Framing Masterpieces: How to Select the Right Frame for Your Art

Choosing the right frame for your painting can feel like a daunting task. Frames come in various styles and materials, each contributing differently to the artwork’s aesthetic. Whether you're framing a classical masterpiece or a contemporary work of art, the right frame can impact its presentation and overall aesthetic appeal. With some thoughtful consideration, you can find the perfect match that enhances your artwork for any space.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of framing and make the best choice for your cherished artworks.

Understanding Different Types of Frames for Your Artwork

• Floater Frames: Floater frames are pretty trendy right now. This type of frame creates the illusion that the painting is floating within the frame. The nice thing about this is that it keeps the frame simple, potentially minimal, and focuses attention on the art itself. I love using floater frames for gallery-wrapped canvases as it shows the edges of the artwork—enhancing the artwork without overshadowing it.
  

• Traditional Frames: Often made from wood with intricate carvings, these frames are commonly used for classical and traditional art styles. They add a touch of elegance and history to your pieces.
  

• Contemporary Frames: With clean lines and minimal ornamentation, these frames are great for modern artworks. They come in various finishes like black, white, or metallic, making them versatile for different settings.
  

• Ornate Frames: Highly decorative and elaborate, these frames are often used for very traditional or classical artworks. They can be gilded or feature intricate patterns and designs.
  

• Gallery Frames: Simple and understated, gallery frames often feature a mat, which acts as a frame within the frame, to focus attention on the artwork itself. They're frequently used in art galleries for their minimalist appeal.
  

• Shadow Box Frames: These frames have a deeper profile and are used to create a sense of depth. They are often used for framing objects or artworks with significant texture.
  

• Box Frames: Similar to shadow box frames but with a more minimalist design, box frames are versatile for various types of artworks.
  

• Custom Frames: Custom frames are made to order, tailored specifically to the dimensions and style of the artwork. They can combine elements of the various types mentioned above and are often chosen to perfectly complement the specific piece being framed.

How Frame Style Impacts the Presentation of Your Art

The style of the frame isn't just about aesthetics—the frame’s style plays a crucial role in how the artwork is perceived. A frame can significantly transform the viewer's experience, guiding their interpretation—telling them how to feel about a piece of art, or suggesting how they might view this art—all while enhancing the artwork's presence in a room. A classical frame can underscore the elegance of a masterpiece, while a more contemporary frame might highlight the artwork’s modernity.

Truly a masterpiece

I have a smaller version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s classical Mona Lisa painting hanging on a wall in my house. Being a fellow artist, I decided to make a subtle improvement to his famous masterpiece by sticking a pair of silly googly eyes on her. While my usual preference is to frame classical works of art with something ornate or reminiscent of the time period, in this instance, I chose to dress my Mona Lisa in a classy little gold frame.* The classical frame not only speaks to the elegance of the masterpiece, but it also subtly highlights the absurd goofiness of my addition of the googly eyes to the painting- juxtaposing the classic with the whimsical.

*more on gold frames later.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Frame for Your Art

Several factors should influence your choice of frame, including the environment where the artwork will hang, the painting's aesthetic, and the emotional response you want to evoke. Whether it's a historic home, a modern apartment, or a place of business, the frame should speak to the art and its surroundings to create a cohesive visual statement that resonates with the viewer.

Environment

It is important to consider the environment where the artwork will be displayed. Is it a place of business, an office, a home with a certain character, perhaps a historic home or a modern apartment? A period-specific frame can create a cohesive look that honors both the artwork and its historical context, adding depth and authenticity to its display. For example, a Renaissance-style painting hanging in a historic home and paired with an ornate gilt frame can evoke a sense of tradition, but imagine how the same piece might feel quite out of place if paired with a sleek modern frame.

Meatcheeks

Here, I opted for a redder/burgundy wood to work with the warm tones in the background and therefore emphasize the subject himself more. This was for a hardwood floored house built and not renovated much since the 1940’s.

Room Decor

Remember to think about how the frame will integrate with the surrounding decor and furniture styles. A good place to start may be to look at the furniture already in your home. Does your home have a lofty-industrial vibe, or does your decor reflect generational characteristics of family heirlooms passed down through generations? Or maybe it is more of a young family vibe with newer, lighter furnishings. You may opt for something the echoes the surrounding furniture or cabinetry.

This Raven painting has a silver pop in the frame and was for a modern apt with cool grey vinyl plank flooring.

It is also worth considering whether you want the artwork to blend in with its surroundings or stand out as a focal point. The frame can guide the viewer's perception of the artwork, either emphasizing its importance or subtly integrating it into a larger decorative scheme.

Artwork Aesthetics

You should take into account how the frame will work with the aesthetics of the painting itself. How busy is the painting or how simple is the composition? While there’s no single quick ‘right’ answer to what frame will work best for any piece—as far as the role composition plays—that to me is preference. Personally, I wouldn't like an incredibly busy abstract painting to have an ornate frame around it, as the busyness of the frame would likely clash with the artwork.

What Size Frame Should You Choose for Your Painting?

All of these questions really come down to your goals for the artwork. Again, there is no “big frame” or “skinny frame” answer- it depends on what your goals are. Do you want the piece to work with the room, or do you want it to feel like it has a special place of honor in the room?

I painted a portrait of a beloved pet my husband used to own— he picked this frame out himself, and it’s got the best of both worlds (for his style) in my opinion— gold detail since she was so beloved by him, and a very thick wood frame since the painting was very small, and he wanted it to have greater impact, plus it’s a darker tone so it gives the art itself a big pop. Both the gold and warm wood pick up tones from her fur.

There are also situations where you don’t want the art to feel too impressive, but you want it to work with the other elements on the wall without becoming the sole focus of the wall like this small painting of a cortado with a nondescript simple white frame.

So, What Kind of Frame Should You Get?

There is really no wrong answer when it comes to art because there are so many options and preferences. It is like asking how do you dress yourself- everyone has a different style and everyone wears it their own way.

A note on gold frames: They are some of my favorites—they’re like the ‘little black dress’ for oil portraits. I find antique gilded styled frames in particular carry a feeling of sentiment, but they also bring a feeling of reverence or prestige, making the art feel more precious and exquisite. If there’s a concern about gaudiness-- less ornate, simpler clean lines + a more muted gold/champagne can remedy that.

Gallery wrapped canvases may hang with or without a frame.

I find rounded wood grain frames have a softer/warmer/sentimental feeling in a home, whereas a sleeker, black or metal with clean, sharper edges will potentially be more versatile.

Your art also doesn’t necessarily need to have a frame at all. Although rarely preferable, depending on how the edge of the canvas is finished, the art may be just fine to hang on the wall unframed. For example- gallery wrapped canvases are often displayed without a frame. (However- I find gallery wrapped canvases to be especially stunning when paired with a floater frame!)

Again, there is no “right” way.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Framing Your Artwork

The biggest mistake that many people make when choosing a frame is not physically testing how the frame looks with the painting by holding up the piece of art with the actual frame to see how they will look together. Whenever possible, I 1000% recommend bringing the art into the framing shop in person, and experiment holding it up with various options to see how they complement or detract from the painting, rather than coming in with a specific idea already picked out.

It is helpful to envision it hanging in your space. When I complete commission paintings for my clients, I always include final approval photos of the completed painting hanging on a wall just so my client can get an idea for how it might look.

Another critical mistake is using photo frames for paintings. You can’t just walk into Michaels to pick up a photo frame and then shove a painting into it. Photo frames are NOT the same as picture frames, and they should never be used for paintings, as they are not designed to accommodate the depth and weight of a canvas or a textured artwork properly. Ensure the frame depth matches the artwork, otherwise you could end up damaging the artwork or simply result in a painting that won’t stay in place or doesn’t look right.

Final Thoughts

By considering these factors and personal preferences, you can ensure that the frame not only protects your artwork but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Whether you opt for timeless elegance or modern simplicity, the right frame will showcase your painting in its best light.

Are you considering commissioning a custom oil painting? Contact me today to discuss your vision and bring a unique piece of art into your home.

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