Whether you’re an amateur photographer looking to frame your first piece or a seasoned collector hanging a new work by your favorite artist, choosing the perfect frame can be daunting. There are so many factors to consider. Size, placement, color and finish, material—it’s enough to make your head spin. These are only a few of the things you need to think about. When you search art framing near me, there can be so many results. Consider a few things before choosing a place. Knowing what you want is paramount to getting your desired results.
What to Consider When Choosing a Frame for Your Artwork
When choosing frames for your artwork, there are several factors to consider. Size is a critical aspect – art frames should be large enough to make the art stand out, but not too large to distract from it. Then comes the color of the frame, does it contrast or complement the art piece? Think about the placement of the art, is it going on a wall, display stand, or showcase? The art should look harmonious and balanced when placed according to its surroundings. So next time you’re looking for art framing near me, keep the following tips in mind.
Tip 1: Size Matters
One of the most important considerations when framing your artwork is size—not just the size of the artwork itself, but also the size of the frame. If your artwork is small, you’ll want to choose a proportional frame; otherwise, it will be lost in all that excess space. Conversely, if your artwork is large, you’ll want to make sure the frame is substantial enough to support it without dwarfing it. In either case, it’s important to leave at least a half-inch border of matting between the edge of the artwork and the inside edge of the frame.
Tip 2: Placement
Where you plan to hang your artwork should also factor into your frame selection. If you’re hanging your piece in a high-traffic area like a hallway or staircase, you’ll want to choose a durable frame that can stand up to bumps and scrapes. A more delicate piece might be better suited for a less active area, like a bedroom or office. Once you know where you are hanging your artwork, you can choose colors and styles that suit the room and catch the eye of all your visitors.
Tip 3: Color and Finish
The color and finish of your frame should complement—not compete with—the colors in your artwork. If you’re unsure what will work best, we recommend taking a photo of your piece and bringing it with you when you go frame shopping. That way, you can hold different frames up against it until you find one that really makes your artwork pop.
If you’re opting for a wood frame, there are also numerous finish options to choose from—matte, glossy, distressed, etc.—so again, take care to select one that will enhance rather than detract from your piece. One general rule of thumb is that darker frames tend to be more formal while lighter frames have a more casual feel.
Tip 4: Material
The type of material you choose for your frame should also be based on both function and form. For example, if you’re looking for an inexpensive option that will still look good, plastic or composite frames are a good choice. If price is no object and you’re looking for something truly special, then wood or metal frames might be more up your alley. Just keep in mind that each material has its own unique characteristics that can affect both the look and feel of your artwork—wood frames tend to be more traditional while metal frames have a more modern sensibility, for instance—so choose accordingly.
Of course, there are other materials beyond wood and metal—like bamboo, horn, and even recycled materials—that can add an interesting twist to any piece. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to experiment!
Tip 5: Glass Is Important
And last but not least, don’t forget about glass! The type of glass you choose can have a big impact on both the look and longevity of your artwork. For example, regular window glass is fine for pieces that won’t be exposed to direct sunlight but isn’t ideal for pieces that will be hung in brighter areas because it doesn’t filter out harmful UV rays as well as other types of glass.
If preservation is important to you—say you’re framing an heirloom piece or something particularly valuable—then we recommend using museum-grade glass because it blocks out nearly 100% of harmful UV rays. Just keep in mind that museum-grade glass is also significantly more expensive than regular window glass so it’s not always feasible depending on your budget.
Tip 6: Choose the Best Framer You Can Afford
There are a variety of cheap options when choosing frames. However, you may want to shop around a bit before you settle on any mainstream department store to do the work for you. There are a lot of shops that specialize in custom framing. Some may be more expensive than others. Searching for “art framing near me” will bring up local shops that would be thankful for your business. Not only will you find a good deal, but you will also support a local business and get a quality product.
Quality Art Framing Near Me
These are just a few things to keep in mind when selecting a frame for your next piece of art! By taking the time to consider all these factors upfront, you can be sure that you’ll end up with a result that not only looks great but will also stand the test of time. When looking for art framing near me, remember that supporting small and local businesses doesn’t have to be costly. It is a great way to help your local economy and keep your artwork looking great for years to come.