{"id":14745,"date":"2021-12-24T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-24T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/?p=14745"},"modified":"2024-04-05T09:51:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T13:51:55","slug":"dark-vs-light-wood-frames","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/dark-vs-light-wood-frames\/","title":{"rendered":"Dark vs Light Wood Frames: Which Is Best For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to home decor, you want to create something that will look good for years to come. One trend that has been around for quite some time is the use of wood<\/a>. There are endless amounts of ways to bring wood into your home decor, from flooring to furniture, from large-scale cabinets to small, strategically placed accessories. Here at Frame It Easy,<\/a> we offer both wood and metal frames, so you may be asking yourself, why choose wood frames over metal frames?<\/a> It’s completely a personal opinion, and which you think will look best in your space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are tons of different wood colors<\/a> to use in your home and don\u2019t be afraid to mix and match. Whether you want to choose light-colored wood frames, dark-colored wood frames, or add a little bit of both to create something unique, we will be going over all of our wood frames, both dark and light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have three different types of wood frames \u2014 Dayton, Granby, and Derby. In this post, however, we will be focusing on the Derby and Dayton, since those are the two wood frame<\/a> options that come in light or dark colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what is the best choice for your space? Or is adding a little bit of both the best option? Let’s find out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light-Colored Wood Frames <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, we will introduce our light-colored wood frames to you. Light-colored wood frames are a great way to brighten up your space and\u00a0lighten<\/em>\u00a0the mood (buh-dum-tiss). If you have a bright and natural aesthetic to your home, light wood frames might be the way to go, even if you are using white wood frames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derby and Dayton In White<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Derby frame style in white<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our Derby<\/a> is our most popular wood frame style; it\u2019s also the default style on the website! So if you want a wood frame that has a minimalistic vibe, but will still brighten everything up, Derby in white should be your choice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Dayton frame<\/a> style is our natural wood style, with a flat profile face that is 1 \u00bc\u201d wide. It\u2019s made from a North American hardwood that\u2019s either stained or painted and is made in America. Because our Dayton frame style is natural wood, you will be able to see the grain pattern of the wood, this makes each frame even more unique, which we think is pretty cool!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The great part about our Derby<\/a> and Dayton<\/a> frames in white is that they are a pretty neutral color; it goes with just about anything. It won\u2019t clash with any colors, and will only brighten the overall piece. This means, as long as you want an overall bright display, you can go crazy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t limit it to the colors of the piece, either. You can also go wild with matching the matboard colors<\/a>, too. Whatever you end up with, the white frame will lighten it up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dayton frame style in white<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dayton In Whitewash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Whitewash<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our white frame might be too pristine for what you are looking for. If this is the case, the\u00a0Dayton frame<\/a>\u00a0style in the color Whitewash frame is for you! Just be mindful that it will only brighten your art to an extent. Have something on off-white paper that you want to compliment? This frame would be great. Beach photos would look great in this frame color due to its natural look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derby In Wheat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Now, just because this frame isn\u2019t stark white, doesn\u2019t mean it doesn\u2019t have the ability to brighten up your room. Our Derby frame style in the color Wheat is a neutral, earthy color that can still create an eye-catching display on your walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What could this frame color go with? Well, if you have a bright landscape photo, it would make the sun shine in it that much more. Line art<\/a> would look great displayed in this frame color and black and white photos<\/a> can have their chance to look bright!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dayton In Sand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Dayton<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a natural wood counterpart to our wheat frame? Well, Dayton in sand would be your best bet. It\u2019s not the same frame, just to be clear (that\u2019s why they\u2019re in different sections). But the colors themselves are similar. That said, if you put them side by side, you would definitely see differences in the hues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This frame goes great with earthy colors, too. Like grass green, ocean blue, or even browns and maroons. Neutral-colored abstract art can also stand out on your walls wrapped in this frame!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark-Colored Wood Frames <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, dark wood frames could add a consistently dark tone to your display, by making a dark ring around it. This could create an elegant spot on your wall that stands out boldly. It could be a great centerpiece for a display, or it could just be an individual frame on your wall \u2014 one that attracts attention no matter how far you are from it. Indeed, most people like to have brighter walls for their homes<\/a>. This creates some great contrast spots for your wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derby In Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Want to go as dark as possible without going jet black? Coffee might be your best bet. Our Derby frame style<\/a> in Coffee is a very dark brown, almost like everyone\u2019s favorite caffeinated beverage. This is a frame that, due to it almost being black, makes it nearly universal. Have a photo with a lot of dark browns? This could be a good choice to complement it. In addition, this color goes great with the Papyrus matboard<\/a>. So if you\u2019re looking to mix some colors for a great display, that would be a great choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, too, our Derby frame style<\/a> is wood but is wrapped in a decorative laminate. This means you won\u2019t actually see any of the wood on the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We do, however, have natural wood frames. So let\u2019s have a look at a great dark color in that style\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dayton In Cocoa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Want a darker wood frame, but want something more\u2026 natural? Our Dayton frame style<\/a> in Cocoa might be for you. It\u2019s a bit lighter than our Derby in coffee, but it still keeps with the drink-themed names. Yes, Cocoa might be a bit lighter than the coffee frame color, but it still can accommodate pretty much the same types of display ideas as its Derby<\/a> in Coffee counterpart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you want something just a little brighter, or maybe you just want to have that natural woodgrain visible on your wall. Either way, this is still definitely a great frame to add to your display. Again, while the Papyrus matboard would still look great with this frame, the Cloud matboard<\/a> would also have a great aesthetic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derby In Merlot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who doesn\u2019t love the rich color that a nice glass of red wine brings? Continuing the beverage theme here, this is a frame that has an elegant dark red color. This unique color will truly make your photos stand out, whatever it is you choose to frame! Family photos<\/a> are always a good idea because they truly can show off the personality of your family, plus, who wouldn\u2019t want to see your family\u2019s smiling faces every day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derby in Black Grain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Having a flat black frame is great. It\u2019s a universal color, will go with just about any print, and just has a great all-around look. That said, patterns can be great, too. This is where our Derby frame style<\/a> in Black Grain comes in. Keep in mind, this is our Derby frame style, so like mentioned before, the grain is just a printed pattern on the laminate, and not actually part of the wood \u2014 which still looks great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wrapping Things Up <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Always remember our golden rule, when it comes to home decor \u2014 there are no real rules! Do whatever you think looks best. It is your home after all! If you want to make a gallery wall<\/a> with every other frame a different color, we say, go for it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just remember a few things before designing your frames, and you should be all set to go! <\/p>\n\n\n\n