What To Consider When Choosing a Frame for Artworks
Do you have memorabilia or artwork you want to hang on your wall? You may want to consider how you are going to frame the piece.
While protecting your mementos from environmental factors that can affect their appearance is essential, it is also essential to get a frame that enhances the piece. You may have to consider several factors when choosing a frame.
This article will run you through the key considerations you should make when choosing a frame for your home decor wall art.
The Style, Material, and Color of Your Frame
Various styles, materials, and colours of frames are available for wall décor. It is best to choose a frame that does not overpower your artwork. You should get one that complements your artwork and enhances its appeal.
Avoid frames that are too similar in colour or heavily decorated compared to your artwork. This will make it look either too dull or too busy. Instead, you should look for frames that contrast the colour and material of your piece.
It also helps to consider the style of your artwork. For example, classical paintings suit both traditional gold-leaf frames and simple dark wood frames. Abstract paintings, on the other hand, look better with less ornate frames with thin borders.
Protecting Paper Artwork
Generally speaking, the most crucial function of a frame is to protect the artwork from damage. Paper artworks that are done through watercolour, graphite, charcoal, or pastel are more delicate and can get damaged if not handled correctly.
You can frame these pieces with acid-free mounts and backings to prevent deterioration. These frames also highlight the piece by separating it from the frame and drawing attention to the work. If you are into this effect, you can also frame it with a liner or a piece of wood that acts as a separate inner frame.
The glass frame for these fragile pieces should have a UV filter that prevents fading. For larger pieces, you can use acrylic glazing or plexiglass, which is lighter than glass and shatter-proof.
Should You Frame Oil Paintings?
Oil paintings are more durable than their paper counterparts and are commonly not framed. This is because oil paintings don’t dry by evaporating moisture content the same way acrylic and watercolour pieces do. These pieces oxidise, and it takes longer for them to dry.
Most people think that oil paintings should be left to “breathe,” so framing them in glass may not be a good option. However, valuable oil paintings that risk damage are usually framed.
Considerations for Acrylic and Mixed Media Works
Acrylic media can soften in high heat and be vulnerable to cracking if kept in fluctuating temperatures. You need to keep these pieces away from heat sources such as radiators or ovens.
It is best to go for a frame without glass to avoid trapping heat and moisture that can affect your art. You can go for an open-backed canvas frame for these instead.
Conclusion
When choosing a frame, you have to consider what you want to achieve. You can select a frame that complements the artwork, protects it, and enhances its appeal.
The frame should not overpower the artwork but rather complement it. It can be as simple as having a thin border or as distinct as having a large frame that highlights your artwork. However, if you find these choices overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with the tried and tested wooden frame in classic brown or black.
Are you looking for wall prints in Geelong to add to your wall décor? Wall to wall has a variety of prints, memorabilia, and frames you can choose from. Check out our store today!