How to Choose the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork

Introduction

Picking out the perfect frame for your artwork isn't just about making it look good—it's about making it look amazing in your space. Whether it’s a treasured family photo, an eye-catching painting, or a piece of memorabilia, the right frame can really make it pop. This guide will help you choose the perfect frame based on the type of artwork, style, and room decor.

Remember, everything is custom for a reason. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to framing because each piece of art and each space is unique. What works for one may not work for another, and that's the beauty of custom framing. It's about finding the perfect balance and creating a cohesive look that enhances both the artwork and your space.

1. Considering Room Decor

Let me preface this section by saying that it's tough to make a hard-and-fast rule about framing for room decor. This topic deserves its own blog post, where I'll dive deeper into my philosophy on it. For now, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Consistency: Ensure the frame matches the overall style of the room. A modern living room might call for sleek, contemporary frames, while a cozy, traditional space might look better with rich, wooden frames.

• Balance: The frame should not overpower the artwork or the room’s decor. It should serve as a complementary element that ties the artwork into the space harmoniously.

2. Understanding Your Artwork

• Paintings:

• Canvas Paintings:

• No Glass or Mat: If a piece is on canvas, skip the glass and mat. Use only a wood frame, never metal.

• Nature Landscapes: A natural wooden frame is a good starting point for nature landscapes. It adds a nice touch without overpowering the art.

• Modern Paintings: Pair modern paintings with modern frames for a cohesive look.

• Using Liners: If a mat is needed for canvas art, consider using a liner. Most frame shops have a limited selection of canvas liners, but you can stack moldings. A simple, colorful frame against the art with an additional frame around the whole thing can achieve a similar effect to a mat.

• Photos: Black and white photos look sharp in sleek, contemporary frames. One trick I found is using grey mats on black and white photos; it pushes the contrast and makes the photo stand out. Color photos can pop with either classic or contemporary styles, depending on the vibe you're going for.

• Memorabilia: Got a sports jersey, concert tickets, or other keepsakes? Shadow boxes or deep-set frames are your best bet to protect and showcase these items properly. This is usually my exception for simple black frames—I seldom default to simple black, but it works well here.

• Soft Pastel and Chalk Art: These delicate pieces need extra protection. Use a frame with glass to protect the artwork from smudging and environmental damage. A spacer under the mat is required to keep the glass from touching the artwork. Choose a frame that complements the soft, subtle colors often found in pastel and chalk art.

3. Matching the Frame to the Artwork

• Color Matching: Choose a frame color that complements or contrasts with the colors in your artwork. Neutral frames (black, white, gray) are versatile and can work with almost any piece. When making a bolder statement, avoid accenting a dominant color—it's already doing its job. Instead, look for an underlying color or the third most dominant color in the artwork for a more balanced and interesting look. I also use a lot more dead palette mats than most people. These earth tones can help draw the eye into the bright colored art.

• Style: The frame style should align with the artwork's aesthetic. Here are some expanded ideas:

• Modern Art: Clean lines and minimalistic frames work well with modern art. Think about simple wood frames in neutral colors to let the artwork shine. Floating frames can also be a great option to give the piece a contemporary feel.

• Vintage Art: Ornate, antique-style frames can enhance the character of vintage pieces. Gold or distressed wood frames add a touch of elegance and history. Don’t be afraid to go bold with an intricate design; it can complement the vintage aesthetic beautifully.

• Abstract Art: For abstract pieces, you might want to go with something unconventional. A mix of textures and colors in the frame can enhance the eclectic nature of the artwork. Consider frames that have unique shapes or are made from unexpected materials.

• Portraits and Classic Art: Traditional wooden frames with subtle details can add a timeless quality to portraits and classic art. A dark mahogany or cherry wood frame can bring out the richness in the artwork without distracting from it.

• Photography: Contemporary, sleek frames are great for photographs. Black and white photos, as mentioned, benefit from grey mats to push the contrast. For color photos, you can play with contemporary styles that enhance the photo’s color scheme without overwhelming it.

4. Exploring Frame Styles and Materials

• Frame Styles:

• Modern: Clean lines, minimalistic designs, often in simple wood.

• Vintage: Ornate, detailed frames that add a touch of elegance and history.

• Rustic: Weathered wood and natural finishes that provide a cozy, warm feel.

• Eclectic: Bold, unique frames that can add character and personality to a space.

• Materials:

• Wood: Classic and versatile, available in various finishes and styles.

• Metal: While I personally dislike metal frames (it's not the '80s), I understand they have their time and place. I'll have a selection available for those who prefer them, but you won't hear me advocating for metal frames.

• Acrylic: I don’t plan on offering frames made from man-made materials like acrylic. They usually come with a lower price tag, but they're cheap in every way—cheap materials, cheap look, cheap feel. I believe in using quality materials to enhance your artwork.

5. Practical Tips for Frame Selection

• Measure Precisely: Ensure you have the correct dimensions for both the artwork and the frame.

• Matting Options: Consider using mats to add a border around your artwork, enhancing its presentation.

• Protection: For valuable or delicate pieces, use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading and damage.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect frame for your artwork involves considering the type of artwork, the style of both the piece and the room, and the materials and colors that will best complement and protect your piece. By following these guidelines, you can choose a frame that enhances your artwork and adds beauty to your space.