How2 Choose The Right Picture Frame

Choosing the Perfect Frame

A well-chosen frame will always make the most of your treasured picture or collectable. Taking into consideration the following points will help you choose the best frame, whether you are framing a canvas painting or a delicate print.

Look at your picture

Before you think about framing options, look carefully at the picture: Style

Consider the piece you wish to frame; is the style of art modern, traditional, vintage or abstract? A sleek, minimalist frame will suit modern artwork, whilst an ornate, gilded frame will look fantastic with a traditional subject.

Colours

You can choose to either blend with the characteristic colours in the picture, or you can contrast for a bolder approach.

Frame sizes

A canvas will need a deeper frame than a delicate print, whereas a collection of baby booties or thimbles will need a sturdy box frame.

Consider your décor

Think about how the picture will look in the room – do you want to blend in with the surroundings, or make more of a statement?

Whether you have a wooden or metal frame will make a big difference to how your picture looks in any setting. Whether your décor is modern, scandi-chic, or period style, it will influence your choice, also think about where in the room the picture will be hung.

A long space above your sofa or bed will benefit from a larger picture with a distinctive frame. If you want to create a gallery, think about matching frames and borders to create a cohesive look.

Protection and presentation

Using an acid-free material for borders and backing your artwork will prolong its life and help to prevent deterioration.

Glass that is UV-resistant will also help to maintain the colours in your art.

Art glass is non-reflective, so it will showcase the artwork more effectively.

Acrylic sheets are useful for larger pictures as they are lightweight and shatter resistant.

Frame your picture with a border

A border helps to showcase the picture, and it can complement the colours; it also makes the framing look more professional. A frame mount can not only enhance the look of the artwork, but the gap it creates between the picture and the glazing can help provide protection for the artwork from condensation and contact damage.

Size and Proportion Tips

Consider the thickness of the frame and the border. Although a standard size tends to be more cost-effective, custom frames are easily available to present a precious picture or family heirloom at their best.

Practical Considerations

Budgeting

Although you can buy cheap wood or plastic and glass frames, better quality materials will look good for longer and a custom-built frame can be created to your exact specifications.

Hanging Hardware

Ensure you use the correct hardware (such as D-rings, wire, or cleats) that are suitable for the weight of the frame.

A Professional Framer

It's often worth a visit to a professional framer, because that way you can be confident of having a wide range of frames in different materials and finishes to choose from, along with expert advice.

A professional framer will be able to offer you a variety of options based on the size, style and colour of your picture, and they will be able to advise you on whether it would be improved by having a frame mount.

However, often the ideal has to be balanced with the reality of the cost of living and similar considerations, and some people may be happy with cheaper, standard frames from a supermarket, so don't rule that out, though of course you may have to frame it yourself - and risk damaging the artwork.

How2Who advises the use of a professional framer, for peace of mind and excellent results.