How To Frame Art
You have that perfect work of art… but how to frame it?!
To make this step less daunting, I’ve written this short guide for you.
Framing art on paper
Art on paper should be framed behind glass. If it’s a standard size, it should be easy to find a ready-made frame. Also, don’t forget to use a mat. Mats are made of thick paper and sit around your art in the frame. Usually mats are white, giving the art more space and contrast, highlighting it beautifully. Make sure to chose a mat that compliments the art. For example, if the piece has warm color tones in it, you might want to use an off-white or creamy mat. If your piece has gray tones, you might want to go with a cooler white. Different colored mats have different impacts on your art display. Also, don’t hesitate to use an oversized mat.
Tipp #1: Mat placement
Instead of placing the art in the center of the mat, try to place it slightly higher in the frame, leaving more mat below the art than above. This will avoid the illusion of the piece hanging too low in the frame, a common issue with larger mats.
Tipp #2: Mounting
Mounting is when the art sits on top of the mat. This works especially well if you want to display your piece’s edges or when the art is on canvas board.
Tipp #3: Custom mat with standard frame
If your art piece is not a standard size, I recommend buying a standard sized frame and having a custom mat cut to fit. This will save you the money of buying a custom frame. This also works very well for vintage or second-hand frames!
Using a mat makes the art stand out more.
Framing art on canvas
I use two types of canvas support. Some paintings on canvas are stretched around a wooden support and have sides (2 to 5 cm deep). Other paintings (usually smaller sizes) are on canvas board with very thin sides where the canvas is stuck directly to a cardboard. These thin canvas boards can be framed behind glass like flat art (see image above) or can be framed in floater frames.
Paintings on canvas do not need to be framed behind glass as long as they are varnished (which mine usually are, unless noted otherwise). Unframed paintings give a more casual look to a space.
I recommend framing canvas paintings in floater frames. Floater frames give the illusion that the painting is floating in a wooden frame with a small gap between the art and the frame. These frames are available in many standard sizes and easy to attach yourself (you basically nail the frame to the wooden support at the back of the painting).
For a painting that is not a standard size, I highly recommend having a custom floater frame made. Ideally use a local framer. You can take your painting to the framer and discuss with them in detail.
Having a custom frame made isn’t cheap but so worth it for an original work of art!
Take a friend to the store to help you carry the art and let them browse the store whilst you discuss framing options with the staff. Do the same again when the framed piece is ready to be picked up. Make it fun!
Floater frames create an illusion of the canvas floating in the frame.
Framing in Germany
If you are in Germany, I highly recommend Boesner for framing. They have a huge selection of standard sized frames and also offer the most incredible custom framing. They can recommend the perfect frame for your piece and your home.
In general, …
make sure to use acid-free archival materials to make the art last a lifetime and more (your framer will use appropriate materials). Don’t hang your art in direct sunlight or in a very humid place (e.g. your bathroom).
I hope this guide has been helpful for you! Have fun framing your art and don’t underestimate the power of the perfect frame - it can make your art look like a million dollars (literally!).
