How To Choose a Picture Frame for Artwork

Today I’m going to share more of my conversation with professional framer and art installer, BB as we talked about framing two dimensional artwork, both works on paper and canvas.

Decor Girl:  “BB, what can I tell my readers about selecting a frame for a piece of art?”

BB: “Well, there are a few things I would recommend.  First if the work is on paper, always put it under glass and they should also be matted.”

Decor Girl:  “Glass is obviously to protect, but why so adamant about the matting?”

BB: “Remember you want to properly present the piece.  A nice mat opens up the artwork.  It gives it room to breathe.  Here let me show you, see how the mat opens it up and enhances the piece?”

Without a mat.

With a mat

Decor Girl: “Wow, the picture just dies without the mat.  What about framing a canvas?”

BB: “As you know, not all canvas pieces require framing.  Some artists finish the edge, like you, some self frame like Carl Krabill leaving the white of the canvas showing and others just ignore the edge so you have to frame it.”

Decor Girl:  “For those which need framing how do we choose the right frame style?”

BB:  “Just like with works on paper, the frame needs to be the right scale for the size of the piece.  The aesthetics are somewhat subjective in terms of the piece and home decor though maybe you are trying to match another frame or wood color already in the room.  I often like a float frame which showcases the canvas but not where you can see the edges.  Let’s look at a few.”

unframed

Floating frame

Casual standard wood frame

BB:  “See how this last one opens up the painting?”

Decor Girl:  “Yes, this really changes it a lot.  Are there any final tips you are willing to share?  What about price?  I know it gets weird when the price of the frame costs more than what you are framing.”

BB:  “I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone else, you can frame a $50 piece of art with a $300 frame.  If you had the Mona Lisa the frame is still $300.”

Decor Girl:  “Point taken.  So there is no relationship between what you are framing and the price of the frame?”

BB:  “None at all.  This piece is going to hang on your wall for a long time.  People rarely change a frame and they don’t wear out.  Buy the right scaled frame which best showcases the artwork.”

Decor Girl:  “Thanks BB, this has been very educational.”

The artwork featured here is available through The Roth Collection in Beachwood, Ohio.