If you are hanging a collection of pictures, designers say the main piece - whether it's largest or not - should be centered at eye level. A smaller frame surrounded by larger frames can create a distinctive look.
When it comes to framing, it’s important to keep in mind that the frame should neither overpower nor underpower the work of art itself. The best approach to framing involves striking balance and harmony between the two.
Did you know that movable frames did not exist until the Renaissance? During this time, wealthy nobles began hiring artists to paint allegorical paintings and portraits to bring to their homes.
Did you know that early picture frames were made from a single piece of wood? A frame maker carved out the area to be painted and then gilded the whole piece before painting the image on the flat panel inside the frame.
Classic black picture frames help focus attention on a print, especially when the artwork is kinetic or brightly colored. When repeated in a gallery wall, like colored, and even identically sized frames help create continuity, too.
Once your framed artwork is ready to take home, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a friend to hang it. Custom framed pictures may be heavier to work with than you'd expect.
The anti-reflective glass used in picture frames is more specialized and expensive than plain glass. It performs a number of important functions: It protects paint or dye pigments from fading (with UV protection), reduces or eliminates glare, and also reduces problems with reflection.
From a conservation point of view, rag mat is going to be your best mat board option. This matting is made from 100 percent cotton and thus is naturally acid free. The only drawback to this type of matting is that it’s relatively expensive.
The wall where your art will hang is an important consideration. The greater the available space, the larger the item, or the greater the array, that can be displayed. Think of the wall as a secondary framing concept that enhances the look of your art.
If your only experience with frames is the standard black ones that you can buy pre-made, then you’re in for a surprise. Custom frame shops have hundreds of different frame styles so you’ll be able to find one that perfectly fits your artwork.
When multiple layers of mats are used, these are often put together with different colors, but that’s not the only option. When you use multiple layers of the same color it can add depth to the piece while keeping the design simple and focused.
Are you planning to hang artwork or architectural elements in an all-weather location like an outdoor family room, lanai or patio? Where moisture may be a problem, make sure your artwork is properly sealed and water resistant, and use galvanized steel or stainless steel hanging hooks and nails.
When you have a document that you’d like to frame, it’s very important to consider the material it’s made from. In some cases, framing the document could cause it to age and deteriorate faster, so it’s a good idea to let a professional handle important documents.
In framing fine art, the painting’s style should suggest the frame style. For instance, an ethereal or more abstract painting might look best in a sleek frame, while a period or more classic figurative painting will be well suited to a traditional gold leafed frame or wood frame.
Some advantages of using glass instead of acrylic in a picture frame are that it is less costly, more scratch-resistant, does not build up static charges, and does not require a protective coating.
In modern framing, the purpose of matting is to separate the art from the glass, which in turn allows air flow and keeps the two from sticking together. It’s also used to give visual space to the artwork so it isn’t flush against the frame.
When framing a fine art piece, you want to choose a frame finish that isn’t going to compete with the art in terms of color or texture. For instance, you don’t want to choose a bright or eye catching frame to accompany an already busy image.
When hanging a picture frame, make sure you never go beyond the weight limit of the picture hanger. This can eventually result in the picture falling from the wall, damaging not only the frame but the wall as well.
If you're hanging a sofa painting on a very long wall, it doesn't always make sense to hang it in the center of the wall. Instead, consider centering it over the sofa to define the room.
Art will always look best when it’s properly presented. The best way to make sure it’s always presented correctly is to get it framed. The wrong frame will make the best artwork look horrible, while the right frame will make the artwork look fantastic.
If you want to draw the viewer’s eye inward, towards the picture, consider adding a fillet (aka slip). This is a decorative strip of molding set on or inside the frame. It can also serve a purely decorative function to improve the look of a plain frame.
Before you bring your materials to us for framing, call about the best method for transporting them to us. You do not want to cause accidental damage to the items because they were packed improperly.