When you need to frame a painting, we often wonder where to start - what style frame to use, how to match it, whether to choose a mat or use glass.
We have extensive framing experience, and we have outlined 10 useful tips on how to choose one perfect frame from the vast frame catalog.
1. Start with the artwork you want to frame. Is it a watercolor painting, graphic, photograph, poster, oil on canvas? Perhaps a national flag? Children's drawings? Or is the painting modern or antique? Each option will require a different frame, so here are some guidelines:
- For strong contemporary paintings or photographs, simple, massive, monochrome modern frames will work well.
- For dramatic, deep canvas paintings, "floating frames" look great. These frames do not touch the edges of the painting and create the impression that the painting is hanging away from the frame.
- Classic paintings will look great in wooden ornamental frames. If framing a watercolor, it should be protected with glass.
- If in doubt and unsure what to choose, go for the classic - a simple dark or natural wood color frame with a cream mat - you can never go wrong.
2. Decide where the painting will hang. In a modern interior or an antique one? In both cases, very different frames will be needed. In a modern interior, modern, simple frames, preferably metal, will look better, while in an antique or classic setting, more intricate, ornamental frames are suitable. Will it hang alone or next to many other works? If other images are already hanging on the same wall, you should strive for the frames to at least match stylistically - for example, all being modern. You can frame all works in the same frames, but it’s more interesting to choose very different frames, as shown in this image:
| In this image, you can see how many different images are framed in similar (but not identical) minimalist narrow profile frames. |
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| 3. Assess the size of the painting. Is it large or small? If the painting is already large, you probably won’t want to increase it further and will choose a narrower mat, but if the painting is small, you have two options: leave it small with a narrow mat and narrow frame, enlarge it with a wide, massive frame, or put a super wide mat on it and turn it into a real giant. |
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4. Don’t forget that beauty isn’t the only important factor. While we first choose a frame based on style and color palette, it’s important to remember that the budget for the frame is equally important. Frame prices can vary greatly - from a few dozen euros to thousands. The most popular frames, which stand out for their good quality-to-price ratio, are collected in the EXPRESS collection.
The depth of the frame is also very important. The depth of the frame should be slightly greater than the thickness of the painting. If the frame will need to hold not only the painting but also glass and several mats, keep that in mind.
5. Purpose and nature of the work. Original artworks that will hang in your home for a lifetime deserve good natural wood frames, and you shouldn’t skimp on money. A quality result will please you for a long time. What about if you’re framing a cheap poster or an unsigned reproduction? Such a frame has lower requirements, so it can be simpler, plastic.
6. Choose several options and compare. When choosing a frame, don’t immediately pick the only and ideal one. Choose at least 3-5 options, and then compare them to each other. Which fits best? If you’re framing not a mirror but a painting, it’s useful to see the frame in person at our framing workshop Vytauto pr. 60 in Kaunas.
When choosing a mat, keep in mind that it can greatly change the mood of the entire work, so first pay attention to the painting's palette and choose a shade that is not dominant but appears in several places as an accent. Such colors should also be in the mat. As we mentioned, if in doubt, choose an ivory or cream-colored mat.
7. See the frame in person. If you can’t come to us, request a sample of the frame. We will send it or bring it to your home.
8. Trust your taste. This is the most important thing. No matter what others say. The final result must please you first. Moreover, you chose the artwork that you are now framing, so don’t doubt that you will also choose a great frame.
9. Don’t be afraid of novelties and new solutions. Combine what seems incompatible at first glance - frame modern paintings in luxurious baroque frames, hang antique works in a modern interior. Sometimes it’s worth considering double framing, where one image is framed twice in two separate frames that together look like one. Discover the joy of experimentation.
10. Contact our professionals: an experienced coordinator will take your order and help you choose a suitable frame, and the framing master will create a quality frame.
