Framing Tips
A well-chosen frame gives a sense of completion to the artwork, highlights fine details, and complements it. The most important thing is to choose the right one. How to do that?
The most important factor is your personal taste, the vision of how the framed work should look, and the style and color palette of the piece.
Typically, the frame is matched with the style and color palette of the image. For example, you wouldn't miss the traditional natural look by framing it in a classic style frame. For posters and abstract paintings, it is recommended to choose modern frames.
It's also worth considering the space where the image will be hung. If your home has many antique or vintage furnishings, it’s worth paying attention to luxurious baroque style frames.
Often, contrasts can also be compatible. Modern works are framed in heavy, luxurious gold frames – this contrast looks very effective and stylish, especially in a modern interior. Moreover, don’t forget that the most important thing is for the result to be beautiful to you.
When choosing the width of the frame, there is a simple rule: if the work is large, the frame is wide; if small – narrow. If you want something more interesting, you can also place a small work in a wide frame – the image will look original, stylish, and luxurious.
Probably the most complicated moment is the color of the frame. The frame color should match the artwork itself, but at the same time, it’s worth considering the surrounding interior. This does not mean that the frame should blend in – it should highlight and complement the image. For example, the color of the frame can match the accents of the image or be close to the overall color palette. If you don’t want to experiment, you can follow the rule: dark image – dark frame, light image – light; with warm color palettes – warm tone frames, with cool – cool. Various shades of gold are especially popular, as they add vibrancy.
Matting
When framing works that are not on canvas, such as posters, photographs, watercolor, or tempera works, it is popular to add a mat. A mat is the space that separates the image from the frame.
A mat can help coordinate the image with the frame, focus attention on certain details of the image, or simply give it more space. This is very important for works depicting movement. A special effect is achieved by choosing a wide mat for a small image, where the area is several times larger than the object being framed.
The color of the mat should also match the color palette of the image. It should not overshadow the artwork, so pastel-colored mats are usually chosen, which do not stand out additionally. An exception is bright children's drawings, posters, and graphic works, which often have bright mats added. A more interesting solution is a multi-layer mat made of several related shades, which can create a sense of space and depth.
Mirror Framing
A separate topic is mirror framing. Interior designers have freed mirrors from bathrooms and hallways and are increasingly using them as interior elements. One of their greatest advantages is the sense of space, which is especially appreciated in small rooms.
By hanging a mirror opposite a window, you can bring light even to the darkest corner. The most important thing is not to hang the mirror next to an image and, if possible, try to ensure that interesting objects or your favorite interior accents, such as vases with flowers or figurines, are reflected in it.
Mirror framing is much freer than framing images. The most important thing is that the frame matches the interior – in color, style, or both. Also, keep in mind that the frame must be sturdy enough to hold the mirror. Don’t forget that the top edge of the mirror should be 170–180 cm from the floor, and the width should be no less than 50 cm. On our website, you will find a separate collection dedicated to mirror framing.