Have you ever wondered what sets certain artworks apart, making them more enchanting and appealing than others? The secret lies in the art of framing – more specifically, frames for artwork! A frame does much more than just protect your artwork; it has the power to enhance and elevate the overall impact of your creative masterpiece.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of art frames, from selecting the perfect frame to mounting and hanging your artwork.
You May Have Asked…
How do I know what thickness of artwork I can put in a frame?
Measure the depth of your artwork, including backing boards or stretchers. Standard prints and photos fit most frames, while canvases, wood panels, or layered pieces may require a deeper frame to fit comfortably.
How do I know what size frame to buy?
Measure your artwork’s exact width and height. Custom frames are built to those dimensions. If you’re adding a mat board, base your frame size on the outer dimensions of the matted piece, not just the artwork.
Will the frames I buy from Frame It Easy be ready to hang?
Yes! Every frame arrives fully assembled with the appropriate hanging hardware, so you can insert your artwork and hang it immediately — no extra setup required.
How do I choose the best frame for my artwork?
Consider the style of your artwork, the room, and the overall look you want. Slim frames create a modern, gallery-style vibe, while wider frames add presence. Mat boards can add breathing room and accentuate colors. The goal is to complement your art without overpowering it.
How thick should a frame be for art?
Thickness depends on both size and balance. Larger pieces and gallery walls benefit from wider frames for proportion and support, while smaller prints work well in slimmer profiles. The right thickness ensures stability and a visually harmonious look.
What Should I Consider?
Choosing the right picture frames for your artwork is an art form in itself. Here are some key considerations that will help enhance your art:
Preservation and Protection – Quality frame materials protect against dust, moisture, and physical damage. It will extend the lifespan of your artwork!
Improved Aesthetic – Your frame should complement and enhance your artwork. A great frame can even draw the eye to the work itself.
Added Context – A frame can also provide context to the artwork. A traditional, ornate frame may be suitable for a classical painting, while a sleek, minimalist frame may be perfect for a contemporary piece.
Additional Value – A well-chosen frame can add value to your custom artwork, making it more appealing to potential buyers and art collectors.
How Do I Choose The Right Frame
What are the best frames for artwork? When selecting picture frames for your artwork, consider the importance of both aesthetic appeal and preservation.
Selecting the perfect frame involves considering factors such as color, style, material, and size. We’ve got the official breakdown on each of these crucial elements…
Frame Color & Style
Complementary – Look for picture frame colors that complement the dominant colors in your artwork. Not your style? Another option is to choose a neutral or simple frame color that won’t overpower the artwork.
Style – Consider the style of your artwork. Traditional paintings often pair well with ornate frames, while modern and abstract pieces may benefit from simpler, sleeker frames. The goal is to enhance the artwork’s style without overwhelming it.
Matting – Matting can be a major game-changer! For complex images, we recommend a single mat, and for simpler images, a double matting. The right matting can help define an artwork’s space and draw more attention to the piece’s details.
Have you heard of our Smart Color Matching tech for matboards? Matting instantly elevates the look and draws focus to your artwork. By pulling a subtle color from the piece itself, the frame becomes part of the design, increasing perceived value and supporting higher price points.
Frame Materials
Whether you’re looking for standard-sized frames or some custom dimensions, we’ve got the best wood and metal frames to fit your work and your budget! The choice of frame material, whether it’s classic wood or sleek metal frames, plays a meaningful role in your artwork’s presentation.
Wooden frames are a classic choice, available in 3 styles and a bunch of finishes! From Wheat to Hazel, wood frames work well with a wide range of art styles and give off a timeless feel when paired well.
Shop our Ornate Wood Picture Frames
Our Metal frames, made from recycled aluminum, offer a sleek and modern look. They are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for larger pieces of artwork. Available in 5 different styles in both thin and wide faces. The best part is – these metal frames for artwork are able to house a variety of art styles!
Shop Our Black Picture Frames
Acrylic Cover – We often get asked if acrylic or glass is best for a picture frame’s cover. Acrylic is often much more transparent than glass, it’s lightweight, and it has UV-resistant properties! We have three options: clear acrylic, non-glare acrylic, and conservation clear, which offers 99% UV protection. (
Unsure about what cover to select? Consider the following…
Our Clear Acrylic offers the beautiful clarity of the finest picture frame glazing at half the weight of glass and many times the impact resistance. Additionally, it blocks some ultraviolet light. It is the preferred material for larger framed art and provides the safety warranted in high-traffic areas. It is the ideal glazing material for museums, galleries, and homes.
Our Non-Glare Acrylic has all of the clarity, impact resistance, and ultraviolet protection of our Clear Acrylic, but with a very fine matted coating that elegantly diffuses light and reduces reflections.
Our Conservation Clear provides superior clarity with 99% UV protection. Perfect for artists, museums, galleries, larger works, and anything you want to preserve long-term.
Mounting & Hanging
Hanging Height – The ideal height for hanging artwork is at eye level, which is typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork. 57 to 60 is the standard…most of the time.
Location – Finding the perfect location for your art to call home is key! Consider all options, including accent walls and odd spaces that need a pop of personality! If you’re hangin’ in a high-humidity area like a bathroom, we suggest metal frame styles.
Hanging Hardware – If you’re using our hanging hardware kit, you won’t have to worry! Be sure your hanging wire is securely wrapped, and the screws are tight in place.
Frames For Artwork: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right frame for your artwork is a creative process that involves attention to detail, an understanding of aesthetics, and a deep appreciation for your art (don’t be your own worst critic!). The right frame can enhance your artwork’s visual impact, protect it from harm, and add big value!
Take your time, explore your options, and make an informed choice to truly enhance your art. Remember, a well-framed piece of art is not just an accessory but a work of art in itself.
Show off your framed artwork, photos, & other items! – Inspire others by sharing your photos, tell us your story! If we share it, you’ll receive a coupon for 15% off your next order!
