Framing your artwork doesn't have to be a difficult or laborious task - and choosing the "right" frame is totally up to your preference! Here is my simple guide to selecting a frame that will complement your new artwork.
In this post, I'm offering suggestions for how to frame any 2D artwork on paper. Here in the shop, we also offer floater frames for my panel and canvas paintings.
Now, how do you choose the frame for that new art print or original on paper you just purchased?
Frame Style: The Classic White Frame
A clean white frame will go well with pretty much any artwork. If you want to make a quick and easy decision, go with a white frame. It integrates well with any other artwork already hung in your home. You can create a gallery wall of all white frames to bring together the artwork in an easy and cohesive way, or you can mix and match frame styles - you can't go wrong with simple white!
Frame Style: The Natural Wood Frame
Do you want to bring a little warmth to your home or gallery wall? A wood frame is a lovely way to bring in a simple natural texture. This frame style also works well with many types of artwork, including organic, modern, colorful, or toned down hues - it's so versatile!
Frame Style: The Metallic Frame
There are so many different metallic frame styles, like gold, brass, silver, gold with silver detailing, patterned frames, and more.
It's great when the color is not too flashy, and blends well with other frame styles. Metallics work surprisingly well with artwork in a variety of colors and styles. If you want something that feels a little upgraded from a white or wood frame and draws a bit more attention to the frame, go with metallic. If you wan't something even flashier for a glam look, choose a shinier metal frame like polished brass or gold.
To mat or not?
Adding a mat elevates the feel of your artwork and also gives you more bang for your buck when it comes to size - a mat usually adds 1.5" all around your art. It also protects your artwork from directly touching the glass, which is especially important for original works because it is better for preservation. You can choose a mat in many different colors when brought to a framer, but white is usually your best bet.
You don't always need a mat! Maybe you like the more "casual" look without it, or the artwork has its own border built in to the design. Or maybe you want the frame to be a certain size, and adding a mat would make it too big for your purposes. It's totally up to you if you want to include a mat!
Above: artwork framed without a mat
You can DIY it!
If your artwork is a standard size (like 8x10", 11x14", 16x20", etc.) it will be easier for you to find a frame in a store and you can just pop it into the frame yourself.
But if you're not into doing it yourself, bring your artwork to your local framer, or use an online framing service like Simply Framed to make it super easy for you (and not put off that framing forever!).
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