formats. The plastic front can scratch more easily than glass and doesn't offer a premium feel.
This frame is perfect for anyone wanting a bold, modern look or the flexibility to display art on shelves and desks without an easel or stand.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/sannahed-frame-white-70459113/
IKEA Ribba Frames & Ledges
The Ribba series is IKEA's classic and immensely popular collection of picture frames and display ledges. Known for its incredible versatility, the Ribba line features a simple, clean-lined frame with a traditional profile. It comes in a huge variety of sizes and multiple colorways, making it the default choice for budget-conscious decorators creating cohesive, large-scale gallery walls.
- What it is: A versatile and traditional collection of picture frames and companion picture ledges designed for creating gallery and wall displays.
- Key features: Wide range of sizes and finishes, including black, white, and wood effects. Most sizes come with a mat included, offering two display options. The series also includes floating picture ledges for flexible art arrangement.
- Price: Frames range from about $3 to $20. Picture ledges are around $10-$15.
- Style: Classic, straightforward, and highly adaptable. It blends seamlessly with nearly any decor style, from modern to traditional.
- Materials/Construction: Fibreboard frames with a foil finish. Smaller sizes typically feature a glass front, while larger formats use a safer, lighter polystyrene plastic.
- Pros: Huge selection of sizes and colors makes it easy to build a gallery wall. Extremely budget-friendly. Included mat adds a professional look without extra cost. Ledges offer a creative way to display frames without putting a hole in the wall for each one.
- Cons: The simple design can feel generic. The build quality is good for the price but isn't as robust as custom framing. The finish on the frames can be susceptible to chipping on the corners.
The Ribba collection is the ultimate solution for anyone looking to frame multiple pieces of art economically, build a dynamic gallery wall, or display photos with a classic, matted look.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/ribba-picture-ledge-white-30537233/
Sannahed vs. Ribba Comparison
Frame Profile & Style
The most significant difference between the Sannahed and Ribba lines is their physical profile and resulting aesthetic. The Sannahed frame is deep and blocky, creating a statement piece with visible depth that feels modern and architectural. It works perfectly in minimalist or contemporary spaces where form is just as important as the picture inside.
In contrast, the Ribba frame has a thinner, more classic profile that directs all attention to the artwork. Its understated design is meant to blend in, providing a clean border without calling attention to itself. This makes it a timeless choice that fits into almost any interior design style without clashing.
Sizing & Versatility
Ribba is the clear winner when it comes to options. The collection offers an extensive range of sizes, from small 4x6" tabletop frames to large 24x36" poster frames. This variety is precisely why Ribba is the top choice for creating gallery walls with pieces of different dimensions. The addition of the Ribba Picture Ledge provides even more versatility, allowing you to layer frames and easily swap them out without drilling new holes.
Sannahed's offerings are much more limited, focusing primarily on square sizes like 9.75x9.75" and 19.75x19.75". Its key versatility comes from its ability to stand on its own, making it a dual-purpose object for both wall art and shelf decor.
Materials & Display Options
Both product lines use fibreboard for the frames, but their display options differ. Ribba frames almost always include a crisp white mat, which gives photos and prints a professional, gallery-style separation from the frame. The front protection is glass in smaller sizes and plastic "plexi" in larger ones to reduce weight and prevent breakage.
The Sannahed frame is designed for a single look - placing the art directly against its plastic front protector. It does not include a mat, reinforcing its simple, clean aesthetic. The reliance on a plastic front across all sizes makes it lighter and safer, but it can reflect more glare than glass and is more prone to fine scratches.
Who Each One Works Best For
Sannahed frames appeal to those with a modern or minimalist sensibility. They are perfect for displaying a single art print as a statement piece, creating a symmetrical grid of identical square frames, or for placing photos on a bookshelf, credenza, or desk where a standing frame is needed.
Ribba frames are for decorators who prioritize flexibility, variety, and the classic look of a gallery wall. If you need to frame a collection of photos in various sizes, want the polished appearance that a mat provides, or are decorating on a tight budget where every dollar counts, the Ribba series is the unmatched choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent, highly affordable frames from IKEA, but they are built for different visual goals.
Choose the Sannahed if:
- You want a bold, modern, and sculptural frame profile.
- You need an option that can stand firmly on its own on a shelf or table.
- You're displaying art in a square format and want a shadow-box effect.
- Your home decor style is minimalist, Scandinavian, or contemporary.
Choose the Ribba if:
- You are building a gallery wall with frames of multiple sizes.
- You prefer the classic, professional look of a matted photograph or print.
- You need a wider selection of colors, including black, white, and wood finishes.
- You need an ultra-versatile and budget-friendly solution for framing many pieces at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Sannahed and Ribba frames?
The main difference is their physical shape and style. The Sannahed has a deep, thick, box-like profile for a modern look that can stand on its own. The Ribba has a traditional, slimmer profile and is best for hanging, offering a classic aesthetic.
Can the Sannahed frame stand on its own?
Yes, its key feature is the deep frame (over 1 inch thick), which provides enough stability for it to stand securely on a shelf, desk, or other flat surfaces without needing an easel or support.
Do Ribba frames come with a mat?
Yes, almost all Ribba frames include a pH-neutral, acid-free mat. This allows you to either frame a smaller picture within the mat opening or a larger picture that fills the whole frame.
Which frame is better for a gallery wall?
The Ribba collection is much better suited for creating a cohesive gallery wall. Its vast range of both rectangular and square sizes and consistent profiles make it easy to mix and match various artworks into a cohesive display.
Are the fronts on these frames made of glass or plastic?
Sannahed frames use a polystyrene plastic front protector. Ribba frames typically use glass for smaller sizes (like up to 8x10") and switch to polystyrene plastic for larger sizes to reduce weight and improve safety during shipping and handling.
What is a Ribba picture ledge used for?
A Ribba picture ledge is a narrow shelf designed to hold multiple frames. It's an excellent way to create a flexible display because you can layer frames and change them around easily without making new nail holes for each one.
Which frame series has more color options?
The Ribba series has more color and finish options, typically available in black, white, gray, and various wood tones to suit a wider range of decor styles.
Can you use the Sannahed frames as shadow boxes?
Due to its depth, a Sannahed frame can function as a shallow shadow box. It's suitable for displaying thin, three-dimensional objects like scrabble tiles, pressed flowers, or small mementos that don't press against the plastic front.
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