A few common mistakes can spoil the look of a framed picture, or shorten its life. The first is the wrong size. A frame that is too small or too large makes a picture look awkward, so measure the artwork carefully and choose a frame in proportion to it.
The second is the wrong mount. The mount is the card border between the picture and the frame. The wrong colour or texture distracts from the artwork, and the right one complements its colours and style.
Here are the others, in three groups: framing, hanging and placing.
Framing mistakes
Loose glass
If the glazing, picture and backing are not held firmly in the frame, they can shift, which may damage the artwork and can be a safety hazard. The backing board should be secured all round with tabs or points, so that nothing moves or rattles.
No mount
A mount improves the look of a picture, and it also keeps it away from the glazing. A photo or print pressed against glass can stick to it in time, particularly in a damp room.
Sticky tape
Fixing artwork with ordinary sticky tape is a big mistake. The adhesive yellows and dries out, so that the picture slips, and it leaves a stain that cannot be removed. Use acid-free hinging tape or photo corners.
Acidic materials
Cheap card and backing boards contain acid, which browns paper over the years. For anything you want to keep, use acid-free mount and backing boards.
The wrong fixings
A heavy frame needs proper hangers and cord or wire of the right strength, fixed securely to the frame. Wire that is too thin, or a single small hook, is asking for a fall.
Hanging mistakes
The wrong height
Pictures hung too high or too low look awkward. The rule of thumb is to hang them at eye level, with the centre 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152cm) from the floor. Adjust for the room. With high ceilings you may go a little higher, and above a sofa a little lower.
No planning
Think about the size and shape of the wall and of the pictures, and the effect you want. Lay the pictures out on the floor first, or tape paper cut-outs of the frames to the wall, before you pick up a hammer.
Relying on adhesive hooks
Adhesive hooks are convenient, but they are not always the best choice. They can fail in time, especially with a heavy picture or on an uneven wall, and they can pull off paint when removed. Use fixings suited to the weight of the picture and the kind of wall.
Placement mistakes
Too much white space
A border gives the eye room to rest, but too much of it makes a picture look small and lost. A mount border of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8cm) suits most pictures, though it varies with the size of the artwork and the room.
Direct sunlight
Daylight shows a picture off, but direct sun fades and damages it. Do not hang pictures you value in a conservatory or opposite a sunny window, or have them framed with UV-protective glazing.
A muddled gallery wall
A gallery wall without a plan looks cluttered and unbalanced. Decide the arrangement before you hang anything, taking account of the size and colour of each piece. Use a tape measure and a spirit level, so that the gaps are even and the lines are true.
Conclusion
Most of these mistakes are easily avoided with a little care. Our picture frames and mounts are made to measure, and we are glad to advise on the best choice for your artwork.
Call EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are happy to talk it through even if you do not want to buy.