Framing Tips – From Antique Maps to Fragile Art

Being primarily a wholesale framing business, we don’t make it a point to emphasize custom framing quite as much as our great deals and high-quality product. However, we do have a custom framing department both for our Build A Frame feature and our retail store in Cincinnati, Ohio. While not our main focus, we still offer the best deals around with the best service on the market! (For instance, did you know we were recently nominated for “Best Frame Shop” in Cincinnati?)

Today, we thought we’d share four quick picture framing tips on how to not only get the most mileage out of your framing, but also how to best select the materials for your work.

1. If you’re going to be matting an art piece or a print, there’s really no reason to restrict yourself on mat size. Use as much or as little space as you need… However, the mat should not be the same size as the moulding it’s inside. Larger/smaller is fine, but not equal.

2. While we love showing off our frames, the primary purpose of a frame is to showcase your art. Matting or not, you’ll want to choose a picture frame that highlights your art, not something that will “blend in” with it. This in mind, choose textures and colors that make the art stand out on its own. This will generally create a better composition.

3. This is a tip for the interior design-minded out there. While framed art is a great way to decorate a room, you should match colors and textures the the art first, THEN try and match to the decor of your room. Rooms will change over time, or you’ll find yourself moving things around at times. The framed art, however, will always remain the same. (And wouldn’t it be rather silly to re-frame your art every time your room changes?)

4. Don’t be afraid to “mix it up” if you have several different frames in one place. Part of the fun of owning or curating a gallery is knowing how to arrange the pieces, so be sure to experiment with what sorts of frames can hang together.