Framing isn’t just about being able to hang your picture up on the wall. There’s a certain strategy to choose the right picture frame that will enhance your piece as well as complement your interior space.
Many factors go into creating your perfect custom frame, and they can be overwhelming. When you come to Frame It Easy to order your frames, you’ll browse a variety of frame styles, colors, and shapes. Having these options is great, but we understand they can it that much harder to choose.
To help you choose the right picture frame to complement your piece, we’ve compiled some tips for when you’re faced with all of our frame-related choices.
Wood or Metal Frame?
When searching for the perfect frame to complement your piece, you must first consider the material of the frame. Here at Frame It Easy, we offer a variety of wood and metal frames that differ in color, thickness, and style.
Of course, the picture that you are framing should definitely play a part in your choice between a wood or metal frame. Different styles and pieces work well with different material frames.
For instance, modern pieces, such as abstract art or black-and-white photos, are complemented well by the simplistic nature of a metal frame. Rather than drawing attention from the picture, metal frames subtly enhance the display with a crisp finish.
Wooden frames are the alternative, which offer a more rugged and traditional look. Great for paintings, wholesome photographs, or art, wooden frames complement these pieces with warmth and elegant detail.
The interior design style you are after can also impact your choice between a wood or metal frame. Whether you are after a bohemian look or a minimalist style, you are sure to find the right frame to complement your area as well as your artwork. Check out our 10 interior design styles and our favorite frames to accessorize with! Here you’ll gain insight into the top design styles with our frames, and give you a little more confidence in picking the perfect frame style.
For a more in-depth analysis, check out our guide on Wood vs. Metal Picture Frames: Which Should You Choose?
Frame Color
You can take a variety of approaches when it comes to picking your frame color, whether you want to emphasize a feature in your artwork, or you’re trying to complement an interior design style. Remember to go with your gut when customizing your frame, especially when choosing the color. After all, you’ll be the one displaying it!
Here are three ways to tackle choosing a color for your custom frame:
1. Choose a color from the picture
Selecting a frame color that is shown in your artwork or photo is always a safe option that will not only accentuate a specific color but also give off a feeling of continuity within the display.
The chosen color from the piece can be as widespread or minuscule as you’d like. For a piece that is primarily one color, choosing a frame of that same shade will emit a sense of stability. However, selecting a frame color that matches a tiny shade within the piece will draw attention to that color within the art. This method will truly make your picture pop, in addition to drawing the eye to the frame (because it will not be the same color as most of the picture).
2. Go for a dramatic effect
For a clean and simple piece, consider choosing a frame color that is the complete opposite of that in the picture. This creates a very dramatic effect and draws all eyes to the framed display.
This approach could work with any piece, simple or chaotic. An opposite-colored frame will add character to the space you display it in and makes a very bold statement. We suggest using a metal-styled frame if you take this strategy — you’re after a loud statement with color, but not to create a cluttered feel to the artwork.
3. Think neutral
If you don’t want to emphasize a specific color in your piece or make a bold statement with an opposite-colored frame, going with a neutral-colored frame is great to complement any piece of work.
White frames are clean, classic, and timeless. They really can make all colors pop within a picture — which can be particularly dramatic for colorful works. We offer four styles of white frames (Hanover, Derby, Dayton, and Ashford). Check out our post for more tips, ideas, and inspiration for white picture frames!
On the other hand, black frames are also classic neutral frames options that can complement nearly all artworks or photographs. Almost all of our frame styles are offered in shades of black, and you’re sure to find one that speaks to you!
Should I Add a Mat?
One of the last pieces to consider in order to choose the right frame for your picture is the matting. Matting adds a decorative touch to your work, as well as separates your art from the cover a bit.
Adding a mat lends a formal and tidy look to your display, and really complements pictures within the frame. Larger posters and art may not need a mat, but it depends on the piece and the look you are going for.
However, the matting is particularly useful for small pictures and items. If your work is smaller than 5″ x 5″, you’ll definitely want a large matting in order to fit the piece in your frame.
Here at Frame It Easy, we have many options for you to explore, so feel free to get creative with your matting! We offer single and double mat styles, in addition to various colors and textures for matboards that can truly impact your display. If you’re looking for more information about matting, check out our post on the different matboard styles to help you!
Final Thoughts
There are many aspects of a custom frame to consider in order to ensure it truly complements your artwork. We hope you feel confident enough to take on your next framing project!
What you should consider:
- Wood or Metal Frame: different pieces of work will be complemented best with a wood or metal frame. Keep in mind the nature of the piece — is it very dramatic or simple on its own — as well as the design style of the space you’re accessorizing
- Frame Color: we suggest choosing a frame color that matches a shade in the picture, going for a bold-colored frame for a dramatic effect, or selecting a neutral shade for your frame.
- Mat or no mat? We suggest mats for pieces smaller than 5″ x 5″, or if you’re looking for an extra decorative border to add to your piece.
Let’s get framing! Start designing your own custom frame that is sure to personalize and complement any living space. Looking for inspiration for what you should frame? Check out our 25 personalized picture frame ideas to start your next project.
