Underline Giclee Print by Adele Sypesteyn
Prairie Sofa Table by Chris Horney

Your approach to framing should begin with a focus on the artwork itself. Stay in touch with the work’s emotive qualities, and be sure your choice of frame doesn’t distract from the art but is, instead, in service to it. Think about why the work is important to you, and determine how the addition of a frame might best convey that message.

Materials and Surfaces
Painted aluminum and wood are affordable and versitile choices for frames; finished in antique gold or aged platinum, they’re elegant and enduring; painted in bright colors, they’re amusing and festive. Natural wood is usually my surface of choice; it’s tasteful, classic, and appropriate for most home settings. Vintage frames can be an economical way to add distint character to an artwork.

As you choose mats and frames, remember that you may want to move the picture at some point in the future. For that reason, it’s usually unwise to coordinate frames with specific furnishings.

Placement
When choosing a frame, consider the environment in which the work will be placed – the room as a whole, as well as the specific wall where the work will hang. Will the piece be a unique focal point or will it co-exist with other artworks? Do you want the frame to simly outline the work or add proportionately to its size and scale?

Before pounding nails into your wall, take these steps to determine the best possible placement. Cut paper the size of the proposed framed picture, then tape it in position on the wall. Step back, get a sense of the impact and adjust the placement as necessary until it feels right. Keep the focus on complementing everything else that’s going on in the space. The key is balance.

Consult the Artist
When commissioning paintings from artists, be sure to discuss framing. Some artists include frames routinely with their paintings; others don’t. If the artwork is sold with a frame, be sure to ask for a description or photograph. If you’re not crazy about the proposed frame, don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives.

Gallery Framing
Galleries can provide valuable advice about framing choices. If you’re purchasing unframed artwork through a gallery, consider having the framing done there too; it’s usually the most efficient alternative. Galleries are aware of the best aesthetic choices for the artists they represent; they’re also careful to use archival materials.