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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Author: Cris Sweeny
Published: 08/01/2022

De Moya Foundation Partnership Campaign

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Did you know? Our co-Founder Cris knew at a young age when she started her future company that it would be a beacon of diversity and inclusion, a place where the world could look in and see what is possible. Thirty-six employees later, she and Claire have created that space right in the FrameWorks’ workroom. And beyond…
Finding a kindred visionary spirit in the community, Cris and Claire have established a lasting relationship with de Moya Foundation, a non-profit organization that is committed to creating employment opportunities for young adults with unique abilities. As partners and advocates, FrameWorks and de Moya have worked together to offer belonging and job opportunities in the workroom to three team members and their job coaches.
Prior to de Moya, FrameWorks did not have this specially abled representation on the team and knew it would benefit everyone involved. Joey has been with FrameWorks for 1.5 years, Katie more recently, and just last week, the growing team welcomed Marty. Having these three individuals join FrameWorks embodies just how much Cris and Claire believe “the world changes in small little steps.”
For their most recent collaboration, de Moya asked the FrameWorks team if they would like to join them in participating in the Special Olympics for 2022. They quickly said “yes” and were paired with young adults on the Olympics team. FrameWorks members traveled to Orlando and supported #TeamdeMoya at the State Finals!
Teamwork really does make the dream work and we are honored to have a partner like de Moya who values diversity and inclusion as much as we do. Happy International Day of Friendship!
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Come Fly with FrameWorks

Author: Cris Sweeny
Published: 07/22/2022

Come Fly with FrameWorks (Let’s Fly, Fly Away!)

That’s right, we did an airport hotel project we teased on our Instagram account (follow us @frameworksmiami!). And we have all the travel vibes this summer!
Long-time FrameWorks client Jackie Arena Interiors (JAI) reached out to us with a challenge. Of course, we said “yes” immediately. And then we paused to hear more about the project. At FrameWorks, we want our clients to look fantastic in front of their clients. In this case, JAI’s client was a second-generation hotel owner whose taste and style were very different from his father’s. Whereas his father preferred painted murals, his son envisioned a more modern, sleek, and sophisticated aesthetic. The space he wanted to tackle next? A multi-story alcove in the lobby of the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South. The kicker? The alcove was only 6” deep.
JAI excels at vision and came to us with renderings but their team wasn’t quite sure how to execute or if it was even possible to bring the design to life. Our team is stellar at transforming an idea or challenge into a feasible solution. And that is precisely what we did! We went to the drawing board and brainstormed materials, finishes, lighting and more. Our team, led by Claire and Myron, designed 3 options incorporating both wood and lighting at 3 price points. We delivered the art package in a presentation-ready format for JAI to present to the hotelier. An option was selected and we went back to work refining the design to his liking, always up for a challenge.
The result? A fully custom alcove-inlaid sculpture for guests to enjoy on the way through our great city of Miami! We manufactured all the slats in-house- cutting, sanding and finishing each piece by hand. The slats were laid in such a way to capture waves of shadows with the hidden LED lighting elements. We also created a custom modular hanging system and trouble-shooted the installation in our own workroom! Take a look at our process shots and the final work of art.
Everyone Likes A Good Before Photo
Work in Progress in the Workroom
Installation Day at the Hotel
Completion!
The New, Guest-friendly Focal Point
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From Concept to Crate: Introducing Frameworks + Prima

Author: Cris Sweeny
Published: 07/07/2022

From Concept to Crate: Introducing Frameworks + Prima

If you have spent any amount of time with our co-founders, Cris and Claire, you have certainly heard them say that FrameWorks does everything, from “concept to crate.” This couldn’t be more true aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s recently unveiled luxury vessel, Prima! FrameWorks filled the vessel’s staterooms, suites and public spaces with interest and visual creativity, printing and framing over 2000 pieces of replicated artwork and sourcing over 8000 books. One particular printing application, floor-to-ceiling replicated originals of international artist Amy Rader’s collaged commissions, garnered significant industry attention! What started as a spark of an idea for Claire at BDNY 2018 became an IMO-certified application never before seen in the industry. We featured this innovation onboard Prima in our recent CSIE feature story. Read it here!
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What We See & What We Love: FrameWorks’ Spring 2022 Art Trends Report

Author: Cris Sweeny
Published: 05/16/2022

FrameWorks’ 2023 Art Trends Report

Every day, our team of creatives, craftsmen, and craftswomen work alongside designers to bring art installations from idea to reality. There’s an art and science to what we do: Mood boards and tape measures, color swatches, and CAD renderings. If you were a bug on our wall (which in South Florida isn’t a stretch of the imagination), you’d probably hear us say on repeat, “What if…?”
A few years ago, one of these “what if” conversations helped us realize that our team has access to and reviews a high volume of art across mediums, spaces and styles daily. “What if we shared what we are seeing in the market?” we thought! And from there, we launched the FrameWorks Quarterly Art Trends Report.

In our latest report, we note a return of vintage frames and a selection of other rather unconventional colors and mediums that might surprise you this season! See more color and material trend visuals in our report available here:

vintage is cool

THE ART IS THE WALLS

DOUBLE IT

ABOVE & BEYOND

NAVY IS IN

LOOKS LIKE A PAINTING, BUT IT'S A PRINT

EMBRACE COLOR

KEEP IT COOL

GOLDEN HOUR

OH MY WOODNESS

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13 CREATIVE PICTURE FRAMING IDEAS TO ELEVATE YOUR HOME DECOR

Author: Cris Sweeny

13 CREATIVE PICTURE FRAMING IDEAS TO ELEVATE YOUR HOME DECOR

Elevate your interior ambiance with these inexpensive DIY ideas

What’s the first step in selecting the right picture frame ideas for your home decor?
Answer: ensuring the frame suits the photo. For example, you wouldn’t mount your wedding photos with a Mickey Mouse frame. That is unless you and your spouse looooove Disney!
The next step is to see that framing is creative and makes an inspired addition to your living space. It should fit with and, hopefully, enhance the photos you’re displaying.
Whenever looking to elevate the character of your interior decor, don’t be afraid to get creative! The best interior decor is a bit rogue … it has a touch of the inspired.

To create that perfect ambiance, set out to blend textures, colors, and shapes. All these design elements will merge to communicate your personality as well as the heartfelt significance of your memories.

How can you actually use this?

Here are 13 creative picture framing ideas that will instantly bump up the atmosphere in your living space. And what’s great is that most are low cost and DIY! All of these ideas will help you feel more at home than ever.

#1 Make DIY Wooden Picture Frames

Photo Credit from Minimalisti

Here’s a home decor idea giving you free reign on creativity.

 

Create your style by choosing any type of wood – distressed paneling from old fence posts or doors, stained cuts from your hardware store or natural pieces – whatever suits your design motif.

 

If you have an abundance of one style of wood, arrange a gallery of multiple frames made from the same material. This allows you to share a continuous storyline while maintaining a shabby-chic look.

#2 Make DIY Map Picture Frames

Oh, the places you’ll go!

 

I’m a huge fan of pasting maps around travel photos because it neatly emphasizes the places traveled. Plus, it’s a reminder to get back out there and see more sights!

 

Simply cut your chosen map into strips, being aware of preserving areas that will hug a corner. Then attach to a smooth frame with rubber cement or Mod Podge.

 

Now your home decor has a touch of geographic flavor!

 

That’s not all.

#3 Frame Pictures With Clothespins

Photo credit Pinterest from Barefoot Katie Blog

This decor idea adds a bit of rustic charm and vintage appeal to your memories. Simply clip your Polaroids together in a line or hang them in columns to showcase a sequence of experiences.

 

This is a great opportunity to use an unconventional picture frame idea. For example, distressed shutters or an antique picture frame.

 

Or you can DIY your photo frame by visiting your local hardware store. Ask to take an old palette off their hands and they should be happy to assist. All you’ll need to do is sand the wood, add a few nails and maybe a coat of stain if you’re feeling fancy.

#4 Hang Pictures From a Tree Branch

Photo credit from Pinterest Indulgy.com

Dangling photo frames from a mounted tree branch brings a soothing, unconventional element to any room. This home decorating idea wins by radiating both natures, nostalgia, and relaxation into your living space.

 

You’ll want to affix the frames to the wall underneath the branch and the idea is to arrange your photo frame at different heights to fill out your wall space. Extra points for painting the wood and getting vivid with your colorways.

 

Fun stuff!

#5 Framed Wallpaper Panels

Photo credit from Home Edit

I am all about patterns!

 

Framing up printed wallpapers or fabrics is my favorite way to add variety to any room. This picture framing  idea excels in adding a healthy dose of visual interest to a space without dedicating to wallpaper or a new paint job. This is a great home decor idea for adding structure and vibrancy to any room.

 

Paint the frames the same color as your wall to lend the effect of molding panels. For a handy tutorial to make moldings fast and easy, check out DIYer and decorating blogger Kim Sisal at her blog here.

#6 Frame Pictures on Painted Mason Jars

Photo credit A Little Craft in Your Day

Mason jars are so hot right now!

 

Involve this style trend into your home decor by pasting photos to them and painting around them. Adorn with flowers and vóila! A handheld picture frame colorfully repurposed to share your most precious memories.

 

If you loved this idea, wait for the next one!

#7 Frame Pictures With Old Books

Photo credit from DIY Joy

Easy recipe for a smart, antiquey framing solution:

 

  • One part old, hardcover books
  • Equal parts photos you’d love to frame (but can’t quite figure out how)
  • Combine together for a fun, upcycle DIY project

 

The stylish results are sure to impress while keeping your decorating budget low. You don’t have any antique books laying around? No problem. Visit your local library’s book sale section. It’s sure to be filled with classic titles ready to be repurposed.

#8 Frame Pictures in a Gallery Wall

Photo credit from Europe Fail

However you want to arrange them, gallery walls are 100 percent personality and make a unique statement anywhere. Feel free to paint around your picture frames to add additional texture to the wall space.

 

To make a cohesive gallery, determine a color scheme and a theme, and remember, don’t go wild with too many frame shapes or shades in a picture. Try to keep your arrangement complementary – and every now again you can add a unique element.

 

DIY blogger and interior designer CentsationalGirl suggests keeping your gallery minimal, even framing solely in black and white for best effect.

 

If you don’t think how every picture and frame will sit next to another, you’ll end up with a scattershot!

 

Why does this matter?

 

Take time to lay out your interior design for best results.

#9 Frame Your Picture Frames

Photo Credit from Nancy Meadows Design

Totally meta, I know. But it’s really cool.

 

Framing your frames is an awesome home decorating technique leaving ample room for creativity and it works in any space.

 

Use a gallery wall to display a collage with a variety of pieces. With this, you can strongly emphasize the color scheme and your creativity while developing a bold theme on the wall.

 

There are no limits on this interior decór idea because you can reframe anything you want.

#10 Frame Pictures With Logs

Perfect for autumn or anyplace you’re looking to add a spot of natural charm, this picture framing idea comes from craft maven Diane Henkler and her blog, In My Own Style.

 

The best part.

 

To do as Diane does, grab a simple $1 frame and sandwich the base between two symmetrical wood ends. Then glue all three pieces together at the bottom of the frame.

 

Diane even recommends a sepia tint to the photo for extra personality.

#11 Make a Monogram Picture Frame

I’m into monogram picture frames because they’re personal, super cute, and showcase lots of photos. Additionally, they’re sentimental, novel and may be made into any size.

 

Get your wood or fiberboard cut to shape and then paste photos onto every surface!

 

For a tutorial on how to make your monograms, check out Rhoda from Atlanta’s DIY craft blog, SouthernHospitalityBlog.

#12 Paint Chevrons on Your Picture Frame

Another design trend that’s easily made custom for your home decor is diagonal stripes, or chevrons, a simple and fun way to add pizzazz to any picture frame.

 

Bottom line.

 

All you need for this is painter’s tape, paint, and a basic frame. Start by interlocking tape across itself in diagonal waves to create your lines. Once you’ve completed the tape job, apply the color you want over top. After your paint is dried, you may want to re-tape over the part you’ve just done to create a completely custom colorway on the frame.

 

If you want, place this frame with an extra backing to make the design really pop out.

#13 Make a Scrabble Piece Picture Frame

Photo Credit from DIY Joy

Blend the verbal and the visual with a DIY Scrabble tile picture frame.

 

If you have a strong bond to family game night or simply would like to add some playfulness to your images, integrating these wooden blocks is a solid choice.

 

How you arrange the letters will make the picture special, so get creative with rearranging words and phrases around your favorite pictures. I also recommend going with an earth tone frame and backdrop to make the picture look best.

 

Oh, and don’t hesitate to tint or filter the photo color toward sepia so everything matches just so!

Now It’s Your Turn!

When you set out to create and install your any of these picture framing ideas, your first step is matching your frame to the space. Frames are always subject to the picture they’re framing, like an accomplice in a sidecar. They have to work together. Next, make sure your framing choice complements the photograph you’re displaying. By paying close attention to how shapes, textures, and colors come together, you’ll ultimately be able to decide which style you choose. And be sure to choose a design theme appropriate to the image. Now all that’s left to do is pick and place – enjoy!

Cris Sweeny

FrameWorks

FrameWorks Miami is owned and operated by Christine Sweeny and Claire Lardner, both Certified Picture Framers. For more than 20 years, FrameWorks has provided professional custom framing solutions and design services to galleries, public and private art collections, artists, businesses, hotels, and residential clients.

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THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL FINE ART PRINTING & FRAMING

Author: Cris Sweeny

The Step by Step Guide to Professional Fine Art Printing & Framing

This guide will show you where to find fine art printing for your prints, what fine art printing methods and materials you can use and how to choose the right frame….

 

…Plus more.

 

We believe:

 

Art is the final puzzle piece you need to put a well-designed room together.

 

So, what are your options?

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853 – 1890 ), Self-Portrait, 1889, oil on canvas, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney

You could buy a mass-print from one of the many online retailers, but…

 

What’s special about something factory made?

 

You could buy an original, but that would set you back more than you (or your client if you’re a designer) would probably like to spend on one piece.

 

In my professional opinion, the best option with the current printing technology available is fine art reproduction printing.

 

And THAT’s what this guide will show you how to do.

 

In fact:

 

The second chapter of this guide already shows you where to find $100’s of millions of dollars, worth of artworks by the Greats like Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Goya, just like Van Gogh’s self-portrait you can see above.

 

Plus where to access over 200,000 of beautiful untapped fine art photography from around the world…

 

All for free, ready to be made into custom prints which you can display in your own home or include in your client’s project.

 

Plus we are going to discuss a lot of other useful topics like:

 

  • printing styles and techniques
  • Fine art printing materials
  • How to pick the right frame
  • How to take care of your fine art prints and more.

Want to Download a pdf version of this guide to look at later?

Keep These 2 Things in Mind When Looking for Fine Art Printing for Reproduction

Let’s lay out the basics first…

 

There are two major factors to keep in mind when looking for fine art for print reproduction:

 

Image Resolution & Copyright Law

Image Resolution

You don’t want to end up with a granulated image on your wall.

 

(unless that’s a new modern look you’re going for)

 

Current printing technology allows us to print higher quality images at lower relative resolutions than before. But…

 

…there are a few factors to keep in mind.

Any images you plan to use for printing fine art prints should be 240 PPI or DPI in relation to the physical size you expect to print*.

 

Used interchangeably in the printing world, PPI means Pixels per Inch and has to do with a digital image whereas DPI is Dots per Inch and relates to how many physical dots are printed within any given square inch.

 

Having said that, ultimately how a print looks depends on its physical size, viewing distance and the material on which it’s printed.

 

Interesting fact:

 

Professional Billboards are only printed at 15 DPI and glossy professional magazine photos are printed at 150 DPI.

 

How to find any image’s DPI:

Steps 1-6.

 

  1. Go to the chosen image on your computer.
  2. “Right Click” the image file.
  3. Click on “Properties”
  4. Go to the “Details” Tab.
  5. Under “Details”, scroll down to “Horizontal resolution” and “Vertical Resolution”.
  6. There you will see the image’s DPI as shown in the image above in the highlighted green area.

 

* Still unsure how to make sure your image looks great? Get help from a professional printing expert. They have people who can make any image look its best.

Copyright Law

 

Images are intellectual property.

A photographer or artist owns the right to their image even if it’s online. Just like…

…a movie studio owns the rights to their movie.

Copying or using someone else’s intellectual property without their permission can lead to legal punishment and hefty infringement penalties.

Read on…

When looking for artwork to use for reproduction, you could buy the image from a paid image source.

 

But:

 

There are already plenty of great Free images out there that you can use legally!

 

These images are either under “public domain”. This means they are public property and can be used however you like.

Other images are under a creative commons license. Here’s the difference:

 

Most artworks that fall under creative commons are not allowed to be sold commercially and often have other such restrictions.

 

Now…

 

Let’s see where your can find high quality – and legal – images for printing fine art prints…

Where to Find Art for High-Quality Fine Art Prints

Great News!

 

Hundreds of thousands of fine works of art and fine art photography images are available FOR FREE to the public under a public domain license.

 

When you know where to look:

 

You can find many masterworks by your favorite classical artists, available for download and for use in your own custom print printing projects.

Here are a few of the best – in my opinion – resources to go treasure hunting for some of the world’s finest artworks to use in your fine art prints.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art.

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/

With over 400,000 public domain images of art pieces, the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art is a great place to start.

 

Tip: Make sure to select “public domain” in your search.

2. The National Gallery of Art


https://images.nga.gov

The national gallery of art is another great place to look. They have over 35,000 works of art from artists including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Goya. You literally have access to some of the world’s finest art at your fingertips here.

3. Internet Archive


https://archive.org/

The Internet archive is meant to be “the library of the internet”. The site itself claims to have “millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.”

 

4. The Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov/pictures

 

The Library of Congress has many artworks under public domain and in fact just released over 2,500 images of original traditional Japanese artworks for those looking for something classically Eastern.

 

Artistic Photography and Original Illustrations for Prints

 

Looking for professional level pixel-perfect photos or illustration to use for printing custom fine art prints?

 

Here are two of the most well-stocked – non-stock photo – resources online. They are especially great for anyone looking for landscapes, animals, or artistic portraits.

 

1. Unsplash.com
http://www.unsplash.com

 

Unsplash.com is relatively new. It’s only been around since 2013. But with over 200,000 photos by professional and hobbyist photographers, it’s one of the best places on the internet to find beautiful images you can print with ease. 

 

2. Pixabay.com
http://www.pixabay.com

 

Pixabay is Unsplash’s bigger and older brother. This site has been around since 2010 and has since collected nearly 1 million public domain images and illustrations from contributors around the world.

 

Unlike Unsplash – which is purely a photography library – Pixabay also houses a large collection of original hand and computer generated illustrations.

 

Click here to check out the resources section for 30 more places to find great images.

What is Giclee printing?

The name Giclee (pronounced Zhee Clay) originates from the French word “la giclée”, meaning something that is squirted or sprayed.

 

Giclee is a printing technique that produces Ultra High quality inkjet prints.

 

Here’s how it works:

 

Professional artists and printers use high-quality fade-resistant pigment based inks on the archival substrate, which is a special acid neutral photo paper that makes images last longer while maintaining their color.

Basically, when done right:

 

Giclee results in stunning art reproductions in fantastic detail, even from the closest distance.

 

Keep this in mind!

 

If you’re thinking of having your prints printed using the Giclee inkjet technique, your images need to be a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch, like we discussed).

 

This is an absolute must because of Giclee’s fine detail.

The other option is…

Offset Printing

Offset printing is one of the most widely used and oldest styles of printing and has been around since the 1870’s.

 

When offset printing, an image is split into four “color channels” known as CMYK. This stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.

 

 

(K is black because the other colors printing plates are actually aligned with what is called the black “Key plate” during the process)

Most mass-produced printed materials are still made today using offset printing.

Think of newspapers, books, magazines, and most posters.

 What’s so good about offset printing?

Offset printing can work out cheaper than other styles of printing when dealing with large quantities.

Another advantage to offset printing is the quality:

Offset printing results in high-quality final images, which is exactly what we are looking for when reproducing fine art.

What are some disadvantages of offset printing?

A drawback to offset printing is the initial set-up cost.

Because…

Each new project requires color preparations and configuration.

This also means that Offset printing can take time, which can lead to frustrations. Especially, if you need something done urgently.

What Material to print fine art on:

If you’re printing fine art…

 

It doesn’t mean you have to print on paper or canvas.

 

Take a look at what our founder shares about the range of materials FrameWorks Miami likes to use:

There are lots of creative mediums on which you can print fine art.

 

And..

 

When you have a good professional printer…

 

the options are (almost) endless.

 

The Key to picking the right Material for your art.

Here’s an art world insider tip:

 

Start with the subject.

 

Think about what print medium will best connect with the image…

 

Emotionally, logically and aesthetically. Does it communicate the overall style you are looking to create?

 

As a general rule:

 

Reproductions of older artworks such as Van Gogh’s or Rembrandts tend to look more “authentic” on matte materials.

 

Whereas…

 

New, floral, or bright landscapes “pop” more on glossy mediums.

 

But remember:

 

There are no set rules of what is wrong or right in fine art printing. Be creative!

 

Let’s look at some materials in more detail, starting with the obvious:

Paper

Paper is the most versatile and commonly found printing material.

 

There are many kinds of paper. Each with their own subset of characteristics, value and best uses.

 

For example:

 

 

Then a matte, non-glass paper is often more effective.

 

Or would you like your art to have a more modern and eye-catching sensation? In that case, glossy would be the way to go.

 

But there is more than just matte or glossy. There are four main categories of paper.

The 4 Main Types of Professional Printing Paper

Matte Paper

 

Matter paper seems a little grainy to the touch and doesn’t have the distinct shininess to it that glossier papers have.

 

It’s great when you want something to have a softer look.

 

Matte paper is also useful for prints which will be kept behind glass. Because it results in much less obstructive glare than its glossier counterparts.

 

In addition, matte paper also has that “paper” texture to it, which is great when making prints people will touch or feel, like when printing a physical portfolio.

 

 

Luster/Satin Paper

 

Luster and Satin are types of what are known as semi-gloss papers.  They are halfway between fully glossy and matte.

 

The great thing about a semi-gloss paper is that it will still give you that glossy sheen, but won’t be as intense as glossy, which also becomes highly reflective and often difficult to see at certain angles.

 

Chat with your printer when deciding if semi-gloss is right for your needs.

 

 

Fiber base (Baryta) Paper

 

Baryta paper is the standard choice for high-end fine art photography. You’ve probably seen it without even knowing it. Most art galleries use a fiber based paper.

 

Baryta paper uses a chemical called barium sulphate in its coating process.

 

This chemical enhances an image’s detail and definition whilst slowing the print’s aging process, otherwise known as archival permanence. This results in a longer lasting, high quality print.

 

Baryta paper is great for high value pieces you wish to keep for a long time.

 

 

Glossy Paper

 

Glossy paper universally popular for its high d-max and signature shine.

 

(Dmax a measurement of a paper’s maximum density and basically reflects how much black the paper can absorb.

 

A higher Dmax rating means deeper black inks. The ultimate depth depends on both the paper and the ink. That’s why it’s also important to find the right combination.)

 

This is especially important for us at FrameWorks. Our (new) fine art printer uses four kinds of blacks in every image for maximum image quality.

 

So a paper with a high Dmax can really make the most of the fine art printer’s capabilities.

 

We love glossy paper because it creates bold, striking images.

 

But…

 

It can also lead to reflective glare. It’s also normally not suitable for reproductions of older or pastel colors where it will contradict the style of the artwork.

 

Other Materials

 

Brushed Dibond Aluminum

 

A popular choice for larger commercial prints and often found in offices and hotels.

 

Brushed aluminum provides a modern look with a metallic sheen where lighter colors are used but a contrasting matte finish on darker pigmented areas.

 

It’s a popular material for artwork displayed outside because of its highly durable and waterproof nature.

People tend to love using it as a creative medium for fine art photography depicting city landscapes or scenes with concrete and metal.

Metallic, High Gloss Photo Paper

This high gloss metallic paper provides a “pearl-like” glossy sheen.

 

It’s well-known amongst artists for its brilliant whites and high Dmax, which allows for intense color reproduction. Especially with highly contrasted images.

 

Metallic high gloss photo paper has the advantage a generally long lifespan due to its chemical stability. It is also quick to dry and resistant to moisture damage.

A drawback of metallic photo paper is that it requires the right kind of lighting to reveal its best qualities. It’s also not a suggested material when printing skin tones or portraits.

Glossy Canvas

Glossy canvases are a popular choice for fine-art reproductions.

 

Likely due to their ability to intensify tonal characteristics of an image and to give a piece of art the sense of deep vibrant colors – even when the original artwork didn’t have them.

 

Pro tip: Glossy materials often mask an image’s smaller details. If your artwork has many intricacies, We suggest going with a matte canvas to accentuate the finer points.

Glossy & Matte Vinyl

 

Vinyl is a commonly used material for larger banners and backdrops.

 

It’s easily stored and moved from place to place, which also makes it especially popular for events and temporary installments.

 

Insider info: The Red Carpet backdrop celebrities take photos in front, of is a vinyl print.

Plexiglass

Acrylic, better known as plexiglass, is a versatile printing medium with many advantages.

 

Plexiglass provides a crisp image. It’s a durable material that can withstand weather changes and hard knocks. You often see outdoor signs printed on plexiglass.

 

(Think of those little signs with plant names on them in parts and the botanical gardens)

Another advantage of acrylic mediums is that they create a “3D feel” to an image. It also allows more light onto an image in comparison to other materials, due to its transparent layer. Allowing it to look stunning even in low light areas.

Wood

Wood prints create a unique artsy look. Each wood print is unique, because of the grain differences in the wood itself.

 

Wood works really well when the art subject is wood, such as this barn artwork on the right.

 

Wood mediums tend to couple well with country style or ancient Asian pieces. (Remember, the original ancient Japanese art?)

Restaurants and cafés often love using wood for their art displays. Next time you walk into a Starbucks, take a look around. You’re bound to see a wood print.

 

Now…

 

Once you’ve found the right material for your art reproduction:

 

How to pick the right frame for your print

A frame can change the whole feeling of an art piece.

 

Picking the wrong frame can make even a Van Gogh look dull.

 

Whereas the right frame will complete your art’s story, like the missing piece to the puzzle.

 

Here’s what I can tell you after years of owning a picture framing business and helping thousands of people find the right  custom frame:

 

Picking the right frame for a piece of art is just as much an intuitive process as it is a skill.

 

But, as a rule of thumb…

 

Here are a few frame matching techniques you can follow:

 

Balancing Opposites

 

If an image if full of life, bold, or very eye-catching in and of itself, a minimalist frame will often help balance the image’s vibrancy and allow the art to hold your attention without seeming “too much”.

 

On the other hand, if the print is clear, minimalistic or simple, you can go with a lavish gold or ornate custom frame.

 

The flamboyancy of the frame will help build a bigger story around the artwork, making it part of a larger scene and making the image seem more valuable.

 

Color Matching

 

Color matching is a simple design technique used in all areas of creative design from interior decorating to professional branding.

 

In picture framing, this technique is where you take a “sample” color from the artwork and re-use it in the surrounding frame.

 

This creates a subtle consistency between the image and frame.  

 

Here’s an example:

 

If you have a picture of an orange, you would pick a frame that matches the orange tones seen in the art work, or one that matches the orange’s surroundings in the image.

 

Theme Matching

 

This framing technique is similar but slightly different to color matching.

 

Most works of art have a theme:

 

It may be a beach theme, a city theme, a nature theme or something else.

 

Theme matching is when you pick a frame which matches the overall theme of the art.

 

Some like to use a thick wooden frame for a picture of a picket fence, or a bright glossy frame for art photography of a bowl of candy.

 

This is theme matching. Finding the “textures, colors, and motifs” or the art and using them in the frame itself.

 

Environment matching

 

This technique is different from the others.

 

Instead of looking at the artwork itself, we find inspiration in the space around the artwork, where it will be displayed.

 

If we know the print will be displayed in a hotel lobby with dark leather chesterfields and luxurious stately colors, we may opt for a similar style dark reddish brown frame to align with the theme of the print’s environment.

 

After all…

 

It would look strange to put a beach themed picture frame on a piece surrounded by dark leathers and conservative styles.

 

Having said all this about frame picking techniques, I think, ultimately, the best technique is:

Merging all of these techniques together.

 

Try to keep each factor in mind when picking a frame. Think about the theme, the colors, the environment and how to contrast or balance the image with the surrounding frame. It’s possible.

 

In fact:

 

This can work brilliantly, even when the artwork doesn’t align with the theme or is in fact opposing the environment’s overall theme.

 

How to take care of fine art prints

Ok. So you have your artwork and it’s framed beautifully.

But…

 

Without the right care, it won’t last long.

 

Here are our top tips for taking care of your fine art prints to maximize their lifespan and vibrancy.
Sunlight & Indoor Lighting

 

Unlike real flowers, prints of flowers – or prints of anything for that matter – don’t like sunlight.

In fact:

 

Direct sunlight or even artificial light will make your prints fade, quickly.

 

All prints are made with chemicals which react to environmental factors, especially light.

 

And…

 

…Just like our skin, the sun’s UV rays can also damage and prematurely age your artwork.

 

A good way to protect your prints is to use UV glass or UV acrylic glazing which can block up to 98% of harmful Ultra violet radiation.

 

Also:

Keep your prints at least at a medium distance from heat sources. such as heaters, strong lamps, fireplaces and cooking areas to avoid damage.

 

The best would be to hang prints at a minimum of 1-1.5 feet away from lights or heat sources.

 

 

Humidity

 

Humidity (something of a troublemaker here in Florida) is especially damaging to fine art prints.

 

Long exposure to high levels of humidity will quickly cause mold and discoloration.

 

Plus…

 

Humidity tends to attract pests like silverfish which also love fine art.

 

(they have good taste)

 

Here’s something else you may not have thoughts of.

 

Indoor plants.

 

Especially in warmer climate areas, when we water indoor plants, we are inadvertently increasing humidity levels in the plant’s immediate environment.

 

That’s why:

 

Keep your prints in well-ventilated areas – away from indoor plants.

 

For those up North with colder winters, do not place your prints directly above the heater.

 

Paper and canvas prints can warp and become brittle when exposed to hot dry air for long periods of time.

 

The colors on almost any printed material will also fade and deteriorate when exposed to direct heat sources for longer periods of time.

 

 

Bathrooms & Kitchens

 

If you would like to hand your prints as part of the décor in a bathroom or kitchen area, we recommend glazing on the front to protect them from humidity and environmental pollutants.

 

Also ensure the back of the print is sealed properly to stop moisture from leaking into the print.

 

(Concerns around moisture are – of course – more important with paper or canvas but not as big of a problem with plexi-glass or brushed aluminum.)

 

 

Handling prints

 

Some people go the full Hugh Hughes, with white cotton gloves and face masks when handling prints.

 

But…

 

I can tell you, it’s not necessary.

 

Just be sure when handling prints, especially paper or canvas ones, that your hands are clean, and free of excessive oils.

 

Also make sure you do not touch the printed areas, the mount board, or the mat. Oily fingerprints can and will leave an irremovable mark.

 

The proper way to handle prints is by gripping opposite corners. For example, grabbing the top right corner and the bottom left.

 

Allow the print to sag slightly in the middle, but be careful of creasing it. Because, it is almost impossible to remove dents, creases or folds from paper prints.

 

Pro printer tip: The borders around an art piece are for handling it. Don’t trim or cut down the excess border on your artwork. It makes it difficult to handle the print without damaging it.

 

 

How to store loose prints

 

If you have prints that have been taken out of their mounted frame for any reason, they should be placed in separate acid-free paper folders and stored horizontally.

 

Under no circumstances should prints be kept with the printed sides touching. This will damage both prints.

 

Make sure the space in which they are kept has a relatively stable temperature and humidity levels. The best is anywhere between 40-60% humidity and 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25 Celsius).

 

Also, keep an eye out for pests such as silverfish, ants or worms which can severely damage your art.

 

Pro printer tip: One natural remedy for keeping silverfish and ants away is the use of clove oil. Wipe a small amount of clove oil in the vicinity where the prints are kept, but never on the prints themselves.

 

 

Keeping your Acrylic or Glass Frame Clean

 

Acrylic and glass casings and frames are simple to keep clean.

 

An easy way to do this is regular dusting.

 

We recommend using a fine duster or a soft rag to carefully remove any dust from the surface of the glass or acrylic.

 

But it’s also good to do a thorough clean once in a while

 

Simply dusting can’t get everything.

 

Properly clean the surface every few months with real surface cleaner.

 

But remember to spray the cleaner on your cleaning cloth or material, not directly onto the glass or acrylic itself.

 

Spraying onto the frame may not be a problem, but cleaners tend to drip and droplets can get onto an artwork’s frame or mat which could damage the print.

 

Lastly, we recommend using a natural cleaning spray without alcohol or ammonia ingredients, which tend to be harsh.

 

——-

 

Now that you know all the steps of finding art, printing it, framing it and looking after it, you’re ready to start printing prints with a professional.

 

If you’re looking for even more information…

 

We’ve collected some of the most useful resources we could find on the internet (including a few of our own) with more in depth tips, tools and techniques in different specific areas of printing.

 

Happy printing!

Want to Download a pdf version of this guide to look at later?

 

 

Useful Fine Art Print Printing Resources

Printingforless.com
A glossary of commonly used printing terms.

 

 Berk-edu.com
A deeper look into Fibre-based printing paper [pdf]

 

 The Metropolitan Art Museum
The MET’s open resource policy

 

Traditional Fine Arts Organization (tfaoi.com)
The ins and outs of Art Copyright Law

 

Urban.com
Image Printing – a digital guide to image file sizes.

 

99Designs.com
30 Public Domain Image Resources.

 

piezography.com
A deeper look at Dmax and how it applies to your art choices.

 

Lifehacker.com
Photoshop tutorial for color correction and photo retouching.

 

RealSimple.com
A guide on how to choose the right frame for an art piece.

 

FrameworksMiami.com
13 Creative Fine art print framing ideas

 


A short but informative video about DPI printing resolution.

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33 STUNNING PICTURE FRAMING IDEAS YOUR HOME IS CRYING OUT FOR

Author: Cris Sweeny

33 Stunning Picture Framing Ideas Your Home Is Crying Out For

Whether you have a penchant for picture framing ideas for displaying your favorite art pieces or always want to have your most treasured family snaps on show for all to see, one thing is certain, no wall is complete without a few accessories

 

The art of picture framing can be a complicated business, with each aspect requiring attention before the final look has been achieved. From types of picture frame, placement and of course choosing the perfect images, all of the many factors can make or break a display and as always, the devil is in the details.

 

The prospect of creating a statement display in the home may sound daunting, but fear not, we have asked top interior bloggers to share their favorite picture framing examples and leading interior designers their best tips to inspire your next photo display in the home. Take a peek at the 33 picture framing ideas below…

Becky Freeman @ The Spirited Puddle Jumper

 

I absolutely love the perspective that these framed images give. From the small images on the larger white backgrounds within the frames to the fact that the frames are overlapping, really adds interest to what could be a fairly usual display. I’d love to try something like this in our new home!

Scott Purcell @ Man of Many

 

We love the framing of this artwork by Beastman as the white border really helps to make the colors pop. Also, the actual piece is floating within the frame so it feels like the artwork is literally jumping from the wall. It also helps to provide some further depth to the artwork.

Sue De Chiara @ The Zhush

 

Lately I’m loving how a grid of art or photos looks on a wall. When pieces are framed the same size, using the same frame, there’s something very soothing to the eye yet still very interesting to look at.

Pro Tip – Charles Neal

Picture framing should always compliment the imagery, award, or artwork that is displayed. Frames that are not cohesive detract from the beauty and steal the show from your special piece you are wishing to showcase. As an interior designer, artwork displays are an essential part of my creations. I utilize the art to convey and reflect the personality and style of the homeowner. Thus the framing needs to equally accent the piece in a pleasin

Rachel Southern @ The Ordinary Lovely

My preference is for living spaces which are light and bright, white and colorful, so I love simple, thin frames, preferably in white or black. I like prints and images to stand out so wouldn’t choose a frame which detracts from them. In this instance, I love the way the frame complements the typography. They work together really well to make quite a simple quote an interesting piece of art.

Chrissy @ Organise My House

When framing a photo or smaller piece of art, you can make it have real impact by using a massive mount and a large frame. This will make it stand out, and feel really contemporary. They also look great in groups of 3 to make it even more stylish. (Adding a mount can also make even a less expensive frame look stylish and costly!).

Jason Grant, Interior Stylist

I love collecting artworks and prints – usually by clever friends – I love to display them in a gallery style wall that I add to – keeping the frames in similar timber tones for a touch of uniformity.

Catherine Lazure-Guinard @ Nordic Design

I just love the beautiful simplicity of this framing method: Images positioned off-centered in larger frames. It is creative, original and elegant at the same time. This works very well for a series, as I think this approach has a greater impact when at least three or more pictures are grouped together. A thin, black frame as shown here doesn’t overpower the artwork and enhances the minimalist look. (Image Credit: Ash James for Cereal)

Pro Tip – Daniela Nuila

To get the most use out of your picture frames, think double duty. By this I mean they should #1- serve the purpose of displaying personal pictures (of course), and #2-also serve the purpose of being decorative. For a neat and put together look, try grouping different sizes of pictures using the same frame. By using the same frame, every picture has the same outline and thus, is cleaner to the eye. But for a more curated and eclectic look, try different frames in different colors and sizes. This will definitely be fun and spontaneous and each picture will have a personality all its own.

Maite Granda @ Interiors by Maite Granda

When decorating your home consider neutral colors on the walls and use a unique artwork to create an accent.  White walls are always the best to stand up any artwork or gallery wall.  My biggest suggestion is to consult an expert on framing, you won’t go wrong.

Pro Tip – Pamela Hughes

The frame should always be subservient to the artwork. It should be synchronous with the time and the style of the artwork. The frame should catch and reflect light (called luminosity). Gold is used frequently as the color of the moulding as it reflects light so readily, and is neutral as a color.
For matting of paper pieces, matts should be weighted slightly on the bottom to contract the illusion of being top-heavy.For contemporary pieces, matts can be oversize, even to three times the size of the artwork with massive weighting on the bottom.

Sara Chiarilli @ Artful Conceptions

First is I love a framed mirror in a bathroom. It gives a nice highlight and a finishing touch.

 

Second artwork needs the right frame, especially original pieces. A gallery wrap is ok for a few pieces but the majority need framing that shows off the artwork.

 

Third, I love a framed chalkboard or fabric covered bulletin board in a drop zone. It’s the perfect place to leave notes and messages and the framing makes it a finished piece.

Pro Tip – Nikki Levy

My custom framer calls me a “rebel” when it comes to framing, but all our pieces come out just beautifully. I love using the “equal but opposite” concept. Large, busy pieces of art require small clean frames. Small pieces of art look fantastic with large matting and more ornate frames (whether it be modern, transitional or traditional choose ornate within the styles boundaries). I love to create balance between the art and the frame, and as you know, opposites attract!

Lynn @ MyLuxe

I love how the distressed look of this frame compliments the image of a South African township scene. The color pop of reds in the picture looks great against the muted gray frame!

Kathryn Marsh, IDS Professional

Every room or space will require different framing solutions. Variations in size, color, and composition of both frame and artwork, need to be addressed to get the best results. For example, a passage or hallway may lack adequate lighting and visual interest. Creating a gallery wall using mirrored frames helps to give the illusion of more space and reflect light.

Pro Tip – Janice Attia

I believe that choosing the right frame is as important as choosing the right piece of art. Framing is not just saying lets have a thick bold black frame because it looks nice. Selecting the right frame implies putting it in context with the design and the art, it is the “staple” that will put together this two elements in an harmonic way. Textures, colors and materials play a very important role, as I said, it is important for it to be in context but also its very important to highlight the art without disturbing it.

Angela Reynolds, Interior Designer

 

Decide what is the purpose and home much punch the frame will add to the room? Is it to Blend(low), highlight or statement (High).

 

Blend: Frame above the  bench is to blend and disappear. The sconces and the artwork are already making a giant statement. A frame with bravado would have been overkill.

 

Highlight:  The frame above the fireplace was meant to highlight the photography and compliment the andirons in the fireplace. It makes a nice balanced statement

 

Statement: This frame around this mirror. Is the big design statement. The console and the accessories bow to the bold lines and negative space of the frame design.

Pro Tip – Cathy Sands

The frame should complement and add to the artwork. Don’t be concerned that the frames are all the same. Art should stand on its own and the right frame can elevate your piece. Now if you have several pieces from the same artist or if your look is very clean then I would go with the same frame but my preference is to flatter each individual piece and create a collected look.

Gloria Hernando @ kis Interior Design

As an interior designer, my #1 tip for getting the most out of picture framing is to select a material and frame that compliments the style of the room in which the art will be located. I specialize in contemporary design and prefer selecting simple, neutral frames in finishes such as black, white, and metal that allow the artwork to truly stand out.

Tiffany Hinton @ Lola Interiors

Framing can make a huge impact – it can make a cheap piece of art look expensive and visa versa. But the frame shouldn’t be the focal point. Should complement but not overpower the art. Less is more, in my opinion. Let the art speak. Stick to a simple frame, and in a grouping, I prefer that the frames match: it’s a clean way to make a huge impact! In a recent job, the client had a huge collection of architectural photos she took during her travels through Europe. But, instead of the typical elevation photo, she took pictures of the ceilings! We created a focal point wall with these photos using simple black frames, and we love how it turned out!

Pro Tip – Mark Dalton

Artwork in any space can be the most prominent item when you capture a view of the room. If the artwork is not right, it will throw off the entire look of the space. Whenever you are placing multiple pieces on a wall, there is one important rule; one item needs to stay consistent to pull the look together. The frames should all be the same color, same size or the same frame.

Michaela Mildenhall @ Pargy & Alice Palace Design

As an interiors writer and designer of children’s prints, I’m a big fan of using prints, photos and artwork to make a nursery special. I’m really loving the contemporary new look of today’s nurseries with colorways containing gray, subtle pastel colors and black. As this print is very cutesy-pie and retro, I wanted an image that had a clean modern feel – I love the fact the picture and frame isn’t hung on a wall, and is surrounded by carefully curated objects, punctuated by the freshness and greenery of the pot plant.

Martyn White @ Martyn White Designs

I am quite contemporary when it comes to the framing of artwork. I feel that it is important to have artworks framed but in a way that they do not detract from the art itself. Framing not only completes the design, it connects the artwork to the room in which it is being displayed. I love this black and gold frame as it is immediately noticeable after you view the artwork, with its color highlighting tones within the room.

Mark Tremblay @ Marc-Michaels Interior Design

When you have a large scale wall I would either do a collection of small pieces or a couple large scale prints. Over-scaling the matte on a print will help it feel more substantial and give some weight to a large wall. All framed art does not need to match in a collection. Mixing black and white frames can make a cool high-contrast statement.

Sophie Howard @ Sophie Howard Interiors

Photographs and images add a personal touch to your spaces, they evoke emotions and portray memories that truly make a room feel special. I love the way the frames have been laid out in this image. Picture rails are a fab way to get started as they are so flexible and allow you to swap out frames easily. Mix and match frame size and color and add books and ornaments for a real styled look. I also love the inky background, it makes the whole gallery wall feel more like a feature, it’s perfect!

Pro Tip – Gretchen Mannion

Just how a home’s architecture must lead the interior design, so must a painting’s period and style lead your frame selection! The artwork should be able to move to any space in a home. In other words, the framed piece should be able to stand on its own. After all, art should not be purchased to match the decor, but must truly speak to the homeowner!

Jennifer Lanning @ Total Home Interiors

Our #1 tip for framing is to frame for the picture not necessarily for the room. As designers, we have to be cautious when customizing our client’s images. Although we want them to work within our design we also need to be aware that the client may decide to move the piece to another room at some point. We have to find the balance that will work with the overall design as well as with the image itself. If it doesn’t work outside of the design then you’re not doing the image itself the justice it deserves. In the example, we selected a frame and liner that not only works with the image itself but it also compliments the space in which it hangs.

Rafaela Simoes @ 2id Interiors

When hanging your artwork, or framed poster/ picture on the wall, you should stand a bit far apart from the wall and measure your eye level height straight on to the wall, I usually use a laser tool. Obviously, you should consider an average person height, in case you are too short or too tall. The center of your artwork should always be at your eye level, it doesn’t matter how big/small the artwork is.


People have tendency to hang pictures/artwork way higher than it should be. To me that is a major mistake!!!

Pro Tip – Tania Christensen

Getting the most of Picture Framing, I guess my response is what are you framing? Is it an original piece of artwork? what medium is it: watercolor, oil on canvas, pastel, acrylic, or is it a photograph, maybe a drawing or a two-dimensional piece? All of these mediums have different types of frames and recommendations…

Then I would ask you: how is the décor of the environment you are going to place this piece? Is it modern? traditional? a child room? an office? Depending of the décor and the place I would suggest a different frame…

 

Another question I would ask is: where you are going to hang the piece:the dimensions of the wall, if the wall is very large and my piece too small, there is ways to frame the piece bigger so that the wall and the piece looks proportionate.

 

And lastly, I would also inquire if you are going to hang other things next to it or not, does the natural light hits this wall (original pieces, specially watercolors get color discolorations w/ the natural light so you need to use a special glass, etc)

Perla Lichi @ Perla Lichi Design

Picture frames in your home should first and foremost complement the artwork. Frames should either blend with or provide a complementary contrast to the décor. Black lacquer frames in this contemporary hi-rise designed with an Oriental theme, for example, complement the artwork within and blend perfectly with the moldings in the mirrored hallway opposite the foyer. Touches of gold bring out gold tones used elsewhere—on walls, in artwork, in floor medallion. Quality picture frames make a huge difference so always work with a reputable framer. (Image Credit: Dan Forer)

Barbara Krai @ Barbara Krai Interior Design

Frame your work of art to beautifully enhance the piece. This is your only consideration. Do not get distracted thinking about the rest of the room. If the frame works with the art, and the art works in the room, then the frame will work in the room

Viviana Monari @ ID design for all

Either if you are a classic and symmetric person or loves innovative ideas and movement, framing moments and places is always a must in every home. Frames tell a story, describe personalities and give and incredible personal touch to every project.

Mixing and matching sometimes can get a little tricky for amateurs so having professional advice and the service done by a reliable framing company is absolutely worth the investment.

Elizabeth Hall @ Elizabeth Hall Designs

My #1 tip for getting the most out of picture framing would be to make sure that the frame coordinates with both the art and the decor of the space. The frame essentially becomes a piece of the art and should help the piece truly shine and stand out.

Pro Tip – Annie Goldman

Picture framing is just as important to the interior decor as art itself. When choosing a custom framing option, I reference the metals used in the hardware and lighting as well as any wood furniture and architectural details so that the art looks cohesive in the interior environment.

David Miranda @ Dida Home

When framing a picture in a home, we always think Scale, Palette, Style. The scale of the frame and image/art should be proportional, and the colors, materials or design shouldn’t clash. Identify what frame fits well with your image or art piece, as certain pieces call for a rustic frame, others for a baroque frame, and others for a more modern/minimalistic frame.

When selecting a frame for a piece of art or photograph, always consider whether you want the frame or art piece to be the focal point. This can at times be a difficult decision to make but is also a good opportunity to play around. It is also important not to see art or a famous photograph for its “Name” but mainly for what it represents to YOU.

Simply put, putting an eccentric and over-the-top frame to a “Hirst” piece is just as valuable as framing a beautiful piece of art created by your 2-year-old nephew in an elegant white on white museum frame.

Hopefully creating a striking photo wall or art display in your own home is now within your grasp and your brain is bursting with ideas to soon turn into reality. No matter the size of the wall, there is endless picture framing ideas to achieve the look you are dreaming of. Now it’s just time to get framing!

Cris Sweeny| November 1, 2016
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6 AWESOME WAYS PICTURE FRAMING CAN ENHANCE ANY ROOM

Author: Cris Sweeny

6 Awesome Ways Picture Framing Can Enhance Any Room

Ever wonder how custom picture framing can add that pizazz to your art or photographs?

 

If you have a collection of photographs and original artwork and don’t know the best way to display it, you’re not alone.

 

Photographs are a way to capture moments in time and it’s natural to take pictures of every important event.

 

Paintings and other artwork speak to you and compel you to purchase them. However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of photos you have and paintings you’ve collected.

 

How can you actually use this?

#1 Solve the issue of overflowing photos and artwork

Displaying your collected photographs and artwork with quality picture framing can transport you to a time and place you cherish every time you view them. Pictures allow you to see loved ones and revisit favorite places with a simple glance that evokes powerful memories.

Watch this short video: FrameWorks owner, Cris Sweeny shows a creative way for preservation framing for travel trinkets.

Utilizing picture framing to display your photographs instead of keeping them all hidden away in albums or on your computer, is the ideal way to keep memories alive. Not only that, hanging your framed memorabilia, photographs, paintings can help enhance a room and the entire interior design of your home.

#2 Picture framing as part of interior design

Placing a photograph, painting or work of graphic art inside a frame adds the final touch that gives the piece a professional, sophisticated look. Tacking artwork or photographs up on a billboard doesn’t have the same impact as framing them.

 

With professional, custom framing, your treasured photographs and artwork become part of your interior design. They can serve as the starting point for an entire room or add that extra something to a space that was lacking.

 

The best part? If you’re like everyone else, you already have an ample supply of photographs and artwork that you love but haven’t had the time to properly display.

 

All that’s needed is the proper picture framing that coordinates with the piece while enhancing wherever you decided to hang or place it.

#3 Convey a message

Great interior design creates a theme, gives ambiance and/or conveys a message about your home and your personal tastes. Picture framing helps interior design by enhancing a space and giving it character and personality.

 

When you hang framed family photos along a hallway or place them on end tables or bookshelves, this conveys the message that you love and value family. Hanging framed artwork over a fireplace, on an accent wall and in living spaces reveals your fondness for beauty and creativity.

 

Framed artwork can enhance any space by transforming the room into a mini gallery that you have free admission to 24/7. The colors of the painting add depth to the room and can help bring out the chosen color, texture or pattern theme of the interior design.

#4 Abolish plain walls

Choosing the right paint color for a wall can be frustrating, confusing and time-consuming. You know you want more than a plain, boring wall, but you struggle to find the right color that works with your interior design and enhances the room.

 

Hanging framed pictures or artwork on that wall can be the perfect solution.

 

When you find the right photographs or artwork to frame and place on that otherwise empty wall, you can stop holding up endless paint color samples.

 

Instead, you can use the wall as the ideal blank canvas. Filling that plain wall with photographs and artwork that utilize custom, custom picture frames quality framing can bring a drastic improvement that flat wall paint never can.

 

Hanging photographs and artwork on the wall give it the color you’ve been wanting while adding an assortment of stories and visual interest that enhance the room. That’s not all.

#5 Add to existing theme

Artwork and photographs have a place in any room, even a space that already has a theme. Picture framing helps tie photographs and artwork into the room’s theme by complementing the overall look. Wood or glass frames enhance the elegance of a room.

 

Metal frames work well in a room with a modern theme. Frames come in such a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and textures that you can find the perfect one to fit beautifully into any existing theme in your home. Best of all, you don’t have to choose a frame alone when you work with an experienced, custom framer.

#6 Think beyond the frame

There’s more to enhancing a room with picture framing than simply placing photos or artwork in frames and hanging them on the walls of your home. Displaying your photos and paintings takes creativity, artistry, and imagination to achieve the best effect.

 

The custom picture frames you choose and how the framer sets the piece in the frame make a huge difference in the appearance of every photo and painting.

 

Bottom line, Matting and frame colors, textures, sizes and styles all need to work together to create the ideal enhancement to space while coordinating with your interior design.

Now, I want to hear from you

Was this blog helpful?

 

Or maybe you have a question about something.

 

Either way, leave a quick comment below. 

 

I’ll be around to reply to comments and answer questions.

 

So if you have a question or thought, make sure to leave a comment right now.

 

Questions or Comments?

Cris Sweeny

FrameWorks

FrameWorks Miami is owned and operated by Christine Sweeny and Claire Lardner, both Certified Picture Framers. For more than 20 years, FrameWorks has provided professional custom framing solutions and design services to galleries, public and private art collections, artists, businesses, hotels, and residential clients.

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54 EXPERTS SHARE THEIR BEST TIP FOR DISPLAYING ART IN THE HOME

Author: Cris Sweeny

54 Experts Share Their Best Tip For Displaying Art In The Home

Perfectly displayed artwork is the final finishing touch for any discerning interior scheme. Whether you have a penchant for modern or fine art, or you want to display your own artistic shots there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge and hanging the pieces in your home.

 

From lighting to placement, sizing to custom framing, the display options for your favorite artworks are endless and the process requires careful thought as the result can make or break a room. If the thought of hanging a gallery wall makes you break into a cold sweat or you’re getting a migraine from finding the ideal lighting to make each piece pop, then don’t panic, we have asked the experts their top tips on displaying artwork in the home.

 

One read of their advice will make sure that every original artwork, be it your latest holiday print or your newest gallery discovery, is a breeze to showcase…

Jenny Gibbs, KLC School of Design

• Always apply the same design principles to displaying artwork as the rest of the space.
• A successful display of art is all about scale, balance and composition but also about style and mood.
• Group small pictures together but go for larger scale artwork in a busy space to create a sense of balance.
• Create a mock up on the floor or wall with paper cut to the size of the pictures you are planning to hang which will give you the chance to get the arrangement right and avoid any disasters

David & Mark, Forward Features

 

Always consider colour and size. We tend to opt for white frames as they don’t distract from the art and instead enhance the colours. If you have a small piece of art, don’t be afraid of using a larger frame leaving more white space around the image. It can draw the eye and create a really interesting focal point to a room.

Carla Jones, Carla Jones Designs

 

1. If you have bought a new piece of art, sit the piece in the room you’ve chosen for it for a few days before deciding to hang it. See how the light sits with the piece. Daylight, mood lighting, evening shade – all can really make a piece of art shine in a room. But don’t rush to hang it, see how light reacts to your artwork at different times of the day and then you’ll find the best place for it in your room.

 

2. If you have a few (or more) pieces of great artwork for a room, don’t be afraid to make a feature gallery wall! Show off all this beautiful artwork you have! On creating a ‘gallery wall’ in your home it makes a real statement about your own style and also provides a great talking point for your guests to when they visit!

 

Odysseas Constantine, Home Arty Home

 

Apart from always making sure you choose art you love, and complementing it with an appropriate frame, try to display pieces in your eyeline so you can appreciate them – don’t feel you need to place art behind your seating where you can’t admire it, just because there’s a blank wall. Importantly, keep all art out of direct sunlight to ensure longevity so you can admire it for years to come, without prints fading like photos in a barbers window.

Claire Garner, Claire Garner Indoors

 

Artwork can add so much character and personality to a space, so I quite often find inspiration for a room’s design here. By picking up the subtle tones and textures in a piece of art and drawing on these for inspiration to use in the soft furnishings, upholstery and accessories, you can create a really subtle and sophisticated, cohesive design. Good design shouldn’t be about making elements match, but compliment each other, and by doing this, your artwork  will sing in it’s surroundings.

Alessandra Barlassina, Gucki

 

Choosing the right artwork for an empty wall is a great deal, it would add character to the room. My number one tip is choose the right size. A big artwork would have great impact. Otherwise you can arrange a wall composition with artworks in different sizes. Have special care for frames: they can add different flavours and complete artworks.

Alison Gibb, Her Interiors

 

Decide on an artwork that you would most like to see when you come home and put it in your hall.
Choose another key piece for the living room – this should be the focal point and can usefully distract the eye from the TV, which should NOT be the focal point!
Last but not least, don’t forget the bedroom – a great spot for beautiful art.

 Jessica Zoob

 
 

 

Don’t  be frightened of putting large paintings in small spaces. Outsize art can make tiny rooms feel so much more glamorous!!

Dana Miller, House Tweaking

 

Don’t hang artwork too high or it will feel disconnected from the rest of the room. In dining and living rooms where a seated position is most common, artwork should hang lower. In the kitchen, artwork can be hung higher or placed on a shelf to view from a standing position.

Adrienne Chinn

 

Find a good framer and spend some time looking at different frame and mount options. I like double-mounting with a thin line of a colour from the artwork along the edge of the art. Many people just look at the pre-fabricated frames on display in the shop, but a good framer with have catalogues of other frame styles which can be custom-painted. Think about the glass as well — I’d always go for low-reflective Art Glass. Final tip:  Don’t try to match the mount colour to a room accent — the frame should draw your eye to the art.

Vicki Murdoch, Silken Favours

 

Framing a silk scarf can be an incredible way of brightening up your home, I like to create a gallery wall in mine, allowing you to mix and match, play with scale and shape plus vintage and new frames adding personality to your space by having all your favourite most treasured artworks sitting together.

Victoria Jackson, Apartment Number 4

 

Group pictures in a gallery wall, either in the living room or running up the stairs in the hallway to create a statement within your home. For an aesthetically pleasing home addition, use one colour throughout for your frames but add interest from different pieces of art work and photography.

Emma Blomfield

 

Hang your favourite pieces where you can see them, there’s no point hanging art in rooms you barely use or guests never visit. You want to show off your gorgeous artworks to guests and also for your own pleasure. A beautiful statement piece of art at the front entry or above your sofa is the best way to get impact and wow factor.

Emma Harris, A Quiet Style

 

I think my number 1 tip for getting the most out of artwork when displaying it in your home, is to have a little rejig every so often.  Move things around, all of a sudden you learn to appreciate an old favourite again if it is in a different space, and not only does it give new life to the piece of artwork, it also gives new life to the room you hang it in.

Emily Osmond, Get in my Home

 

Invest in getting the artwork professionally framed. A simple thin frame in a beech, white or black is what it’s all about at the moment. Let the artwork do the talking by showing it off in a frame that fits perfectly and doesn’t compete with the piece.

Laura Thomas, Laura Thomas Interior Design

 

Move art around.  Hang a piece that you think will look good in a certain area or on a certain wall.  Live with it for a week or so and if your gut feeling is that it isn’t 100% right there, then move it to somewhere else.  It is amazing how moving art to another place can make such a difference.  I tend to do this all the time!

Sarah Myall, Whitehouse Interiors

 

My no 1 tip is get the right frame. Make sure you chose a frame style that will accentuate the art or even go no frame at all in order to not distract from the object of the artwork.

Kylie Mawdsley, Kylie M Interiors

 

My number 1 tip for hanging art is to only hang what you love.  So often we get caught up in ‘what matches and what is trendy’, without thinking enough about what we really love.  You should respond emotionally to your artwork, whether it’s an original painting or a Home Sense special, you should love each piece for how it makes you feel when you look at it – the esthetics should come after.

Lynni Megginson

 

My number one tip for displaying artwork in the home is to keep it SIMPLE and STRONG.

 

One large amazing piece that commands your attention in the room is so much more preferable than feeling as if you need to hang something on every single wall. I use artwork to convey the emotion and use of the room…always large in scale and always in keeping with the way I want my clients to FEEL when they are in the space. So, as a result, calming pieces in Bedrooms and pieces with more energy and punch in Living Rooms and Family Rooms. When a piece of art speaks to you, you just feel it down to the tips of your toes!

Allan Torp, Bungalow5

 

One thing I really love is if people can surprise me with their art – either by what it shows or where it is hung. I have a fun banana print hanging in my restroom – for some it might seem inappropriate, to me it is just perfect and super fun.

Ashley Cramp, Lazy Daisy Jones

 

Only buy or collect art and prints that you truly love don’t be influenced by fashion. Mix it up, old and new look fabulous together. In this way your personality will shine through making your collection unique to your family and home.

Gail Green, Gail Green Interiors

 

Showcasing artwork is an art; that is, art comes alive when it is positioned within a specific context that is correctly proportioned.  It has to look right for the wall upon which it is placed.  Thus, if the wall is too big, the art will look diminished in stature.  If the wall is too small, the observer’s eye will not properly focus on the art.  In addition, if it hangs in collaboration with other works of art, there needs to be a continuity of space and form between them, meaning they need to somehow relate by aligning tightly together on the surface or accede to a datum line that creates consistency within an area.

Brenda Kula-Pruitt, Cozy Little House

 

The mistake (or at least I see it that way) that I see most of all is people putting the paintings too high up. Then it looks lost on the wall instead of complementing it.

Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Try a modern way to display your art collection: Lean multiple frames of various sizes and finishes against the wall on a floating shelf for a chic collage effect.

 

Anita Brown, Anita Brown Design Studio

 

Use the piece of art as a starting point for choosing your colour palette in the space, you can either choose a colour scheme that compliments the piece of art, or contrasts with it.  Don’t be afraid of using a dark backdrop to hang your favourite piece.  Dark painted walls are excellent at highlighting colour in artwork!

 

Hannah, Layer Home

 

We love gallery walls here at Layer and we believe that artworks of different price, provenance and style can all be displayed together to create a beautiful representation of your personality. By finding a common thread – whether that’s a colour used within all of the artworks or a particular style of frame – you can create cohesion across otherwise differing pieces.

Lauren Liess, Lauren Liess Pure Style Home

 

When displaying art work at home, I find grouping similar pieces together en masse has major impact.  A collection of abstract oils or a large grouping of photographs adds interest and creates a conversation piece.  Frames can be matched or mismatched depending upon the vibe you’re going for- mismatched feels more collected and relaxed whereas matching feels more ordered.

Grant Pierrus, Interior Style Hunter

 

When displaying art, you need to think about the scale of the piece. A small piece of art on a large wall looks a bit silly and loses impact, rather place the piece on a smaller wall. However, a large piece of art hung on a wall just bigger than the piece creates a strong impact and adds drama to the space.

Elaine, A Hint of White

 

When planning a room, every one considers wall colour, flooring and furniture but little thought is put into what is hung on the wall once they are finished.  I think art work should also be in that list. The colours of the wall where you hang the picture can make a dramatic difference to how you view the artwork.  Artwork should compliment your decor style, consider using artwork that contains colours from your decor making the whole room work together.

Gwen Hefner, The Makerista

 

When you’re first starting out I think splurging on the largest piece you can buy is better than getting several small things.  Pick one piece that really speaks to you, give it a minimal frame that let’s the art shine and enjoy for years to come!

Nicolette Lafonseca, Archie and the Rug

 

Whether you are a fan of gallery walls or not art has a place in all of our homes, art is what turns a house into home. With that in mind my top tip for displaying art in your home is to keep it personal. Remember that what is on the wall is a reflection of you and your family. Think back to your teenage days when your room told the world what music you liked.

 

The wall in your home should fill organically and as tempting as it may be to take a trip down to a megastore and buy arty posters don’t! When I walk around my home I can see my journey and my growing family’s journey, The print we bought on our first weekend away, the endless bits that we I picked up on my travels.

 

This way you will start to display work that goes beyond an art print. Perhaps a wooden mask or woven bowl you found together on a trip or at a flea market. Don’t neglect a child’s drawing or a Polaroid snap, well framed these items will hold their own. So with that in mind go and make a start making your art reflect your life.

Karolina Barnes

 

Art is a medium of self-expression. It only works if you can see part of yourself in it. And so my advice would be to take your time and choose your art wisely. Go by instinct. Once you have your artwork, work your space around it. Pull 3 – 4 colours out and inject them into your interior through cushions, rugs, soft furnishings and accessories. Tell the story of you, make the colours flow naturally throughout the space. And when it comes to hanging art, make sure that it’s not installed too high or too low.

Anita Kohn, Living In Space

 

Artwork can be the focus or highlight of a room – choose your balance by determining what feature you would most like to emphasize. A narrow hallway is piqued by including a large piece of artwork at one end, drawing the eye down the length of it as opposed to the width. Artwork between open-plan rooms can create a border between two spaces without blocking movement. However, if you have inherited a valuable piece of art that also has sentimental purpose but may not be your taste, use it as a colour accent in a corner of a neutral room and be sure to maximise features in your interior scheme that juxtapose the style of the artwork, thereby turning it into an eclectic highlight.

Susie Miles, Susie Miles Design

 

Choose unique works of art that make you feel good and give you joy! Remember, an artwork doesn’t need to blend in with your interior colour scheme, an element of surprise creates impact.

Gabby Palumbo, Flat 15

 

Focus on scale! Make sure to choose an artwork that fits in proportion to the space that you want to fill on the wall. An art piece that is too small can look lost and really take away from the work itself. In contrast, artwork that is too large can also seem overdone in a well designed interior. Look at the wall space you have available and choose your artwork (and framing) accordingly.

Hester van Overbeek, Hesters Handmade Home

 

I love creating a gallery wall by hanging different sized frames together creating a real eye catcher. Keep to one main colour in your the art works, photo’s or hand lettered art to creative a cohesive look. Before drilling a lot of holes in your wall it might be good to work out the layout of your gallery wall with cardboard cut to the size of your frames. When you are happy with the look, tape the cardboard pieces to your wall and mark where your screws need to go.

Ramona Griffin, G&G Interior Design

 

I love to display my favorite art in places I walk by several times a day like a foyer or a hallway. That way I can see and enjoy it all the time and not just when I walk into an unused room or secondary space. I try to encourage my customers to buy and collect pieces that are meaningful to them that they really love and not just items to fill a void in a wall. And remember, art is like wine. It doesn’t matter how much it costs, it only matters whether you like it or not.

Nora Santonastaso, Design Outfit

 

I think that “composition” is my number 1 tip for displaying art at home. I love to play with colors and frames of different dimensions and shapes and I always try to combine them harmoniously on the wall. One of the best trick is to organize all the frames around the biggest and important one, that must be placed in the center of the wall.

Janice Issitt, Janice Issitt Life & Style

 

I think the best way to display artwork is to group the pictures together, make a feature wall of all the art in one place.  I buy old vintage and antique frames which I then use to frame the art, however you could always personalise the frame by distressing or painting it.  I have two areas where I group my artworks together, one on a long wall in the lounge, above a sofa, and the other taking up the whole wall on an upstairs hallway.  Staircases are great places to make a feature wall too, as they can be viewed from top to bottom.

Bianca Hall, French for Pineapple

 

Most people hang art too high, so consider eye level before banging holes in the walls! The centre of the artwork should sit approximately 59 inches from the floor. And If you have a large bare wall, don’t make the mistake of hanging one small piece right in the middle of it – it will look out of place and lost. It’s much better to hang one large piece, or to create a gallery wall with several smaller pieces, keeping the frames the same colour or within a limited palette.

Myrline Delva, Designed For Life

 

My #1 tip for getting the most out of artwork when displaying it in your home is to not be afraid of mixing and matching. Mixing mediums, styles, frames and composition can make for a really interesting and unique display. I’ve always love the idea of gallery walls that have a single overarching theme (be it in colour or imagery) to maintain cohesion while still being personal.

Rani Engineer, La Maison Jolie

 

My number 1 tip for displaying artwork in my home is… avoid hanging art on pre-existing picture hooks since they may not all be at the right height. Always hang art so that the centre point of the artwork is at about eye level and remember to adjust the height accordingly if hanging art in children’s rooms.

Stacey Ann Blake, Design Addict Mom

 

Our homes come alive with art and art is a great way for homeowners to showcase their personality and express themselves. However, one of the most common mistakes that I see often is art hung too high. For me to get the most out of art displayed in our homes, it should be hung at the right height. Art should be hung at eye level; usually about 58 inches high. The center of the art piece should be at that height. Displaying art at eye level or the right height creates a cohesive interior and makes the entire space shine!

Fiona Reid, Copperline

 

Personally, I like to have a unity when I’m displaying artworks. The art itself might be diverse, but I like to unify the style of framing – I really like minimal black or white wooden frames as a way of unifying pieces. You can group artworks together and, simply by using the one colour, the frames almost disappear. Of course, this depends on the style of art – I’m always drawn to screenprints that are complemented by a very clean and minimal framing style.

 

But then, art is so personal, you really have to go with what feels right for you. I was in a house recently where the owners had picked up a pair of oil portraits in an auction, and they had the most elaborate frames. They weren’t expensive, and they were different in style to the other artworks the couple had, but they looked so dramatic set against a beautiful Farrow & Ball wall colour. It reminded me that you can’t be too set in your rules.

Kelly Davies

 

Spend time choosing the perfect frame for your artwork, think about the colours that you wish to bring out in the piece and consider the style of the work. A large ornate frame will compliment a traditional painting, whilst a sleek modern frame will work well with an abstract print.

Alina Ghost, The Fairytale Pretty Picture

 

Test and learn. Especially when it comes to displaying clusters of artwork, I like to cut out pieces of card or paper and apply these to the wall, using blue tack. This helps me visualise the final look and makes it easy to move around to find the perfectly styled interior finish that I’m looking for.

Mary Middleton, Hellopeagreen

 

The arrangement and hanging of art can be daunting for some people, we’ve all seen displays where the arrangement itself is an art form, but don’t be deterred.  When displaying artwork I prefer to hang on walls with high saturated colour, including wallpaper sometimes.  Many major art galleries use colour to make the artwork really stand out; the Royal Academy of Art for example. The results are really captivating and as long as your lighting is good it can be really mesmerising in a space. Go bold and have fun.

Alina Ghost, The Fairytale Pretty Picture

 

Test and learn. Especially when it comes to displaying clusters of artwork, I like to cut out pieces of card or paper and apply these to the wall, using blue tack. This helps me visualise the final look and makes it easy to move around to find the perfectly styled interior finish that I’m looking for.

Nicola Holden, Nicola Holden Designs

 

To get the most out of artwork when displaying it in your home don’t neglect your lighting.  So many people either just have a single central pendant, or else downlights set out in a nice neat grid in the ceiling, and no lighting directed on your artwork.  Lighting your artwork is the most transformative thing you can do to make it pop off the walls and draw your eyes straight to it.

Louise de Miranda, 30s Magazine

 

When displaying artwork in your home, let the piece be the focal point. Build your furniture and accessories around it. Let the eye travel to the painting, statue, or framed photo by creating a stark contrast with your furniture in color or in style. Combine a contemporary art work with a vintage console and some classic vases for example. Make sure its scale is appropriate and balanced with the surrounding objects.

Natalie Marchbanks, Block Prints Social

 

When hanging art, I like to consider the primary use of the room and how people inhabit the space. In a dining room or casual living room – where my guests and I are most often sitting – I tend to hang art a little bit lower than in a hallway or kitchen, where we’re more likely to view the art from a standing position. That’s because I like to have a good view of the art without straining my neck to look up high (some might call me lazy!) and I like to see the relationship between art and the furniture in a room.

 

That said, this approach can require some trial and error – especially if you’re new to it – so a quick and easy rule of thumb is to center your art 57 inches from the floor, or eye level for a person of average height.

Jacquin Milhouse-Headen, Interiors by Jacquin

 

When selecting artwork for your home be sure to consider the dimensions of your artwork to ensure that your walls will have a balanced appearance once hung. If you featured artwork is too small for the wall, it will not look as great in your space. Oversized artwork could be the perfect solution or hang a series of 3 smaller works of art. Most importantly, don’t shy away from bright colors in your artwork. A colorful work of art can transform a boring space into a well-designed space!

Joni Webb, Cote de Texas

 

When utilizing art work in the home my pet peeve is to be sure to hang the piece correctly.   A good rule of thumb is eye level. You don’t want to crane your neck up or down to see it.   And be sure to hang it at most six inches above a sofa or console.  At most.    You want the piece to relate to what is underneath it. Too high and the art will look like it is floating around in space. Ground it by placing it within inches of what is below.

Carin Cullen, Artfully Carin

 

My number 1 tip for getting the most out of artwork is to invest a little extra in UV glass if you are hanging light sensitive artwork (such as watercolours or  pencil drawings) in a sunny spot as they will fade very quickly.

 

Wow, some amazing tips from experienced professionals there! If you got one thing out of all of the tips, its make sure you don’t hang your artwork too high.

 

What Now?

 

Get out there, buy some fancy artwork, cool prints or funky designs and get it on your walls – you’ll be amazed how much just one piece of art can really finish off a room.

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10 AMAZING WAYS CUSTOM FRAMING CAN ADD TO YOUR HOME DECOR

Author: Cris Sweeny

10 Amazing ways custom framing can add to your Home Decor

When you think of custom framing you think of painting masterpieces, you don’t envision them as a piece of canvas dangling in the air or partially curled on a table, you see them in your mind beautifully hung on museum or gallery walls. Custom framing brings that same stunning and memorable elegance to your home decor. Picture framing artwork and photographs can serve as focal points or accents to a room as they provide that needed finish to any piece.

Decorating with framed pieces or even empty frames requires a bit of planning, a sense of aesthetics and a flair for creativity.

# 1 Eliminate picture framing fear

Selecting artwork you like may come easily or may require agonizing for hours or days and the same can hold true for selecting the right frame. You find yourself face to face with so many choices for frame and mat colors, styles, size and materials that you may feel tempted to tuck the artwork or photographs away rather than make a decision. Fortunately, once you learn how to break down the process into manageable steps and utilize professional custom framing experts, you can get a feel for what works and eliminate your fear of frames.

#2 Style of art

When selecting a frame for a single piece or an entire collection, you need to consider the style of the art and/or photographs. The sparse details of modern artwork will appear out of place in a gilded frame just as an impressionist painting won’t work in a contemporary frame made of steel or other metal. The frame needs to compliment the artwork or photograph, not distract from it so take your time when looking through custom framing colors, materials, sizes and mat choices until you find an appropriate match.

#3 Style of room

It’s not an interior design law that your chosen frame exactly matches your interior decor, but it should appear at home in the space and you can use custom picture framing to achieve the ideal appearance. A room featuring classic style and rich tones from wooden antiques is an easy fit for traditional frames around artwork, while metallic or similarly unadorned frames complement a contemporary room with clean lines.

Prints Face Mounted Onto Plexiglass

In this short video, Cris Sweeny owner of FrameWorks custom framing Miami explains how prints are face mounted on Plexiglass at their Valmar frame shop Miami location.

#4 Match frame size to picture size

A frame that’s too narrow becomes lost around a large-scale photo or painting just as a chunky, ornate, thick frame overwhelms a delicate painting or still life photo. Your chosen frame should balance the work your framing and with custom framing, you don’t have to worry about searching for the right frame through pre-made choices because you have complete customization control.

#5 To mat or not

Although many pieces of artwork or photographs can benefit from frames, not every piece requires a mat to appear complete. Mats tend to be more a personal preference choice than an interior design must and the best way to decide if you want a mat is by holding the chosen custom framing material and mat up to the piece. Artwork with a clean background may not require a mat whereas photos and paintings that need some distance between their colors and frame can benefit from matting.

#6 Proper mat width

If you choose to use a mat for your piece, make sure it’s wide enough for the artwork or photograph. Any mat too narrow won’t properly set off the selected piece so a good rule to follow is select a mat at least twice as wide as the frame. A wider mat is also an option as long as it doesn’t swallow the art or photograph.

Custom framing experts can eliminate the guesswork of mat width as they have extensive knowledge and experience framing all styles and types of art.

#7 Contrasting mat

Classic white or cream-colored mats work well for most pieces of art and while the temptation exists to choose a trendy color, you may find yourself unhappy with it once the trend passes. For black and white photographs, pencil sketches, line drawings and monochromatic artwork, a black mat can create a striking effect. When choosing a mat of contrasting color, ensure the contrast is strong enough that the piece doesn’t disappear in darkness or become washed out in white.

#8 Glass matters

When you have a sentimental or valuable photograph or piece of original artwork to frame, the glass you choose makes a difference in the longevity of the piece. Museum framing with quality glass has a special treatment that blocks harmful UV rays that can cause fading and heat damage. Untreated glass traditionally costs less, but may be too heavy for a large piece and this makes lighter weight acrylic a good choice. Investing in custom framing allows you to choose the best type of glass for your artwork to ensure it retains its original beauty for generations.

To keep artwork and photographs safe from fading, it’s best to limit their exposure to direct sunlight, no matter what type of glass you select.

#9 Matching for Custom Framing

Even on a gallery wall, you don’t always need to hang everything in matching frames. The frame needs to match the artwork first and if a particular framed piece doesn’t seem to fit among others, find a better location for it and switch something else in. Having the piece finished with custom framing gives you the ability to find the right spot where it complements surrounding artwork and decor.

#10 Creating the right display