How to Frame a Picture?
Choosing the right frame for a graphic or oil painting is a challenging task. First, you need to match the frame to the artwork, and then to the space where it will hang. The frame acts as a bridge between the interior and the artwork. Properly selected frames can help the artwork become a true home decoration, while unsuitable ones can, conversely, 'ruin' the home space. If you're having trouble selecting a frame, we recommend consulting professionals and considering these five drastic framing methods.
1. Frames with Spacing
Frames with spacing are a popular framing method abroad, where the artwork is attached to the front of the frame, leaving a gap between its sides – this can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Visually, it looks as if the artwork is 'floating' in the frame – hence, these special frames are called 'floating frames' in English. This is an excellent choice if your interior has a modern vibe and you want to highlight the artwork.
2. Frame... the Frame!
If you want to widen a wooden frame, you can frame the artwork... twice! This is possible with certain types of mouldings. The first should have a flat edge so that the second frame can cover it nicely. Visually, this method widens the frame around the artwork, enlarges it, and allows for more colors to be highlighted. Keep in mind that the second moulding should also be deeper to cover the edges nicely.
3. Size Matters!
Mats are designed to protect the artwork from touching the glass, but they also serve an aesthetic function. A mat provides an additional opportunity to emphasize the color of the artwork and highlight its most beautiful parts. A mat can simply have a cutout for the artwork (its edges are usually cut at a 45-degree angle), or you can use several mats to create a sort of frame.
If you want to be even more original, you can order wide mats – if the sides exceed the cutout dimensions multiple times, the overall look can be very creative.
The same applies to frames – if you choose an especially wide frame to place a small picture in, you can visually enlarge the piece itself and give it added value.
4. Picture Mosaic
Imagine you have several small graphic works. You can frame them all separately, or... all in one large frame! Most framing workshops can cut several holes in one mat – this way, you can create a beautiful mosaic and hang it on the wall.
5. Cut It Out
This framing method is the most drastic. Remember that inherited painting your uncle made back in school? You don't like it, so it sits in the closet collecting dust. And the younger sibling, while looking for skates, even poked a hole in it. Time to cut it out.
Cut out just a small detail – a tree or a sunset. Choose a suitable, large frame, and you'll have a small masterpiece. Attention! Cutting is a responsible task, so it's best to think carefully before doing it, or consult with professionals at framing workshops – they will help cut it out and, if necessary, stretch the artwork on the stretcher.