Choosing The Frame Color

There are several methods to help you choose a frame and select appropriate frame colors, including:

• Match or coordinate a dominant color in the art. Relate to some color in the art. Red, orange, and yellow are warm colors that coordinate well with gold or wood-toned frames. Blue, green, and purple are cool colors and pair better with silver or gray frames. When in doubt, choosing a classic plain black frame is often the best choice.
• We suggest using a finish color that was used originally when the piece was new.

Choosing The Frame Style

The style of a frame should always flatter the art it surrounds. If the art you want to use isn’t the same style as your room, that’s okay. We can help you choose a frame that serves as a bridge between different styles.

For example, an ornate frame may work well with abstract art to lend it a classic feel, or a fresh look for traditional art can be achieved by pairing it with a soft contemporary frame style, instantly updating it.

Appropriate Frame Width

Many people assume that narrow frame moldings are for small pictures and that larger works of art should be paired with wider frame moldings. That isn’t always the case. Wider frames can benefit smaller pieces of art by calling attention to them. The width of a frame can also be used to relate the framed art to the scale of your room or furnishings – don’t overpower a room with a frame that’s too large for the space or under-power the artwork with too petite a frame.

Frame Depth

Deeper moldings are used to create shadow boxes when we frame objects. However, the same moldings can provide great solutions when framing art on paper. When the art is placed forward in the frame, the added depth makes it appear to project toward you. If the art will hang in a niche or on a bookcase, a deeper frame helps offset the recesses. We can also recess the art into the deeper frame, adding depth and drama.

Classic vs. Trendy

Quality framing can last a lifetime. Therefore, we generally avoid trendy-looking frame designs that could quickly become dated. When you provide information about your room and style, we can offer design concepts that look up-to-date and stylish while also having staying power beyond any current trend. If you have art that is becoming dated, we can also work with you to update it to be more appropriate for today and tomorrow.

Wood vs. Metal

Choosing a wood frame can be challenging because of the number of styles available. We have access to hundreds of profiles, colors, and styles of wood molding from dozens of manufacturers.

We have samples of only a tiny fraction of the available products and catalogs for everything you could imagine. You can make an appointment to review what we have, or use our online resources to narrow your choices.

If you are looking for a metal frame, we offer “Exhibition Metal Framing”.  This all-in-one service provides a Nielsen aluminum frame, 3/16″ foam or 1/8″ artboard mount, clear framing-grade acrylic glazing, and professional assembly at one low, competitive price. Optional acid-free archival matting or an upgrade to anti-reflection acrylic is also available.

We offer 10 “standard” aluminum profiles in multiple colors, and we can special-order other styles and colors from the Nielsen Metal Framing catalog below. Please check with us for profiles or sizes not listed on our Exhibition Framing page.