Framing 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Framing Artwork

September 15, 2024

Framing artwork is an art in itself, often overlooked but crucial for enhancing the presentation of your pieces. The right frame can elevate a simple print, complement your interior decor, and protect your artwork for years to come. Whether you're framing a cherished family photo, a vintage print, or an original painting, selecting the right frame involves several factors, from style and materials to color and matting options.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about framing, including types of frames, materials, matting, glass options, and how to choose the perfect frame for different types of art.

1. Why Framing Matters

Framing serves multiple purposes: it protects your artwork, enhances its appearance, and helps it integrate with the surrounding decor. A well-chosen frame can transform an artwork by giving it presence on the wall, making it feel more polished and complete.

Key Functions of Framing:

Protection: Frames, especially those with glass or acrylic, protect your artwork from dust, humidity, and UV light, which can cause fading.
Enhancement: A frame can enhance the artwork’s appearance by providing a visual boundary, drawing attention to the piece, and adding depth.
Decoration: The frame should also complement your interior design, acting as an extension of the artwork itself. In a well-curated space, the frame can become part of the overall decor aesthetic.

2. Frame Styles and Materials

Frames come in various styles and materials, ranging from classic and ornate to modern and minimalist. Your choice of frame should be determined by the type of artwork, the interior decor of your space, and the visual impact you want the piece to have.

Common Frame Styles:

Classic Frames: Ornate frames with intricate details, often made from wood or resin, work well for traditional artwork like oil paintings or vintage prints. These frames add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Modern Frames: Sleek, minimalist frames made from metals or smooth wood, such as black or white frames, are ideal for contemporary art, photography, or digital prints. These frames offer a clean, understated look that allows the artwork to shine.
Rustic Frames: Wood frames with natural finishes, weathered textures, or rough edges are perfect for art with an organic or casual feel. They’re great for landscapes, vintage posters, or pieces with an earthy color palette.
Floating Frames: These frames create the illusion that the artwork is "floating" inside the frame. Typically used for canvases, floating frames don’t have a front glass or matting, allowing the canvas edges to remain visible.

Frame Materials:

Wood: Timeless and versatile, wood frames are available in a variety of finishes, from natural oak to painted or stained varieties. They can be rustic, traditional, or modern, depending on the type and finish of the wood.
Metal: Metal frames, often in black, silver, gold, or brushed finishes, are sleek and modern. They work especially well with contemporary pieces, photography, and minimalist art.
Resin or Plastic: Resin or plastic frames can mimic the look of wood or metal but are generally lighter and more affordable. These are good for mass-produced prints or posters.

3. Matting: Adding Depth and Focus

Matting is the material that sits between your artwork and the frame, adding space around the piece to give it breathing room and drawing the viewer’s eye toward the focal point. Matting can transform the overall look of the artwork, making it feel more finished and enhancing its visual impact.

Why Use Matting:

Enhances Presentation: Matting provides a visual break between the art and the frame, preventing the frame from overwhelming the artwork.
Protects the Artwork: It also ensures that the artwork doesn’t touch the glass directly, reducing the risk of condensation damage or sticking.
Adds Depth: A wide mat adds dimension and helps the artwork stand out from the wall. It’s a great way to give smaller pieces more presence in a room.

Types of Matting:

Single Mat: A single layer of mat board, most commonly used in minimalist or modern designs. Simple and clean, a single mat works well with contemporary or abstract art.
Double Mat: This involves two layers of mat boards, with the bottom mat acting as an accent color that peeks through around the edges. Double mats add depth and complexity, perfect for traditional or more intricate artwork.
Colored Mat: Colored mats can be used to highlight certain hues within the artwork. However, be cautious when using bold colors, as they can sometimes distract from the art itself. Neutral or soft tones are often more versatile.
Oversized Mat: An oversized mat creates a dramatic effect, drawing more attention to the artwork. This is often used with smaller pieces to make them appear larger or give them more prominence on the wall.

Standard Mat Colors:

White or Off-White: These are the most common mat colors, offering a clean, neutral border that doesn’t distract from the artwork.
Black or Gray: Darker mats add drama and are perfect for black-and-white photography or art with high contrast. Black mats create a striking, modern look.
Colored Mats: Soft blues, greens, or even metallic tones can enhance specific colors in your artwork, though they should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the piece.

4. Choosing Glass: Protecting Your Art

The glass (or acrylic) in a frame serves to protect your artwork from dust, moisture, and UV light. However, the type of glass you choose can affect both the look of your art and its longevity.

Types of Glass and Acrylic:

Standard Glass: Clear glass provides basic protection for your artwork, but it is highly reflective, which can cause glare. It’s best used in areas without direct sunlight.
Non-Glare Glass: This glass has a matte finish that reduces reflection and glare, making it easier to view the artwork from different angles. It’s ideal for pieces in well-lit rooms.
UV-Protection Glass: Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause artwork to fade. UV-protection glass blocks harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring that your artwork maintains its vibrancy for longer. This is a must for valuable or delicate pieces.
Acrylic (Plexiglass): Acrylic is lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass, making it a good choice for larger frames or for homes with children or pets. However, it’s prone to scratching and static, which can attract dust.
Museum Glass: This is the highest-quality glass available, combining anti-reflective technology with UV protection. It offers crystal-clear viewing and superior protection but comes at a higher price point.

Tips for Choosing Glass:

For high-value or delicate pieces, opt for UV-protection glass to prevent fading.
In areas with bright lights or natural sunlight, consider using non-glare glass to reduce reflections.
For large pieces or high-traffic areas, acrylic is a safer, lightweight option, but be sure to handle it carefully to avoid scratches.

5. Frame Sizing and Proportions

Choosing the right size for your frame is essential for ensuring that the artwork is well-balanced and properly displayed. When selecting a frame, consider both the size of the artwork and the surrounding space.

General Guidelines:

Frame Size vs. Artwork Size: The frame should enhance, not overwhelm, the artwork. A general rule is that the frame should be proportionate to the size of the piece. For smaller artworks, thicker frames can add presence, while larger pieces may need thinner, more subtle frames.
Matting Proportions: The width of the matting should generally be larger than the width of the frame to avoid making the piece feel cramped. As a rule of thumb, the mat should be 2-4 inches wide, though larger mats can create a more dramatic effect.
Room Size: Consider the scale of your room when selecting a frame. Large frames work well in expansive spaces with high ceilings, while small or medium frames are better suited to cozy spaces like bedrooms or entryways.

6. Framing Different Types of Art

Different types of art require different framing approaches. The material, medium, and size of the artwork can influence your framing decisions.

Paintings (Canvas):

Frameless or Floating Frame: Many canvas paintings, especially modern pieces, can be hung without glass or a traditional frame. A floating frame allows the edges of the canvas to remain visible, providing a sleek, contemporary look.
Traditional Frame: For more classic or traditional paintings, a wood or gilded frame can add sophistication and match the artwork’s style.

Photographs:

Black or White Frames: Photography often looks best in minimalist black or white frames, which allow the image to stand out without distraction.
Matting: Using a wide mat with photography, particularly black-and-white images, can create a gallery-like effect, enhancing the drama of the photo.

Posters and Prints:

Simple Frames: Affordable prints and posters often work best with simple, clean frames, such as metal or wood in neutral tones. This is especially true for modern or graphic design pieces.
Acrylic Frames: For a modern, sleek approach, consider using an acrylic frame or frameless glass.

Textiles or Mixed Media:

Shadow Boxes: For textiles, collages, or three-dimensional pieces, consider using a shadow box frame. Shadow boxes provide more depth and allow the artwork to be displayed without being pressed flat.

7. Custom vs. Ready-Made Frames

You have two options when framing art: custom framing or ready-made frames. Each has its advantages, depending on the size and value of the artwork.

Custom Framing:

Pros: Custom framing ensures a perfect fit for your artwork, especially for odd-sized pieces, unique shapes, or valuable works. You can choose every aspect of the frame, including materials, colors, and finishes, to suit your specific needs.
Cons: Custom framing is more expensive and time-consuming, making it a better choice for high-value or sentimental pieces.

Ready-Made Frames:

Pros: Ready-made frames are more affordable and widely available. They are ideal for standard-sized art and photography. Many retailers, such as IKEA, Target, and Amazon, offer stylish ready-made frames at reasonable prices.
Cons: While ready-made frames offer convenience, they may not fit perfectly, especially for artwork with unique dimensions. Additionally, the quality of ready-made frames may not match the standards of custom options.

Conclusion

Framing is an essential part of displaying and preserving your artwork. The right frame can enhance the aesthetic appeal, provide protection, and even elevate the perceived value of the art itself. Whether you choose a classic, modern, or rustic frame, consider the style, material, matting, and glass options carefully to create a visually stunning and long-lasting display. By paying attention to these key factors, you'll ensure that your artwork is showcased in the best possible way, blending seamlessly with your decor while protecting the integrity of the piece.

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