Tips for Picking the Perfect Picture Frame for The Piece

If it's true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then what of its frame? While not nearly as valuable on its own, when a frame is coupled with a picture it adds a value all its own, accentuating the artwork it surrounds, making the entire ensemble more striking.

When you are framing artwork there are a number of points that should be taken into consideration. The purpose of quality custom picture frames should be to focus the viewer's attention on the artwork and protect the piece from any surrounding environmental factors that might adversely affect its appearance over time. Good framing is truly an art unto itself, and choosing the perfect frame greatly enhances the artwork it encloses.

When choosing just the right frame, it's important to take the medium the work is painted on into account, as well as the backing support it’s placed on. When you have a good understanding of their properties you will be able to choose a frame that compliments the work and protects it over the years as well. When it's time to choose the right frame for a piece of artwork, the following points will help you!

Picture frames are available in a dazzling array of varieties, so there are a multitude of choices that can help you make sure the frame truly complements the artwork. If a piece has been framed incorrectly, that frame could overpower the artwork itself, or fall short of accentuating the presence the piece deserves.

It's best to pick a frame that is not as eye-catching as the artwork since that would defeat its purpose, too many busy ornamentations and elaborate decorations can steal away the attention!

Try to avoid frames of a colour that is too similar to the artwork. The frame has to make the artwork stand out. A good rule of thumb is to add contrast by pairing a dark frame to a light painting to make the artwork really pop, the opposite also being true, light frame on dark-toned artwork!

The painting's style will also help to suggest the style of frame that will suit it best. Paintings featuring classical subject matter from centuries past would be well suited by a traditional gold-leafed frame, or dark wood frame. Modern paintings that are brighter and more abstract look their best in less ornate frames, like a box frame surrounded by a thin border.

Every picture tells a story, but it needs a great frame to tell it well!