Table of Contents
- 1. BECKY FREEMAN @ THE SPIRITED PUDDLE JUMPER
- 2. SCOTT PURCELL @ MAN OF MANY
- 3. SUE DE CHIARA @ THE ZHUSHT
- 4. PRO TIP – CHARLES NEAL
- 5. RACHEL SOUTHERN @ THE ORDINARY LOVELY
- 6. CHRISSY @ ORGANISE MY HOUSE
- 7. JASON GRANT, INTERIOR STYLIST
- 8. CATHERINE LAZURE-GUINARD @ NORDIC DESIGN
- 9. PRO TIP – DANIELA NUILA
- 10. MAITE GRANDA @ INTERIORS BY MAITE GRANDA
- 11. PRO TIP – PAMELA HUGHES
- 12. SARA CHIARILLI @ ARTFUL CONCEPTIONS
- 13. PRO TIP – NIKKI LEVY
- 14. LYNN @ MYLUXE
- 15. KATHRYN MARSH, IDS PROFESSIONAL
- 16. PRO TIP – JANICE ATTIA
- 17. ANGELA REYNOLDS, INTERIOR DESIGNER
- 18. PRO TIP – CATHY SANDS
- 19. GLORIA HERNANDO @ KIS INTERIOR DESIGN
- 20. TIFFANY HINTON @ LOLA INTERIORS
- 21. PRO TIP – MARK DALTON
- 22. MICHAELA MILDENHALL @ PARGY & ALICE PALACE DESIGN
- 23. MARTYN WHITE @ MARTYN WHITE DESIGNS
- 24. MARK TREMBLAY @ MARC-MICHAELS INTERIOR DESIGN
- 25. SOPHIE HOWARD @ SOPHIE HOWARD INTERIORS
- 26. PRO TIP – GRETCHEN MANNION
- 27. JENNIFER LANNING @ TOTAL HOME INTERIORS
- 28. RAFAELA SIMOES @ 2ID INTERIORS
- 29. PRO TIP – TANIA CHRISTENSEN
- 30. PERLA LICHI @ PERLA LICHI DESIGN
- 31. BARBARA KRAI @ BARBARA KRAI INTERIOR DESIGN
- 32. VIVIANA MONARI @ ID DESIGN FOR ALL
- 33. ELIZABETH HALL @ ELIZABETH HALL DESIGNS
- 34. PRO TIP – ANNIE GOLDMAN
- 35. DAVID MIRANDA @ DIDA HOME
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!
