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We always talk about art you love to live with, but what about the art of framing? It’s easy to defer to the experts and the artists, but here are a few tips to keep in mind so you can be more informed when deciding about frames.
A frame is what you see that goes around the art, often made of wood, metal or particle board. A float frame is mounted in a way that looks as though the painting is floating with an intentional gap between the frame and canvas. A shadow box is deeper and is used for three-dimensional objects or to display something like memorabilia.
Natural wood is a big look right now, but so are wild textures and even glittered frames! A trend that has lasted for centuries is the gilded frame, popular with collectors seeking a more a traditional, classic look. Also trending are thinner, lighter frames which work well with modern and contemporary paintings and interiors.
Really, there aren’t many. But, a frame does need to be as deep or deeper than the canvas or panel you are framing.
I imagine at some point, everyone had some kind of “work on paper” they tacked to their wall – a poster, photograph, drawing or watercolor. The corners get torn, the paper will wrinkle and the image will fade. This is where a frame comes into play for protection and preservation, along with matting and glass choices.
A mat is often made of thick paper board, but it can also be wrapped in fabric like linen, suede, or even a bandana to add texture and flare. On a design level, multiple mats can be layered to create physical depth. They can also vary in color, and those colors are recommended to be neutral, pull from the color palette of the painting, or add a pop of color pulled from the image as an accent.
A mat adds visual space between the image and the frame, a.k.a., the power of negative space, and allows the frame to compliment a work without visual competition. Using a mat serves a practical purpose of keeping glass from touching the image, which is important to mitigate moisture buildup and prevent the actual art from sticking to the glass.
Glass protects the work beneath it, plain and simple, from dust, sun, water, nicks and spills, and it is mostly used for works on paper. However, it is not unheard of to cover a painting with glass. The downside to glass is the reflection which can interfere with one’s view. Fortunately, there are different types of glass that can reduce the glare.
Frame shops often default to 99 UV glass to protect the art from sun/light damage unless otherwise requested. Once an image is large enough, plexiglass becomes the new default – surprisingly more expensive than glass – but it weighs much less. “Museum plexiglass” is the highest quality material one can choose. If you live in a humid environment or are framing for a bathroom with a shower, for instance, splexi is appropriate because there is less moisture buildup due to the semi-permeable material.
As with art, good frames are an investment. When working with a known and reputable framer, you are purchasing high quality frames with expert craftsmanship and skilled assembly. Less expensive frames such as those bought online are often made of particle board that will warp or separate with time. When paying for a quality frame, you’re also purchasing the expertise of a professional who knows how to handle your art with care, add the proper hanging hardware and mount it perfectly. Framing is an art form of its own!
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, home décor, and the art itself. Many people lean into the advice of an interior designer or of the framer for direction. Some like to research and follow the artist’s preferred style of frame. But Jay at Peak Framing hopes people are willing to tap into their own tastes and go with what they like.
Thank you to Jay at Peak Framing in Basalt for chatting with us about his expertise and experiences!
