How to choose the best frame for your Artwork

Why do we frame in the first place?

The primary purpose of a frame is to focus your attention on the work of art and to create a unified piece that stands alone and promotes undisturbed viewing. The frame should also protect and enhance the artwork. The frame around a work of art is the finishing touch to elevate and present the art to look as good as possible. Framing, however, is an art in itself. A good choice of frame can greatly enhance the appearance of a work. Equally, a poor frame choice can also diminish appearance.

What to do with a canvas:

Artwork on a canvas can be stretched and mounted to wooden bars which gives it a finished and clean look. The sides will be smooth and there will be no visible staples or tape.

Another option would be to frame the canvas. There needs to be sufficient material around the artwork as this will be used to stretch and secure the canvas tightly.

Which frame should I choose?

There are no hard and fast rules and the choice is completely up to you. Here are a few tips to consider:

The style of the painting should work hand-in-hand with the style of the frame. Older style paintings of something historical could be matched with a timeless, traditional gold-leafed frame or a walnut/mahogany wooden frame. Lighter, more abstract paintings may look best in a smoother frame. There are also many styles in between that could complement any artwork. Each frame has a unique profile which is illustrated by the corner samples available in each framing shop.

One should consider where the frame will be hung. The frame style does not necessarily need to match the room. You could choose to put a traditional style frame in a more modern room or vice versa. Your choice also does not need to match the style of your existing frames. Often, a wide variety of frame styles, sizes and finishes look amazing together.

Generally, the larger the picture, the wider your moulding (frame) should be. You could also use multiple frames within each other to create a different look. Commonly, we insert a mount board between the image and the frame to create a space between the two. There are various colours to choose from and generally, this gap should not be bigger than the frame, although this does work well at times.

Try to choose a frame that does not compete with the art in colour and/or pattern. Remember - there are no rules and there can be fun in experimenting and creating something you really appreciate! The same style won't necessarily appeal to everyone and what is most important is that you like your choice.

Quality framing can be an expensive venture, and we aim to work to your budget as best as possible. We provide years of experience to help you find the solution for you. Don’t underestimate the importance of framing your artwork in the most suitable and visually attractive way. Take the time to make the right selections to make sure you enjoy your artwork for a long time! If you need help to choose the best frame. Visit us at Picture Framing Fourways.