Not sure where to start? Here are a few custom framing tips to help you choose the best frame for your art:
Look at the art, not your home.
We always advocate for custom framing for the piece of art. If you upgrade your sofa, then you’ll still love your art. However, we know your home design matters, and that’s why we’re offering this try it on at home service. However, your frame should enhance a piece of art to show off its beauty, not match your couch.
Choose a “safe” and a “wild” option.
Do you have a favorite frame style? That’s totally fine. Try on a frame that fits your current theme, but also choose a frame that is different. Look for accent colors in your art that can inspire your frame choice. Many clients end up selecting a frame that is different from their vision. Don’t be afraid to go wild.
Details matter.
Textures, patterns, finishes — each of these components are important to custom framing. These details can enhance art or overwhelm it. Your frame should be an extension of the art, so see what textures, patterns, and finishes you can pull from your piece.
Stack your frames.
Who said you had to choose one frame? Stack one frame on top of the other to create a frame design that no one else will have. Pair a rustic textured frame with a sleek profile or neutral frame with a colorful moulding to get the best of both worlds.
A good mat can make or break a design.
Mats have multiple purposes in framing. They create space between your art and glazing, but they also help direct your eye to and from the art. Wider matting creates breathing room between the art and the frame, and thinner matting can act as a liner, just a hint of color. Look at neutral, metallic, and colorful mats to see what works best with your frame design.
Get funky with matting.
You have a frame and mat you like, but the design feels like it needs something else. Here are a few ideas:
- French matting – Thin lines surrounding the mat opening. You can have one or multiple lines that are different colors or widths. You can also add embellishments such as a watercolor wash or gold leafing.
- Double matting – Two stacked mats. The top mat is the main mat, and the bottom mat is the accent. Choose a color mat or metallic mat as your accent or choose the same color for both the top and bottom mat.
- Float mount – The piece is floating on top of the mat. Float mounts show off all the edges of the art. This technique can add dimension depending on how much space you want between the art and the mat itself.
Not interested in mats? Choose a wide frame.
There are people who think that wide frames should be saved for statement pieces, but there are small pieces that can handle wide frames. If you have a piece of art that you don’t want to mat but needs something extra, consider going wide.