Decorating
Styling: How To Pick the Right Picture Frame For Your Art
Fine art or finger daub, our pictures are all masterpieces to us, so make sure you put yours in the frame with our inspiring display ideas
Stroll around any art gallery and it can seem as if the picture frames are works of art in their own right: scrolled and gilded, plain and minimalist, or buffed and lustrous. That’s because professional framers know what a difference a frame makes. It can enhance the colours and shapes of an artwork and add to the mood of a piece. Get it wrong and you could overwhelm – or undersell – your precious photographs, prints or paintings. Here are 10 ways to add the right note to your artistic collection.
Try an easel
To display a special artwork, why not treat it to its own easel? It draws attention to its presence and also makes it portable. That way, you can spread the joy of a favourite painting around your home.
To display a special artwork, why not treat it to its own easel? It draws attention to its presence and also makes it portable. That way, you can spread the joy of a favourite painting around your home.
Pare back the layers
Frames need to fit with the setting as well as the image and this natural, nautical-feel home could only take a frame made from driftwood-like whitewashed timber. It also picks up the tones of the life drawing, for a subtle, yet perfect pairing.
Frames need to fit with the setting as well as the image and this natural, nautical-feel home could only take a frame made from driftwood-like whitewashed timber. It also picks up the tones of the life drawing, for a subtle, yet perfect pairing.
Go for four
A set of prints that are all the same size and shape needs a coherent set of frames, as demonstrated by this gang of four. Keep the positioning balanced and in line with other elements (measure, then measure again, as the saying goes) for a slick, professional finish.
A set of prints that are all the same size and shape needs a coherent set of frames, as demonstrated by this gang of four. Keep the positioning balanced and in line with other elements (measure, then measure again, as the saying goes) for a slick, professional finish.
Float on
This floating frame has a double design impact. First, it really draws attention to the beauty of the image, creating a frame within a frame. Secondly, it highlights the floating bed beneath. Try the same trick on this scale for a very effective statement.
This floating frame has a double design impact. First, it really draws attention to the beauty of the image, creating a frame within a frame. Secondly, it highlights the floating bed beneath. Try the same trick on this scale for a very effective statement.
Keep it simple
A range of family portraits along a stairway is a classic look, so unite different eras and colours with matching simple, white frames. They won’t interfere with the flow of the space (which black or coloured frames would do) – important in a minimalist space such as this.
Learn to create an affordable gallery wall
A range of family portraits along a stairway is a classic look, so unite different eras and colours with matching simple, white frames. They won’t interfere with the flow of the space (which black or coloured frames would do) – important in a minimalist space such as this.
Learn to create an affordable gallery wall
Fall for rustic
The weathered simplicity of these wooden frames is a good match for unposed, natural photos of children. The depth of each frame adds to the effect, as it suggests a homemade vibe. Be bold with using close-up shots of kids so they really stand out – let’s face it, they always look good in their shots!
The weathered simplicity of these wooden frames is a good match for unposed, natural photos of children. The depth of each frame adds to the effect, as it suggests a homemade vibe. Be bold with using close-up shots of kids so they really stand out – let’s face it, they always look good in their shots!
Scale it down
A narrow alcove is a perfect opportunity to show off a collection of prints or paintings. But keep the scale of the pictures and their frames on the small side. This flock of butterflies works because the frames crop in tight to each image, and they’re arranged in an artlessly random way, as if the butterflies are in mid flight.
A narrow alcove is a perfect opportunity to show off a collection of prints or paintings. But keep the scale of the pictures and their frames on the small side. This flock of butterflies works because the frames crop in tight to each image, and they’re arranged in an artlessly random way, as if the butterflies are in mid flight.
Dare to go bare?
Pick up the trend for unframed paintings – sometimes it looks great to leave them entirely naked. With a traditional portrait or still life, the juxtaposition between the formality of the painting and the lack of adornment is what gives it an edge.
TELL US...
How do you choose to frame your paintings and prints? Share your tips in the Comments.
Pick up the trend for unframed paintings – sometimes it looks great to leave them entirely naked. With a traditional portrait or still life, the juxtaposition between the formality of the painting and the lack of adornment is what gives it an edge.
TELL US...
How do you choose to frame your paintings and prints? Share your tips in the Comments.
If black and white rock your world, black is a clear winner for picture frames. This casual array of framed photographs is a cool statement on two shelves, the dark lines echoing the grid of the glazed doors. Resting frames on a shelf – ideally with a slightly raised edge to keep them safe – is a cool way to display.
Be inspired by monochrome schemes