How to choose your art frame
Art frame, how do you choose one? Your selection choices will be discussed in the article below. The choice of an appropriate frame to suit your artwork requires research and careful consideration. This is because your choice can result in either enhancement or distraction from the artwork itself. Simply put, if you choose the wrong frame you are likely to diminish the visual impact your artwork can have on a viewer. And, selecting a frame isn’t only about choosing color and material either. Your final goal is, to present the art in the most effective possible way. That frames are so very important in the presentation, as evidenced by the fact that some famous museums have had frames exhibits. And according to some, the frames themselves can be considered as art. One such frames exhibit ‘Frames in Focus: Sansovino Frames’, was held at the National Gallery in London (2015).
How to choose your art frame is an art.
The guidelines in this article are suggestions. They are biased although they conform to the standard norms. However, you must experiment on your own. So, what are the things to consider when selecting an art fame?
Do it yourself versus custom professional art frame
You have mainly two art frame sources for your framing needs. The first source is the Internet. Online you will find many e-commerce stores and picture frames factory outlets, artist materials stores where you can buy ready made picture frames and matting supplies, and websites where you can upload images or send your physical artwork to be framed. The second source is the traditional frame shop. So, perhaps the first decision to make is whether you would do the framing yourself or give the job to a professional framer.
Sourcing from the internet is most suitable in the following instances: You have the know-how and can do the framing yourself, you are shopping on a budget, you know exactly what you want and do not need any advice in the selection process, and your artwork is a photograph, poster, print or digital art. This choice is usually very affordable ($).
Compared to the Internet, an art frame shop would be more suitable in the following instances: You are not a do it yourself person, you need the advice of a framer in selecting your frame, you have a rather expensive piece of art such as an oil painting, your artwork requires an elaborate molding and you need or want a professional framing. This choice can be expensive ($$$).
If you have an art of extremely high value that requires conservation and very specialized framing than you should bring it to an auction house. ($$$$$)
What is the value of the artwork
The value of the artwork must be considered during the selection process. You may want to frame just a poster worth $5 or may need to frame a Renoir painting worth over $100,000,000, or maybe an old master painting. Your choice of framing normally follows the value of your art. The more expensive the artwork the more expensive and elaborate the frame. View this video in The NewYorker about frames made by a professional frame maker from Brooklyn.
What is the medium of the artwork
The framing requirements of an oil painting are completely different than the requirements for watercolors, drawings pastels, and works on paper in general. These requirements are separate from the visual aspect decisions.
A watercolor, a pencil drawing or a pastel and works created on paper in general, will require matting and will also require that the work is placed in a frame that includes glass.
An oil painting, on the other hand, does not need to be covered with glass, will usually not need a matting and can be placed in a floating frame for a completely modern look.
Where will the work be displayed
When it comes to this consideration, there are two schools of thought. The first is that you should choose your art as well as the frame to complement your surrounding area colors and decor in general. Thinking along this line, some people first choose artwork in which the colors match the decor, or the sofa or the paint color of the wall or whatever is adjacent to where it is on display. The biggest mistake one can make, is to deliberately choose artwork only because it matches the surrounding decor.
We highly recommend the second school of thought. The work of art and nothing else should direct the selection of the frame. And, simplicity is king. You do not have to consider the surrounding decor. You can choose the artwork you fall in love without having to think that you need to “match the colors” With this approach, you can create a contrast that will actually make the art pop out rather than blend in. In which case you may select a frame of neutral colors. Also worth mentioning that, the simpler the frame, the easier it is to adapt to a new decor placed in the room in the future, without having to re-frame the artwork.
Your personal visual preferences
Generally speaking, the painting style suggests the frame type. For example, a traditional, elegant gold-leafed frame would be most suitable for classical artwork. Abstract modern paintings suggest sleek frames or even museum style “floating frames”. The more ornate and wider the molding the more you will run the risk of detracting from the artwork itself.
Works on paper art frame guidelines
Works on paper are fragile in nature. Conservation mounting with archival materials is a must for longevity. Use only acid-free materials. The work must be placed in a frame under glass. Best frames for fine art photography are narrow style. The color and texture of the matting are important elements of the presentation. Avoid completely white matting. Use the dominant colors of the art instead, or use neutral-colored matting for a sophisticated look. Many suggest that the width of the matting could be equal on the top and sides but should be heavier at the bottom of the artwork for best visual impact (weighted matting). This choice is especially popular with photographers. It would also be suitable for digital art. Introducing a thin strip of color if appropriate and desired, can be achieved with double matting. For a good visual balance, the mat and frame should be different widths.
The glass that is used most of the time in framing works on paper is regular glass. This glass type has the disadvantage of filtering out only about half of the damaging ultraviolet (UV) light rays. Non-glare glass works well on pieces placed directly in front of a window softens the image and gives very low UV protection.
Oil paintings
The first consideration is the size of the artwork. Larger sizes usually dictate a wider frame. Frames for oil paintings usually have linen liners. The frame itself can be made up of two molding profiles to achieve the desired look. It is best if a professional frame does this job. The finish should not be in competition with the art’s colors and textures.
Color selection
Selecting a color for your frame is an important decision. Get professional advice from a framer or from people skilled in the visual fields. To read some of the basic concepts about color, follow the Blog article on the subject HERE.
Final word
Keep a minimalist approach with the least amount of ornamentation. Bonus: Buy an artwork from artgreeT to receive detailed professional advice for best ways to integrate artwork into your environment your home or office space. Read all the other educational blog posts.
Suggested reading
How to Choose the Best Frame to Present and Protect Your Artwork
