How To Choose A Frame For Art: Your Guide

What is the best way to choose a frame for art? The best way to choose a frame for art is to consider the artwork itself, its surroundings, and your personal style, balancing aesthetics with preservation. This guide will help you navigate the world of art framing and picture framing to make the perfect choice for your treasured pieces.

How To Choose A Frame For Art
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The Importance of Framing Your Art

Framing is more than just putting a border around a picture. It’s a vital step in the art display process that protects your artwork, enhances its visual appeal, and contributes to the overall ambiance of your space. A well-chosen frame can elevate a simple print to a museum-quality piece, while an unsuitable frame can detract from even the most stunning artwork. Choosing art frames is an art in itself, requiring a thoughtful approach to materials, styles, and the artwork’s inherent qualities.

Protecting Your Investment

Your artwork, whether it’s a cherished family photograph, a vibrant painting, or a delicate drawing, is often an investment of both emotional and financial value. Proper framing is crucial for its long-term preservation. This involves framing conservation, which utilizes archival-quality materials to shield the artwork from harmful elements.

UV Protection: Glass or acrylic with UV filtering can significantly reduce fading caused by sunlight or indoor lighting.
Acid-Free Materials: The paper, cardboard, or fabric that comes into contact with the artwork must be acid-free. Acids can leach into the artwork over time, causing yellowing and brittleness.
Moisture Control: Framing can help regulate humidity around the artwork, preventing mold and damage from moisture.
Physical Protection: The frame itself provides a physical barrier against dust, dirt, and accidental damage.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

The right frame acts as a visual bridge between the artwork and its environment. It can:

Draw the Eye: A well-matched frame directs the viewer’s attention to the artwork, making it the focal point.
Complement Colors and Textures: Frame colors and finishes can either harmonize with or provide a striking contrast to the artwork’s palette, bringing out its best features.
Define the Artwork: The frame creates a boundary, separating the artwork from the wall and giving it a sense of presence.
Influence Mood and Style: Different frame styles evoke different feelings, from classic and elegant to modern and minimalist.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Frame

Deciding on the perfect frame involves a multi-faceted approach. Think about the artwork, your existing décor, and the overall message you want to convey.

Analyzing the Artwork

Before you even look at frames, spend time with the artwork itself.

Artwork Type and Medium

Different mediums benefit from different framing approaches.

Oil Paintings: Often benefit from ornate or substantial frames that complement the richness of the paint. They typically don’t require glazing unless in a very dusty or humid environment.
Watercolors and Pastels: These are delicate and prone to fading and smudging. They require glazing with UV protection and often benefit from a mat to keep the artwork away from the glass.
Photographs: Can range from very formal to casual. The framing should match the style of the photograph and the space. Archival printing and UV-filtering glass are highly recommended.
Prints and Posters: While sometimes more casual, treating them with archival materials will ensure longevity.
Textiles and Embroideries: These often require specialized framing techniques to support the fabric and prevent distortion.

Artwork Size and Orientation

The dimensions of the artwork play a significant role.

Large Works: May require robust frames that can support the weight and provide structural integrity. A larger frame can also help balance a large piece on a wall.
Small Works: Can be overwhelmed by overly large or ornate frames. A simpler, more understated frame might be more appropriate, or the artwork can be matted significantly to give it more presence.
Orientation: Ensure the frame’s orientation (horizontal or vertical) matches the artwork.

Artwork Subject Matter and Mood

The content of the artwork should guide your frame choice.

Nature Scenes: Might look beautiful in natural wood frames or frames with organic textures.
Abstract Art: Can often handle bold, contemporary frames or even frameless presentations.
Portraits: Often suit classic or traditional frames that lend an air of formality.
Vibrant, Energetic Pieces: May pop with a bright, contrasting frame, or be grounded by a neutral, solid frame.
Muted or Serene Pieces: Might be enhanced by understated, natural materials or frames that echo the artwork’s color palette.

Considering the Environment and Décor

The frame and its accompanying art display should blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

Color Palette of the Room

Harmonizing Colors: Choose frame colors that complement the existing wall color, furniture, or accent colors in the room.
Contrasting Colors: A frame in a contrasting color can make the artwork stand out, but ensure it doesn’t clash with the overall scheme.
Neutral Frames: Whites, blacks, grays, and natural wood tones are versatile and work with almost any color palette.

Room Style and Atmosphere

Modern/Minimalist: Sleek, simple frames in metal (like brushed aluminum or black steel) or clean-lined wood (like maple or white oak) are ideal.
Traditional/Classic: Ornate, carved, gilded, or dark wood frames often suit these styles.
Rustic/Farmhouse: Reclaimed wood, distressed finishes, or natural wood frames with visible grain can enhance this aesthetic.
Bohemian: Eclectic frames, perhaps vintage finds or brightly colored options, can add personality.

Lighting

Natural Light: If the artwork is in direct sunlight, UV-protective glass is essential. Consider frame materials that won’t degrade under light.
Artificial Light: The type of lighting can affect how frame colors appear. Warmer light might make gold or dark wood frames appear richer, while cooler light might highlight metallic or white frames.

Matting for Art: A Crucial Element

Matting for art is an essential component of framing for many types of artwork, especially works on paper.

What is Matting?

Matting is the material, typically cardboard or heavy paper, placed between the artwork and the frame. It serves several critical functions:

Protection: It creates a space between the artwork and the glass, preventing the artwork from sticking to the glass and allowing for air circulation. This is vital for preventing moisture buildup and potential damage.
Visual Separation: It provides a visual buffer that separates the artwork from the frame and the wall, allowing the artwork to breathe and stand out.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Matting can dramatically improve the visual presentation of the artwork. It can draw the viewer’s eye into the piece and help define its boundaries.

Types of Matting Materials

Conservation Board: This is the standard for archival framing. It is 100% cotton rag or alpha-cellulose, buffered for acidity. It’s the best choice for protecting valuable or sentimental artwork.
Museum Board: A premium conservation board, often 100% cotton rag, offering the highest level of protection.
Regular Mat Board: Made from wood pulp, this board can be acidic and should be avoided for valuable artwork as it can yellow and damage the art over time.

Matting Techniques and Considerations

Color: Matting comes in an array of colors.
- White or Off-White: Classic and versatile, making the artwork pop.
- Beige or Cream: Can add warmth and complement certain color palettes.
- Black: Creates a dramatic effect, often used for photographs or modern art.
- Colored Mats: Can be used to highlight specific colors within the artwork, but should be chosen carefully to avoid overpowering the piece.
Width: The width of the mat affects the overall look. Wider mats can make smaller pieces appear more substantial and elegant. Narrower mats are often used for a more minimalist look.
Single vs. Double/Triple Mats: Using multiple mats of varying colors and widths can add depth and sophistication. A common technique is to use a slightly darker or more vibrant mat directly around the artwork, with a wider, neutral mat on the outside.
Beveled vs. Straight Cut: Most mats have a beveled edge (angled cut) where the artwork is visible. A straight cut (or deckle edge) is less common but can add a unique textural element.
Floating Mounts: For certain pieces, especially those with deckled edges or unique textures, the artwork can be mounted so it appears to “float” within the mat, with the mat board visible all around. This is often done with archival adhesives or stitches.

Exploring Frame Styles

The vast world of frame styles offers endless possibilities to suit any artwork and taste.

Classic and Traditional Styles

These styles evoke a sense of history, elegance, and permanence.

Ornate Frames: Characterized by intricate carvings, decorative moldings, and often gilded finishes. They add grandeur and a sense of luxury.
Empire Frames: Feature scrolling acanthus leaves and often a deep, rich finish.
Rococo Frames: Known for their elaborate curves, shell motifs, and playful, asymmetrical designs.
Victorian Frames: Often dark, heavy, and adorned with detailed patterns and sometimes even applied embellishments.
Queen Anne Frames: Typically feature cabriole legs or a similar curved leg motif within the frame’s structure.

Modern and Contemporary Styles

These styles embrace simplicity, clean lines, and a minimalist aesthetic.

Simple Box Frames: Clean, flat profiles in wood, metal, or acrylic, often with a matte finish.
Gallery Frames: Often a simple, slim profile that sits slightly off the wall, giving a contemporary “floating” look to canvas art.
Metallic Frames: Brushed aluminum, polished steel, or matte black metal frames offer a sleek, industrial, or sophisticated feel.
Floating Frames: Designed to make the artwork appear to float within the frame, typically used for canvas pieces where the sides of the canvas are visible.

Rustic and Natural Styles

These styles celebrate natural materials and a more relaxed, organic aesthetic.

Natural Wood Frames: Unfinished or lightly stained wood (like pine, oak, or walnut) showcases the grain and texture.
Reclaimed Wood Frames: Made from salvaged wood, these frames have a unique history and a rustic, weathered appearance.
Distressed Finishes: Frames that have been artificially aged with crackled paint or sanding techniques.
Bamboo or Rattan Frames: Offer an organic, textured look, suitable for beach-themed art or bohemian decor.

Specialty Frames

Beyond the main categories, there are frames for specific purposes.

Shadow Boxes: Deep frames designed to display three-dimensional objects along with or instead of flat artwork.
Diploma Frames: Often feature a plaque and are designed to hold certificates and degrees.
Mirror Frames: While not for art, the principles of choosing a frame for a mirror are similar to those for artwork.

Frame Materials Explained

The material of the frame significantly impacts its appearance, durability, and cost.

Wood

Wood is a popular and versatile framing material, offering warmth, natural beauty, and a wide range of finishes.

Hardwoods: Oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are durable and often have beautiful natural grain patterns. They can be stained, painted, or left natural.
Softwoods: Pine and poplar are more affordable and easier to work with, but can be softer and more prone to denting. They are often painted or have a laminate finish.
Engineered Wood: Composite materials are also used, offering stability and cost-effectiveness, but may lack the natural appeal of solid wood.

Metal

Metal frames offer a modern, sleek, and durable option.

Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Available in a wide range of finishes, from brushed to polished.
Steel: Stronger and heavier than aluminum, often used for larger pieces or where a robust frame is needed.
Brass/Gold Tones: Can offer a classic or luxurious feel, often with a polished or brushed finish.

Acrylic and Lucite

These transparent materials offer a contemporary, minimalist look, allowing the artwork to be the sole focus.

Pros: Lightweight, shatter-resistant, and provides a clean, modern aesthetic.
Cons: Can be prone to scratching and may not offer the same level of UV protection as specialized glass without additional treatments.

Glass vs. Acrylic (Plexiglass)

When glazing is required, the choice between glass and acrylic is an important one.

Feature	Glass	Acrylic (Plexiglass)
Clarity	Excellent, high clarity	Good to Excellent, depending on quality
UV Protection	Available with special coatings	Available with special coatings
Weight	Heavier	Lighter
Durability	Brittle, can shatter	Shatter-resistant, more flexible
Scratch Resistance	Good	Lower (can scratch more easily)
Cost	Generally less expensive	Can be more expensive, especially with coatings
Static Cling	Low	Can attract dust due to static
Reflectivity	Can be highly reflective	Can be highly reflective, anti-reflective options exist

Types of Glazing

Clear Glass/Acrylic: Standard options, offering good clarity.
UV-Protective Glass/Acrylic: Crucial for preventing fading, especially for photographs, watercolors, and prints.
Non-Glare (Museum) Glass/Acrylic: Reduces reflections, allowing for better viewing of the artwork. This is highly recommended for valuable pieces or those displayed in well-lit areas.

DIY Art Framing vs. Professional Framing

The decision between tackling DIY art framing yourself or opting for professional custom framing depends on your budget, time, skill level, and the value of the artwork.

DIY Art Framing

DIY art framing can be a rewarding and cost-effective option for less valuable pieces or when you want a more personalized touch.

Benefits of DIY Framing:

Cost Savings: Typically much cheaper than professional framing.
Creative Control: You have complete freedom to experiment with different frame styles, mat colors, and combinations.
Personalization: Allows you to add unique touches.
Learning a Skill: Can be a fun and engaging project.

Things to Consider for DIY Framing:

Materials: Source acid-free mats and backing boards for the longevity of your artwork.
Tools: You’ll need a mat cutter, a good utility knife, a ruler, a measuring tape, and possibly a staple gun or framing points.
Technique: Precision is key. Measure twice, cut once. Ensure mats are cut accurately and artwork is secured properly.
Time Commitment: It can be more time-consuming than you anticipate.

Professional Custom Framing

Custom framing services offer expertise, specialized tools, and high-quality archival materials that are often inaccessible for DIY projects.

Benefits of Professional Framing:

Expertise and Advice: Professionals can guide you on the best materials and styles for your specific artwork and decor.
Archival Quality: They use museum-grade materials and techniques for maximum artwork preservation.
Precision and Quality: Professional equipment ensures perfectly cut mats and securely assembled frames.
Specialized Techniques: They can handle delicate artworks, textiles, and 3D objects with specialized mounting and framing methods.
Convenience: Saves you time and effort, especially for large or complex projects.
Warranty/Guarantee: Many reputable framers offer guarantees on their work.

When to Choose Custom Framing:

Valuable or Sentimental Artwork: For pieces you want to preserve for generations.
Delicate Mediums: Watercolors, pastels, historical documents, and photography often require expert handling.
Large or Heavy Pieces: Professional framers have the tools and techniques to handle these safely.
Complex Projects: Shadow boxes, framing memorabilia, or multi-opening mats.
When You Want a Flawless Finish: For that gallery-quality look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I clean a framed picture?

Dust the frame gently with a soft, dry cloth. For the glass or acrylic, use a glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth, spraying the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the frame or artwork. If using UV-protective or anti-glare glazing, be aware that some cleaners may damage these coatings.

Can I frame a mirror?

Yes, mirrors can be framed similarly to artwork. The principles of choosing a frame style and material to complement your décor apply. However, mirrors do not require matting or the same level of conservation as artwork.

How much does framing cost?

The cost of framing varies widely depending on the size of the artwork, the complexity of the design, the materials used (frame, matting, glass), and whether you choose DIY or professional services. Simple, off-the-shelf frames can be inexpensive, while custom framing with archival materials and intricate designs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

What is the difference between a frame and a mat?

A frame is the outer border that surrounds the entire piece, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic. A mat is a piece of cardboard or heavy paper placed between the artwork and the frame, creating a visual space and protecting the artwork.

How close should the artwork be to the glass?

Ideally, there should be a slight gap between the artwork and the glass to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can damage the art. Matting usually creates this necessary space. For canvases or items that are not being matted, spacers can be used within the frame to keep the artwork off the glass.

Conclusion

Choosing the right frame for your art is a journey that blends artistic sensibility with practical considerations. By carefully analyzing your artwork, considering its intended environment, and exploring the vast array of materials and styles available, you can make a choice that not only protects your piece but also enhances its beauty and contributes to your overall living space. Whether you opt for a sophisticated custom framing solution or a creative DIY art framing project, the goal is to create an art display that you will cherish for years to come. Remember that proper art framing is an investment in the preservation and presentation of your precious creations.