Simple ways to make black frames work in your home
Black picture frames are timeless and versatile. They bring elegance to any room, but with so many choices of placement, size and style it can be hard to know where to start. Three quick tips first:
- Choose the placement. Where the frames go matters as much as the frames. Consider the size and shape of the space. A gallery wall is a great way to show a collection of black frames.
- Mix sizes. A cluster of frames in different sizes makes a lively display on a wall or shelf.
- Use mounts. A mount adds depth. A white mount makes the picture stand out, and a black mount is more dramatic.
Getting the best from black frames
- Consider the style of the room. Black works almost anywhere, but the kind of black frame matters. A sleek, modern one suits a contemporary living room. A black-stained wooden frame with visible grain suits a cosy bedroom.
- Think about the picture. A black frame adds contrast and depth to a colourful piece. A simple black and white photo can take something more ornate.
- Choose the right size and shape. A large frame makes a statement on a feature wall. Smaller frames can be grouped.
- Consider the mount. A white or cream mount gives contrast and helps the artwork stand out. A black mount blends into the frame for a seamless look.
Choosing the right size
- Measure the space. Before you choose a frame, measure where it will hang, so that you know the largest size that will fit.
- Keep it in proportion. A thin frame can look lost on a large piece of art, and a heavy one can overwhelm a small photo.
- Use a mount. If the picture is small for the space, a mount makes the framed piece bigger and gives it presence.
- Mix and match. A variety of sizes adds interest to a gallery wall.
Different styles
- Clustered frames. Several frames grouped closely together, in mixed sizes and shapes, look playful and eclectic.
- Gallery wall. A collection hung in a grid, or in a planned irregular pattern, looks polished and suits a varied set of pictures.
- Minimalist. Plain black frames with clean lines are sleek and modern, and at home in contemporary rooms.
- Vintage. Black frames with a distressed or weathered finish add charm and character.
Black frames room by room
Living room
In the living room, black frames add elegance. Make a gallery wall with a mix of sizes and shapes, or hang one large black frame above the sofa or the fireplace. Black frames go well with neutral colour schemes of white, grey and beige.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, use black frames for family photos and pictures with sentimental value, or to create a focal point above the bed or a chest of drawers. For a touch of glamour, choose black frames with a gold or silver inner edge.
Office
In an office, black frames look professional. They are the natural choice for certificates, degrees and awards. For more personality, add a coloured mount.
Pairing frames with wall colours
- White walls. A clean, classic backdrop. Black on white is a timeless combination that works in any room.
- Neutral walls. Beige or grey gives a warmer, softer backdrop, for an intimate and sophisticated look.
- Bold walls. Red or navy makes a dramatic backdrop. The effect is striking.
On a very dark wall, black frames can disappear, so use a white mount to separate the picture from the wall.
Creating a gallery wall
First choose the wall, and consider its size and the effect you want.
Then pick an anchor piece: a larger or bolder frame holding your favourite picture. Choose the other frames and pictures to go with it.
Lay everything out on the floor and take a photo of the final arrangement to refer to. Use a spirit level for at least the first few frames, and keep the gaps between frames the same throughout.
Mixing and matching
- Keep to a colour family. Mix different blacks, or black frames with dark wood.
- Vary the sizes. Mix large and small, upright and landscape.
- Vary the texture. Put a smooth black frame beside one with a more rustic, textured finish.
- Unify with mounts. The same mount colour around every picture pulls a mixed display together.
Conclusion
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, black ones included, and with long experience we can advise on the perfect 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.