How to Frame & Display Art
Most of my paintings are gallery-wrapped with the sides painted, so framing is not necessary. Depending on the color of the wall, I think paintings are usually very striking when displayed like this.
However, in the event you ever want to frame one of my pieces for a more finished look or to match the décor of your home, or if you ever buy a painting from another artist and want to frame it, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a frame, as well as some examples of nice framing I pulled from a cursory Google image search.
- Avoid chintzy-looking frames of poor quality. You don’t have to buy the most expensive frame, but don’t buy the cheapest thing either. No matter how beautiful the painting is, if the frame is made of flimsy plastic and looks like it might break if you look at it wrong, it’s going to cheapen the overall look of the artwork. If you’re going to the trouble of framing a painting, choose something nice.
- You shouldn’t necessarily match the color of the frame exactly to the colors in the painting. Instead, choose a frame that complements the colors without overpowering them or blending in with them. The frame should showcase the art, not distract from it.
- Think about the setting where you plan to hang the art. A neutral-looking frame will fit in pretty much anywhere, but you can also choose a frame to fit in with your particular décor. Ornate gold frames look classy in a room with dark furniture and plush rugs. Bold black frames or frames in cool silvery tones will accent an uncluttered room with a sleek, contemporary style. Wood frames and frames in warm, earthy tones look good in a casual, homey setting. Think about the colors of your walls, floors, and furnishings.
- Think about the width of the frame in proportion to the painting. If a painting is huge and colorful, it can generally hold its own as a wall piece, and will probably look great in a simple strip frame. Respectively, a wide or ornate frame can give a small piece a more commanding presence.
- When in doubt, keep it simple and neutral. Metal frames in grey, gold or black and simple wooden frames always look elegant. And if you need a second opinion, you can ask the friendly people at your local frame shop for advice.
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