A frame does more than protect art. It defines the boundary between the piece and its environment. The right frame elevates; the wrong one diminishes.
Match the Room, Not the Art
The most common framing mistake is matching the frame to the artwork's colors. Instead, match it to the room. A warm oak frame in a room with wooden furniture creates cohesion. A slim black frame in a minimalist space maintains the aesthetic.
Width and Profile
Thin frames suit small, delicate works. Substantial frames give presence to larger pieces. The profile — flat, beveled, or floating — affects how the art sits on the wall and how light interacts with it.
Matting as Breathing Room
A mat creates space between the frame and the image. Wide mats give smaller works more wall presence. For large pieces, consider floating the art within the frame for a contemporary gallery feel.
