When it comes to framing a picture, we often wonder where to start - what style of frame to choose, what to match it with, whether to select a mat or use glass.
With our extensive framing experience, we have compiled 10 useful tips on how to select the one perfect frame from a vast frame catalog.
1. Start with the artwork you want to frame. Is it a watercolor, graphic, photo, poster, oil on canvas? Or perhaps a national flag? Children's drawings? Is it a modern painting or an antique? Each option will require a different frame, so here are a few rules:
- For strong modern paintings or photographs, simple, bold, solid color modern frames work well.
- For dramatic, deep canvas paintings, "floating frames" look great. These frames do not touch the edges of the artwork, creating the impression that the artwork is hanging away from the frame.
- Wooden ornate frames are perfect for classic paintings. If framing a watercolor, it should be protected with glass.
- If you're unsure and don't know what to choose, go for classic - a dark or natural wood color simple frame and a cream-colored mat - you can't go wrong.
2. Decide where the artwork will hang. In a modern interior or an antique one? In both cases, very different frames will be needed. Modern interiors will look better with modern, simple frames, metal, while antique or classic ones require more intricate, ornate frames. Will it hang alone or alongside many other works? If there are already other paintings on the same wall, try to ensure that the frames at least match stylistically - for example, all being modern. You can frame all works in the same frames, but it's most interesting when very different frames are chosen, like in this picture:
| In this picture, you can see how many different pictures are framed in similar (but not identical) minimalist narrow profile frames. |
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| 3. Consider the size of the artwork. Is it large or small? If the artwork is already large, you probably won't want to enlarge it further and will choose a narrower mat, but if the picture is small, you have two options: leave it small with a narrow mat and narrow frame, enlarge it with a wide, bold frame, or put a super wide mat on it and turn it into a true giant. |
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4. Don't forget that beauty isn't everything. While we primarily choose a frame based on style and color scheme, we must not forget that the budget for the frame is equally important. Frame prices can vary greatly - from a few dozen euros to a thousand. The most popular frames, known for their good quality-to-price ratio, are collected in the EXPRESS collection.
Also, the depth of the frame is very important. The frame's depth should be slightly greater than the thickness of the artwork. If the frame needs to accommodate not only the artwork but also glass and several mats, keep this in mind.
5. The purpose and nature of the work. Original artworks that will hang in your home for a lifetime deserve good natural wood frames, for which you shouldn't skimp on money. A quality result will bring you joy for a long time. It's different if you're framing a cheap poster or an unsigned reproduction. Such a frame has lower requirements, so it can be simpler, plastic.
6. Choose several options and compare. When choosing a frame, don't immediately look for the one perfect option. Select at least 3-5 options and then compare them with each other. Which one fits better? If you're framing a painting rather than a mirror, it's helpful to see the frame in person at our framing workshop Vytauto pr. 60 Kaunas.
When choosing a mat, keep in mind that it can significantly change the mood of the entire piece, so first, take a close look at the artwork's palette and choose a shade that doesn't dominate but recurs in several places as an accent. Such colors should also be in the mat. As mentioned, if in doubt, choose an ivory color or cream mat.
7. See the frame in person. If you can't come to us, ask for a frame sample. We will send it or bring it to your home.
8. Trust your taste. It is the most important here. No matter what others say. The final result must please you first and foremost. Besides, you chose the artwork that you are now framing, so don't doubt that you will also choose a great frame.
9. Don't be afraid of innovations and new solutions. Combine what seems incompatible at first glance - frame modern paintings in ornate baroque frames, hang antique works in a modern interior. Sometimes it's worth considering double framing, where one artwork is framed twice in two separate frames that together look like one. Discover the joy of experimentation.
10. Contact our professionals: an experienced coordinator will take your order and help you choose the right frame, while the framing master will create a quality frame.
