091_Framing Art How To Choose The Right Frame
Art Care
Framing Art: How to Choose the Right Frame
Framing Art: How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Masterpiece
The moment you bring home a new painting or print, the next question is inevitable: how to frame art to choose a frame that honors the work while elevating your space. A well-selected frame doesn’t just protect your art—it transforms it into a statement piece, harmonizing with your decor while preserving the artist’s intent. Whether you’re displaying a bold abstract like Adolph Gottlieb’s White Ground-Red Halo or a delicate still life by Henri Matisse, the right frame bridges the gap between the artwork and its surroundings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of framing art, from materials and styles to practical tips that ensure your collection shines.
Why Framing Matters: More Than Just Aesthetics
Framing isn’t merely about looks—it’s a form of art conservation. A quality frame shields your piece from dust, UV rays, and humidity, all of which can degrade paper and pigments over time. For collectors and decorators alike, understanding how to frame art to choose a frame that balances protection and presentation is key. Consider the medium: oil paintings on canvas may only need a simple float frame, while works on paper, like the Print of America Posters collection, often require matting and glazing to prevent damage.
Beyond preservation, framing enhances an artwork’s visual impact. A frame acts as a visual pause, drawing the eye to the piece and creating a dialogue between the art and its environment. For example, a sleek black frame might ground a vibrant abstract like Gottlieb’s White Ground-Red Halo, while a gilded frame could add warmth to a classical landscape. The goal is to complement, not compete—your frame should feel like a natural extension of the artwork.
Step 1: Assess Your Artwork’s Style and Era
Before selecting a frame, ask: What is the artwork’s style, and what era does it represent? A contemporary piece often calls for minimalist frames, while a vintage work may benefit from period-appropriate designs. Here’s a quick guide:
- Modern/Abstract: Clean lines and neutral tones (e.g., black, white, or natural wood) work best. Adolph Gottlieb’s White Ground-Red Halo - 1966 from the Posters collection, with its bold geometric forms, would pop in a thin, black metal frame.
- Impressionist/Realist: Ornate frames with subtle detailing can enhance the depth of works like Arkhyp Kuindzhi’s After the Thunderstorm, also from the Posters collection. A gold-leaf frame, for instance, would echo the luminosity of his skies.
- Minimalist/Contemporary: Float frames or shadow boxes create a modern, gallery-like feel. Henri Matisse’s TWO PEACHES 1920, with its flat planes of color, would shine in a simple white or light wood frame.
Pro Tip: Match the Frame to the Art’s Mood
Think of the frame as a supporting actor—it should amplify the artwork’s mood without stealing the spotlight. For instance, John Singer Sargent’s The Libreria, with its rich architectural details, would benefit from a frame with subtle texture, like a distressed wood or a matte black finish. The key is to consider the art framing techniques that align with the piece’s emotional tone.
Step 2: Choose the Right Materials
Frames come in a variety of materials, each with its own aesthetic and functional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Wood: Classic and versatile, wood frames range from rustic oak to sleek walnut. They’re ideal for traditional or transitional spaces. For a timeless look, pair a wood frame with a matte finish for works like Matisse’s TWO PEACHES.
- Metal: Aluminum or steel frames offer a modern edge and are lightweight, making them perfect for large prints. A thin metal frame would complement the geometric precision of Gottlieb’s White Ground-Red Halo.
- Plastic/Acrylic: Affordable and durable, these frames are great for casual or temporary displays. However, they may lack the sophistication of wood or metal for fine art.
- Gilded: Gold or silver leaf frames add opulence and are often used for classical or baroque pieces. Kuindzhi’s After the Thunderstorm would look stunning in a gilded frame, enhancing its ethereal quality.
Matting and Glazing: The Unsung Heroes
For works on paper, matting and glazing are non-negotiable. A mat (the border between the artwork and frame) prevents the art from touching the glass, reducing the risk of moisture damage. Acid-free mats are a must for preservation. Glazing options include:
- Regular Glass: Affordable but reflects light and offers no UV protection.
- Non-Glare Glass: Reduces reflections but can slightly distort colors.
- Museum Glass: The gold standard—anti-reflective, UV-protective, and crystal clear. Ideal for valuable prints like those in the Print of America Posters collection.
Step 3: Consider Your Space and Decor
Your frame should harmonize with both the artwork and the room it inhabits. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
- Color Coordination: Choose a frame color that complements the dominant hues in the artwork and your decor. For example, a white frame would echo the light tones in Sargent’s The Libreria, while a dark frame could ground the warm peaches in Matisse’s piece.
- Scale and Proportion: A large artwork needs a substantial frame to hold its presence, while a small piece can get lost in an overly thick frame. For standard-sized prints like the 28x40″ posters from Print of America, a 2-3 inch frame width is typically ideal.
- Room Style: A rustic frame might clash in a modern loft, just as a sleek metal frame could feel out of place in a traditional home. Consider the room’s aesthetic—minimalist, maximalist, industrial, or classic—and let it guide your choice.
When to Break the Rules
While guidelines are helpful, don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes, a bold contrast—like a black frame on a pastel artwork—can create a striking focal point. The key is intentionality: if you’re going against convention, do it with purpose. For example, framing Kuindzhi’s After the Thunderstorm in a deep blue frame could evoke the stormy skies in the painting, adding a layer of visual intrigue.
Pieces to Explore Now: Framing Inspiration from Print of America
At Print of America, we curate a diverse selection of artworks that deserve frames as thoughtful as the pieces themselves. Here are a few standout prints from our Posters collection, along with framing ideas to inspire you:
Explore this piece here.
Explore this piece here.
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