Yes, you can absolutely update framed art to give your home a fresh look! Whether your artwork feels dated, the frames are scuffed, or you simply want a new style, there are many ways to refresh existing artwork and modernize framed pictures. This guide will walk you through everything from simple tweaks to a complete overhaul, helping you discover how to update framed art effectively.
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Breathing New Life into Your Walls
Framed art is more than just decoration; it’s a statement about who you are. Over time, however, even the most beloved pieces can start to feel a bit tired, or perhaps your tastes have simply evolved. Don’t let your cherished artwork gather dust or feel out of place! With a few strategic updates, you can refresh your decor and make your framed art shine again. This guide is packed with practical tips and creative ideas to help you update picture frames, replace matting, clean glass art, and even learn DIY framing tips.
Why Update Your Framed Art?
- Evolving Tastes: Your style changes, and so should your home’s accents.
- Wear and Tear: Frames can get scratched, faded, or broken.
- Outdated Styles: A heavy, ornate frame might not suit a minimalist aesthetic.
- New Home/Room: Artwork might need new framing to match a different environment.
- Cost-Effective Decor: Updating existing art is often cheaper than buying new pieces.
Refreshing Existing Artwork: Simple Tweaks for Big Impact
Sometimes, all your artwork needs is a little TLC. Before you consider a full reframe, explore these easy ways to refresh existing artwork.
1. The Power of a Clean
Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can dull the vibrancy of your artwork. A gentle cleaning can make a surprising difference.
Cleaning Framed Art: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the frame and the glass. For intricate frames, a soft-bristled brush (like a makeup brush) can reach nooks and crannies.
- Cleaning the Glass:
- What to use: A mixture of water and a drop of mild dish soap, or a dedicated glass cleaner.
- How to do it: Spray the cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth, not directly onto the glass. Wipe the glass in a consistent pattern (e.g., side-to-side, then up-and-down) to avoid streaks.
- Avoid: Ammonia-based cleaners on certain types of glass or coatings, as they can cause damage. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Cleaning the Artwork Itself (Handle with Extreme Care):
- Prints and Paintings: For paper-based art, avoid direct contact with liquids. A gentle puff of air from a can (held at a distance) can remove light dust. For stubborn grime on prints, consult a professional restorer. Never spray cleaners directly onto artwork.
- Canvas: A very lightly dampened cloth (almost dry) can be used on the surface of a stretched canvas, but be extremely gentle.
2. Replace the Matting: A Game Changer
The matting, or the border around your artwork, plays a crucial role in its presentation. Swapping out old, discolored, or ill-fitting matting can dramatically modernize framed pictures.
When to Replace Matting:
- Yellowing or Stains: Over time, acid in the matboard can cause it to yellow or stain.
- Poor Fit: If the mat opening doesn’t complement the artwork, it can make the piece look unbalanced.
- Outdated Color: A beige mat might not suit a contemporary space.
- Damage: Tears or dents in the matboard are unsightly.
How to Replace Matting:
- DIY Framing Tips: This is a very achievable DIY project!
- Disassemble the Frame: Carefully open the back of your frame. You might have clips, points, or tape holding the backing in place.
- Remove Old Mat: Gently lift the existing mat and artwork. Note how the artwork was attached to the mat (usually with archival tape).
- Measure and Order New Mat:
- Measure the inside dimensions of your frame.
- Measure the outside dimensions of your artwork.
- Decide on the desired width for your new mat border. Generally, the top and sides have a similar width, while the bottom border is slightly wider to visually balance the artwork.
- Consider the color of the mat. White, off-white, or charcoal are popular choices, but colored mats can also be striking. Opt for acid-free matboard to protect your artwork.
- Mount the Artwork: Using archival mounting tape or corners, carefully attach your artwork to the new matboard. Ensure it’s centered.
- Reassemble: Place the new mat with the artwork into the frame, add the backing, and secure it.
- Where to Buy Matboard:
- Local Framing Shops: They can cut custom mats for you and offer advice.
- Online Retailers: Many websites specialize in custom framing supplies and offer a wide range of colors and materials.
- Art Supply Stores: Some carry pre-cut mats or matboard you can cut yourself.
3. Update the Frame Itself
The frame is the jewelry for your artwork. Changing the frame can completely alter the piece’s aesthetic and help modernize framed pictures.
Frame Update Ideas:
- Spray Painting: This is a fantastic and budget-friendly way to update picture frames.
- Preparation is Key: Remove the artwork from the frame. Lightly sand the frame if it has a glossy finish to help the paint adhere. Wipe down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
- Choose Your Paint: Use spray paint designed for the material of your frame (wood, metal, plastic). Matte, satin, or metallic finishes can all create different looks.
- Apply Paint: Work in a well-ventilated area. Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Avoid heavy coats, which can drip.
- Finishing: Once dry, you can add a clear sealant for durability.
- Adding Embellishments: Glue on decorative elements like small shells, beads, or even rope for a textured look.
- Wrapping: Fabric or decorative paper can be carefully wrapped around a plain frame for a unique texture and color. Use a strong adhesive.
- Customization: Consider adding a contrasting inner liner or a decorative fillet for a more professional and layered look.
Reframe Artwork: A Significant Transformation
When simple updates aren’t enough, it’s time to reframe artwork. This is where you can truly transform a piece and align it with your current decor.
When to Reframe:
- Damaged Frames: Scratched, warped, or broken frames.
- Style Mismatch: An antique frame on a modern print, or vice-versa.
- Poor Quality Frames: Frames that feel cheap or flimsy.
- Desire for a New Look: You simply want to change the entire presentation.
Choosing a New Frame:
- Consider the Artwork: The frame should complement, not compete with, the art.
- Color: Match or contrast with the dominant colors in the artwork.
- Style: Minimalist art often suits simple, clean-lined frames. Traditional art might look good in ornate frames.
- Weight: A heavy piece of art needs a sturdy frame.
- Consider Your Decor:
- Overall Style: Modern, farmhouse, bohemian, traditional?
- Existing Colors: Do you want the frame to blend in or stand out?
- Materials: Wood, metal, acrylic, or even distressed finishes can all have different impacts.
Frame Materials and Styles:
| Material | Style Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Ornate, Shaker, Rustic | Versatile, warm feel, traditional or modern |
| Metal | Sleek, Black, Silver | Modern, minimalist, industrial |
| Acrylic | Clear, Colored | Contemporary, airy, showcases the art itself |
| Distressed | Weathered, Vintage | Farmhouse, coastal, eclectic |
| Shadow Box | Deep, 3D | Memorabilia, textured art, sculptures |
Custom Framing vs. Ready-Made Frames:
- Custom Framing:
- Pros: Endless choices in size, style, material, and matting. Professional finish. Archival quality materials available.
- Cons: More expensive and can take time.
- Ready-Made Frames:
- Pros: Affordable, readily available in standard sizes.
- Cons: Limited choices, may not fit artwork perfectly without mat adjustments, often lower quality materials.
DIY Framing Tips for a Professional Look:
If you’re tackling the framing yourself, consider these tips:
- Invest in Good Tools: A good mat cutter and a frame joiner can make a big difference.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accuracy is crucial for a clean finish.
- Use Archival Materials: Acid-free matboard, backing board, and tapes will protect your artwork for years to come.
- Proper Hanging Hardware: Use D-rings and wire for heavier frames, ensuring they are securely attached.
Restoring Vintage Prints: Preserving History
Restore vintage prints with care. These pieces often have historical or sentimental value, and it’s important to treat them gently.
Considerations for Vintage Prints:
- Paper Fragility: Old paper can be brittle and prone to tearing.
- Acidic Materials: Old mats and backing boards can cause irreversible damage.
- Mold and Mildew: Damp environments can lead to mold growth.
- Fading: Exposure to light can fade inks and pigments.
Steps to Restore and Frame Vintage Prints:
- Assessment: Carefully examine the print for damage, discoloration, or mold.
- Cleaning: Gently dust the print with a very soft brush or a low-suction vacuum cleaner attachment covered with cheesecloth.
- Conservation Framing: This is the most crucial step.
- Matting: Always use acid-free, archival matboard. Consider a “float mount” where the print is visible without being directly adhered to the matboard, often attached at a few points with reversible archival tape.
- Glass: Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading.
- Backing: Use archival backing board.
- Frame: Choose a frame that complements the print’s era and style, but prioritize the preservation of the artwork. Avoid frames with acidic finishes or glues.
- Professional Help: For valuable or significantly damaged vintage prints, consult a professional art conservator. They have the expertise to clean, repair, and stabilize fragile paper items.
Modernize Framed Pictures: Contemporary Updates
Want to give your photos or prints a sleek, modern edge? Here’s how to modernize framed pictures.
Modern Framing Techniques:
- Minimalist Frames: Think thin black or white metal frames, or simple natural wood frames with clean lines.
- Gallery Wraps: Canvas prints can be stretched and wrapped around the edges, often displayed without a frame entirely, or with a thin “floater frame” that creates a gap between the canvas and the frame.
- Frameless Presentation: Acrylic blocks or standoffs can mount prints directly to the wall, creating a very contemporary look.
- Oversized Mats: A small print with a very large, crisp white mat can make a bold contemporary statement.
- Color Blocking: Use a mat or frame in a vibrant, solid color that complements your decor.
Example of Modernizing a Traditional Print:
Imagine a landscape painting that feels a bit old-fashioned.
| Traditional Presentation | Modernized Presentation |
|---|---|
| Heavy, ornate gold frame | Thin, matte black metal frame or a natural wood frame with a square profile. |
| Cream-colored matting | Crisp white or off-white mat with a wide border, or no mat at all for a bolder look. |
| Standard glass | UV-protective glass or acrylic for clarity and preservation. |
| Hanging wire | Heavy-duty D-rings and wire, or a French cleat for a secure, flush-to-wall mount. |
Art Display Ideas: Arranging Your Updated Pieces
Once you’ve updated your framed art, think about how to best display them. The arrangement can significantly impact the overall feel of your room.
Creative Art Display Ideas:
- Gallery Wall: Mix and match framed pieces of various sizes and styles. Use a consistent color palette for the frames or matting to tie it together.
- Grid Layout: Arrange identical or similarly sized frames in a perfect grid for a clean, symmetrical look.
- Asymmetrical Arrangement: Create a more dynamic display by varying the sizes and shapes, balancing heavier pieces with lighter ones.
- Leaning Art: Lean larger framed pieces against a wall on a console table or mantelpiece for a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
- Floating Shelves: Display framed art and other decorative objects on floating shelves.
- Vertical Stack: For narrow walls or entryways, stack frames vertically.
- Focus on a Single Statement Piece: Sometimes, one beautifully framed and displayed artwork is all you need.
Tips for Hanging Art:
- Eye Level: The center of the artwork should generally be at eye level, about 57-60 inches from the floor.
- Use a Level: Ensure your frames are hung straight.
- Anchor Appropriately: Use wall anchors for drywall if you’re not hitting a stud.
- Consider the Furniture: Hang art in relation to furniture. For example, above a sofa, the bottom of the frame should be about 6-10 inches above the sofa back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I reuse old frames?
A1: Yes, absolutely! You can often update picture frames by cleaning them, spray painting them, or adding decorative elements. If the frame is structurally sound but the style is dated, repainting is a great option.
Q2: How do I know if I need to conserve my artwork?
A2: If your artwork is old, valuable, or shows signs of damage like mold, fading, tears, or discoloration, it’s best to consult a professional art conservator for advice on proper restoration and framing.
Q3: What is the best way to clean dusty framed art?
A3: Use a soft microfiber cloth for dusting. For glass, a slightly damp microfiber cloth with a mild glass cleaner (sprayed onto the cloth, not the glass) is effective. Always avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture on the artwork itself.
Q4: Where can I find good quality, affordable frames?
A4: Look at big-box home decor stores, craft stores (especially during sales), online retailers like Amazon or Wayfair, and thrift stores or antique shops for unique finds. For custom sizes or archival quality, local framing shops or specialized online framers are best.
Q5: Is it okay to hang new art next to existing framed art?
A5: Yes, it’s a great way to build a gallery wall or add to your collection. Try to maintain some visual cohesion, whether through similar frame styles, colors, or a consistent hanging arrangement.
Q6: What are DIY framing tips for beginners?
A6: Start with simple projects like spray painting existing frames or replacing matting. If you want to build frames from scratch, look for tutorials on basic wood framing and mitering corners. Invest in a good mat cutter if you plan to do a lot of matting yourself.
By following these tips, you can easily refresh your decor and give your beloved framed art a new lease on life, making your home feel more personal and stylish. Happy decorating!