Choosing the Perfect Frame For Your Art: 9 Things To Know

Design advice and practical tips for choosing the ideal frame for your art, from artist and decor expert Kerwin Blackburn

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on choosing the perfect frame for your art. More than mere borders for an image, frames hold the power to elevate, transform, and spotlight your cherished pieces. This article will cover nine key factors to consider when choosing your frame, as well as where to get your frames from.

As a UK artist who has sold his artwork into hundreds of homes across the world, in this guide I explore the art of choosing the perfect frame. This is a process that goes beyond just aesthetics. Framing is about preservation, style alignment, and creating an ambiance in your home or space.

Choose the perfect frame by considering your artwork’s style and room ambiance. Think about the colour balance, mounting, frame material and size, frame style, and your budget. Prioritise preservation with UV protection for lasting impact. You can buy a standard frame or opt for made-to-measure.

Join me to discover how to choose the perfect frame for any piece of art, of your artwork. Following this guide will ensure your artwork becomes an extension of you and your personality; enhancing the art’s allure and ensuring its lasting impact.

Framing is a secret weapon that can unlock hidden potential in any piece of art. Let’s get started.

If you’ve already chosen your ideal frame and are ready to actually frame your artwork, read my related helpful How-To guide on framing here.

Does Art Look Better Framed? Why Frame Your Art

Ever wondered why some artworks seem look better and have an extra edge when framed? It’s not just about superficial appearance; framing is an artful enhancement that transforms the very essence of your cherished pieces. A well-chosen frame serves as a subtle guide for the viewer, drawing their eye in and emphasising the details that make your art unique.

However, framing is not merely about visual appeal. Frames are also a safeguard; a protective cocoon that shields your art from the wear and tear of daily life – be it dust, humidity, or the harsh effects of UV rays.

While many artworks (whether paintings or prints or more 3-dimensional pieces) can be hung unframed, ‘as they are’, the addition of a frame can often take an artwork from good to great. Imagine a gallery where each piece has its own perfect frame, making everything look more stylish and classier – and valuable, too.

As we explore the nuances of framing, you will discover that framing is not just a luxury but a necessity. It’s an art form that extends the life of your artwork, while adding to the artistic narrative around it, and ensuring it stands the test of time with both grace and style.

Think of framing not just as an optional add-on; it’s an essential chapter in the story of your art.

Choosing the Perfect Frame For Your Art: 9 Things To Know

Choose the perfect frame by considering your artwork’s style and room ambiance. Think about the colour balance, mounting, frame material and size, frame style, and your budget. Prioritise preservation with UV protection for lasting impact. You can buy a standard frame or opt for made-to-measure.

Later, I’ll dive into some specific considerations to bear in mind to help you choose the perfect frame for your art. But before that, below is a breakdown of nine key factors you’ll want to think about when making that perfect frame choice. These are:

1. Understanding Your Artwork’s Style and Genre

Regardless of the practical and protective factors we’ll explore, first things first: choose a frame that looks great.

To achieve visual harmony between your artwork, its frame, and the environment it’ll be displayed in, it’s crucial to match the frame with your artwork’s style. A contemporary piece may thrive in a sleek, minimalist frame; while an ornate, decorative frame could complement a classic painting.

The goal is to amplify the inherent aesthetics of the artwork through a symbiotic pairing. Typically, a frame should be complementary to the artwork it’s housing. A frame should generally serve the artwork and draw viewers into the piece; and therefore attract less attention than the art. The frame shouldn’t be so noticeable (either in style, colour or thickness) that it stands out at the expense of the art itself.

However, for particular and striking pieces of art looking to make a statement (which may include many works of pop art, you may want a frame that deliberately contrasts with the actual art piece inside it.

My own ‘By Kerwin’ pop art paintings and prints work great in simple, modern, black frames. The black really makes the vibrant colours of my portrait action paintings ‘pop’. However, my art is also very versatile; they work great with white, natural wooden, or even coloured frames.

[BLACK AND WHITE FRAME PICS, AND COLOURED – BEATLES PIANO? – Paul Weller white original pic]

2. Considering the Room and Ambiance

Frames are more than just accessories; they set the mood. A dark, heavy frame may add drama to a formal setting, while a light, airy one can inject freshness into a room. Consider where your art will hang – its surroundings influence the frame’s impact, contributing to the overall ambiance.

Coloured frames can inject a sense of playfulness and fun – often ideal with a pop art-themed interior décor style. Always be clear in your mind of the vision you’re trying to achieve before choosing your artwork frame.

3. Balancing Colour Tones

The right frame colour enhances your artwork, like a perfect frame for a photo. Learn to balance tones by choosing colours that complement the dominant hues in your art. It’s about creating a visual dialogue between the frame and the artwork, ensuring one doesn’t overshadow the other.

Less vibrant, or pastel colour-based artworks will usually suit lighter colour frames that don’t compete with the content of the art. Meanwhile, acrylic or oil paintings are usually capable of working against a bold black or dark wooden frame.

4. The Role of Matting (or Mounting) in Framing

Matting (or often called ‘mounting’) isn’t just a border; it’s a framing tool. Consider how matting impacts the visual perception of your art. Choosing the right mat (or ‘mount’), whether it’s complementary or contrasting, can influence the perceived size, depth, and focus of the artwork within the frame.

Card mounts inside a frame are also an effective way to increase the perceived value of a framed artwork, such as a print or poster. Adding a mount inside your frame can also help your artwork fill a bigger space on the wall, if your space at home requires this.

Frame mounts are usually white (either contemporary bright, ‘snow’ white, or the slightly more classic-looking ivory white, with a cream tint). You can also get mounts in a whole range of colours too.

Card mounts can often be made to measure different mount thicknesses, and while the aperture, or opening, of the mount is usually square or rectangle, these can also be circular or oval.

My By Kerwin prints are easily elevated further with the addition of a mount inside a frame. These add extra depth, emphasis, and sophistication to my prints. [PICS – BEATLES, which others, stevie wonder large frame].

5. Choosing the Right Material

The choice of frame material is another important factor to consider. Think about whether the material will complement the artwork and also the environment the frame will be hung in.

If you have an artwork of a earthy landscape, then a wooden frame may be more suitable than a metal frame. If you have a bold or minimalistic piece of pop art, then a sleek metal or glossy plastic frame may look better than one with a rustic wooden texture to it.

Frame materials are more than just aesthetics; they impact preservation. Explore the significance of materials in safeguarding your art. Wood, metal, or acrylic – each material brings its unique characteristics, affecting not only the visual appeal but also the longevity of your artwork.

If you live in a modern home then a frame made of a modern material may complement your space perfectly, and vice versa if you live in an older house or country barn.

6. Sizing Matters

Size does matter when it comes to framing. Consider the thickness of your frame; ensure this complements rather than overwhelms your art. You should consider both the overall size of your artwork and also how the artistic contents of the piece will appear against different frame thicknesses.

For instance, a bold piece of art featuring vivid colours and thick lines and subject matter is more likely to work against a thicker frame than a delicate watercolour or a painting trying to create a serene atmosphere.

Again, consider the existing décor and furniture in deciding on your frame thickness. If ordering a frame online, compare different frame thickness options first – and measure they against frames you already have on display as a benchmark. If visiting a professional framing shop, ask to see different samples to get a better understanding.

7. Considering Frame Profiles and Styles

Frames have personalities too. Match your frame profile and style to your art’s genre and your personal taste.

Explore how different styles – from decorative and ornate to modern and angular – can either blend seamlessly or create a deliberate contrast, adding depth and character to your displayed pieces.

My own By Kerwin paintings and prints work best in modern, rectangular frames, as there are so many shapes and details already going on within the artworks themselves.

8. Sourcing Your Frame: DIY vs. Professional

To DIY or not to DIY? Weigh the pros and cons of building your art frames yourself versus relying on professional services. Consider what your budget is, as well as your skill requirements, and the satisfaction of hands-on framing versus the convenience and expertise of professional framers.

In this day and age, with the availability of framing shops and especially online options (such as Amazon), I wouldn’t recommend anyone to build their own frames. Unless of course carpentry is really their thing and they are building a frame they can’t get elsewhere.

The next question is that if we’re going a buy a frame, should be opt for an online purchase or visit a framing shop. I’ll discuss this question later, as there are pros and cons of both – and you can actually get both standard and made-to-measure frames in shops and online.

9. Preserving Your Art: UV Protection and Conservation Framing

Safeguard your artistic investment with framing that provides into UV protection and conservation of your art. Permanently housing your artwork behind glass or Perspex can offer long-term protection against the elements, such as humidity and dust. [Discover more about how to correctly frame your art so it is securely protected in my separate blog post on How To Frame, here.)

Many acrylic Perspex screens, and some glass screens too, contain built-in UV protection of varying strengths. Research what your options are when comparing frames, and also consider the fragility of your artwork. While no artwork should ever be hung in strong, direct sunlight for long periods, oils and acrylics are more robust and resilient mediums than, say, watercolours and pencil drawings.

Understand how these choices impact the long-term health of your artwork, preserving its colours, textures, and overall integrity for years to come. It’s not just about framing; it’s about ensuring your art stands the test of time.

Where to Get Your Frame From?

Another important question in the frame-choosing process beyond it’s visual appearance is where is the best place to source our frame from. As an artist with their own brand who has purchased hundreds of frames for their work, I have much frame-buying experience.

Is It Cheaper To Frame Art Yourself?

Art buyers are faced with the option of purchasing a frame (recommended), or going D-I-Y and building their own (why would you make things harder for yourself, really?!). Unless you have carpentry and frame-building experience and building your own is a part of the piece’s artistic journey for you, I would strongly suggest buying one ready-made.

I highly doubt that building your own frame would provide any cost-saving, too; it would likely be much more expensive.

Buying a Standard Frame Versus Made-To-Measure

Once you have arrived at the (correct) decision to purchase your ready-made frame, you are presented with the option of finding a standard-sized frame for your artwork, or getting a made-to-measure frame produced, just to your requirements.

Standard Frames

Standard-sized frames are a great option if you have a standard-sized, and flat 2D piece of art to frame. You can find standard-sized frames in many home shops, in a range of styles, colours and materials to suit different tastes, and in a wide variety of sizes. You can find standard size frames for art of any dimensions, from square to long and thing, and anywhere from 1:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 1:3, 1:4 ratios, and so on.

Even better than looking in home shops on your high street, there are endless standard-size frame options online (Amazon is great, and offers simple comparison between options, too). I purchase the majority of my frames as standard frame sizes from Amazon. I can recommend some of the best brands for my By Kerwin prints – please get in touch if so.

Made-To-Measure Frames

If you have a unique piece of artwork to frame that does not fit standard frame sizes, or if you simply wish to have a customised frame made that perfectly suits your artwork, then made-to-measure frames are a great option. Receiving a made-to-measure frame that you know has been hand-crafted to your exact requirements and tastes also feels like a real treat too.

Made-to-measure frames can be measured to the millimetre, and so too can the mats, or mounts, that you can add inside them. You can choose from dozen of frame colours, styles, thicknesses, and materials to get just the right appearance and feel you’re looking for.

Made-to-measure frames often come with a range of UV screen protection options, and also with a range of different hanging mechanisms to choose from, to further tailor your frame to your exact needs. Professional framing shops can talk you through different framing options when you order in-person with them. When getting a made-to-measure frame, a framing company can usually frame your artwork at the same time, too.

A made-to-measure frame may also be required if you are framing a 3D artwork or a sculptural piece that requires a frame with depth (like a box frame).

Perhaps surprisingly, made-to-measure frames can easily be purchased online, too. I order many custom frames in the UK for my By Kerwin artwork from www.easyframe.co.uk. One downside of ordering online, however, is that you must take your own measurements to the millimetre, and therefore need to be precise and clear about the exact dimensions you’re submitting to the manufacturer.

Framing Original Paintings

Many paintings, such as those on stretched canvas, can be hung unframed, as they are. However, framing original paintings, such as in a box frame or canvas float frames, can make them look even more impressive and add a final finishing touch of sophistication.

While some paintings can look good without a frame, the right frame adds a touch of class, making the artwork stand out further. Box or canvas float frames create a smooth transition between the painting and the space around it by adding a shadow effect, which draws attention to the artwork and adds a layer of elegance.

Choosing whether to frame an original painting or not is also not just about looks – it’s about keeping the painting safe. Frames act like a protective shield, preventing things like dust or damage. So, framing isn’t just about style; it’s about turning a painting into a special piece that lasts longer and looks even better.

I frame each of my By Kerwin original pop art portrait paintings in black canvas float frames. This adds a further touch of professionalism and sophistication to them, and really makes their bright colours pop.

I’ve seen many already-exceptional original artworks elevated further with a frame. At the same time, at my various art shows, I’ve seen many artists let their finished creations down by now displaying them in a professional-looking frame.

Contact me if you have any further questions about framing your art – I’d love to hear from you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right frame for your art is like adding the finishing touch to a painting. It’s not just about looks; it’s about making sure your artwork lasts and tells its story well.

From matching the style of the frame to the artwork and its display environment to keeping it safe for the long run, considering each of the nine factors above matters. Framing isn’t just putting a border around your art; it’s a commitment to keeping it looking good and protected.

As we wrap up this guide, remember: a good frame isn’t just for show; it’s a way to make your art last and continue to impress anyone who sees it. So, when you’re framing your art, you’re really preserving its story for the future.

What is the most helpful piece of advice in this guide to choosing your perfect frame? Explore my range of music icon pop art paintings and shop prints in my online shop at www.bykerwin.com

Explore my other blog guides about how to string your framed artworks, and also how to then hang these at home. Explore the rest of my blog section about wall art and home decor here.

View my full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and prints of your favourite music and pop culture icons at www.bykerwin.com. High-definition printing, fast worldwide delivery and satisfaction guaranteed. You can follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.