Choosing a frame for a dark picture is tricky. The right one brings out the mood of the image, makes it stand out and suits the room. The wrong one swallows it.
Do not try to match the frame to one particular colour in the picture. Look at its overall tone. Some people favour a light frame, for the contrast that draws attention to a dark image. Others favour a dark one, so that picture and frame read as one. Both can work. It depends on your taste and the effect you want.
Choosing the frame colour
Contrast
First decide how much contrast you want. The frame should improve the look of the artwork without taking attention from it.
- Black. A classic that works with most dark pictures and adds depth and sophistication. Use a light mount, or the frame and the picture can merge into one dark block.
- White. A striking contrast that draws attention to the picture and gives a modern, minimalist look.
- Dark wood. Warm and traditional, in sympathy with the dark tones of the picture, with a touch of elegance.
- Metallic. Gold warms a dark picture and silver cools it. A slim metallic frame puts a bright line round the image and suits modern work.
- Neutrals. Grey or beige give a softer contrast and let the picture speak.
Mood
The colour of the frame affects the feeling of the picture.
- Warm tones such as dark wood and gold bring out richness, and suggest warmth, comfort and tradition.
- Cool tones such as silver, white and grey bring out a modern side, for a sleek, contemporary finish.
- Classics such as plain black or white are timeless, and suit almost any style.
Materials and styles
Wood or metal?
Wooden frames are classic and versatile. They come in many finishes, from natural grain to coloured stains, which can be chosen to go with the darker tones of your picture. Wood is warm and easy to match, though it can be affected by damp.
Metal frames are sleek, modern and durable. They suit minimalist rooms, and a thin metal frame makes a crisp contrast with a dark picture without getting in its way.
Made-to-measure options
A made-to-measure frame lets you choose the material, style and colour for the particular picture. Three options are especially useful for dark artwork:
- A mount. A pale mount separates a dark picture from its frame and from the wall, and makes it glow. It is often the single most effective thing you can do.
- A float mount. This shows the whole sheet, edges and all, and suits work on paper with irregular edges.
- Glazing. Dark pictures behave like mirrors behind ordinary glass, and show every reflection. Non-reflective glazing makes a great difference.
The room
- Traditional rooms. Ornate wooden frames, or simple frames in muted colours.
- Modern rooms. Slim metal frames, or plain wooden frames in a bold, contrasting colour.
- Rustic rooms. Natural wood, perhaps with a distressed or reclaimed look.
Think about the wall too. A dark picture in a dark frame on a dark wall will disappear. On a pale wall, the same frame gives a strong outline.
Practical matters
Size and proportion
- Choose a frame in scale with the artwork. One that is much too heavy or too slight takes attention from the picture.
- If you use a mount, make the border at least as wide as the frame moulding, and usually wider.
- For canvases and oil paintings, consider a float frame. The whole painting stays visible and appears to float inside the frame.
Preservation
- UV protection. UV-filtering glazing protects artwork from the light damage that causes fading and discolouration.
- Acid-free mounts and backing. These stop acid from card or wood reaching the artwork, which prevents yellowing.
- Conservation framing. For valuable pieces, ask for conservation materials and methods throughout.
- The right kind of frame. Works on paper and photographs need glazing. Oil paintings on canvas are normally framed without it.
- Varnish. An oil painting benefits from a coat of varnish, which protects the surface from dust and dirt. It is a job for the artist or a conservator.
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.