Should a picture frame go with the artwork or with the room? It can seem a tricky decision, but it need not be. The short answer is that the frame should suit the artwork first and the room second. A frame chosen for the picture will look right in most rooms, and will still look right when you redecorate or move house. A frame chosen only for the room may flatter neither.
The best results come from balance: a frame that brings out the artwork and does not clash with its surroundings. Whether you start with a frame that complements the room or with the art, the two must work together.
How frames and artwork relate
Material and style
Each material brings its own feeling. Wooden frames bring warmth and a classic elegance, and are ideal for traditional subjects and landscapes. Metal frames are sleek and modern, and suit contemporary work and photography.
The style of the frame, whether ornate, minimalist or somewhere between, either draws attention to the artwork or blends it into the room.
Colour and mount
Neutral frames are a quiet background that lets the art stand out. A bold colour makes a statement, or ties the picture to a colour in the room.
A mount adds a further layer. It puts distance between the art and the frame, which focuses attention, and its colour can echo or contrast with the picture.
Starting with the artwork
Choosing a frame for the piece
A frame defines the edge of a picture, and gives either contrast or harmony. Ornate frames suit detailed, classic paintings, because they continue their richness. Minimalist frames suit abstract and modern art, because their simplicity lets the work speak.
- Contrast or match? Decide which serves the picture better.
- Materials and colours. Choose ones that echo something in the artwork.
- Size and width. The frame should be in proportion to the picture, and never overwhelm it.
Made-to-measure frames
For unusual sizes and special pieces, a made-to-measure frame is the answer.
- An exact fit. Made to the dimensions of the artwork.
- Your own design. A free choice of colour, material and style.
- Long-term protection. Made with materials that preserve the art.
Bringing the room into it
Frames and interiors
Once the frame suits the picture, look at the room. Sleek, minimal frames belong with modern furniture and uncluttered spaces. A classic wooden frame adds warmth to a traditional interior, and natural wood suits a rustic one.
The easiest way to connect a picture to a room is to echo one thing: the wood of the furniture, the metal of the light fittings, or a colour from the curtains picked up in the mount.
Gallery walls
A gallery wall is where the room matters most, because the frames are seen together. A mix of styles adds interest and depth, and wooden frames among modern ones balance old and new.
A symmetrical arrangement is calm. An irregular one has more energy. Either way, no single frame should overshadow the rest, and a colour taken from the room will tie the wall to its surroundings.
Protection and practicalities
Preserving the artwork
- UV-protective glazing shields the art from the ultraviolet light that causes fading.
- Acid-free mounts and backing prevent deterioration and discolouration.
- Float frames suit paintings on canvas, which are normally framed without glazing.
Size and use
The frame should support the artwork without overwhelming it. Ready-made frames come in standard sizes and are convenient when the picture is a standard size too.
Think about where the picture will hang. For a piece that will be moved often, a lighter frame with acrylic glazing is easier to handle. In a room with a lot of daylight, anti-reflective and UV-protective glazing keep the picture visible and safe.
In short
Choose the frame for the picture, check it against the room, and let one detail link the two. In the end it is a matter of taste, and the right answer is the one that makes you want to look at the picture.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.