Framing & Mounting
Framing a painting can be another art of itself. Here’s some tips and suggestions to help you navigate the thousands of options out there! But remember, these are recommendations, not strict rules. Picking a frame should be exciting and fun, even a little adventurous and experimental! As long as you like it, there’s no wrong frame.
Color
When I choose a frame, color is first consideration.
Black, gold, and natural wood colors are the top three that I personally use to frame my paintings.
You want the frame color to hint the colors in the paintings and match the overall color scheme of the painting. If the painting is dominated by light colors, try light frames; vise versa, try darker frames for dark color dominated paintings. If the painting is very vibrant and colorful, use a neutral color such as black, silver or wood, so that the frame is not competing with the painting.
Also consider your overall home decor style. Use the colors that are already present in that space.
Frame Width
For small to medium sized paintings (9” x 11”/ 22.8cm x 28cm to 14” x 20”/ 35cm x 50cm), I usually use 0.75” ~ 1” (2cm ~ 2.5cm) wide frames.
For bigger paintings (over 14” x 20”/ 35cm x 50cm), I like frames that’s at least 1.5” wide (3.5~4cm).
For a sleek, modern and minimalism look, use a thinner frame. (0.5”/ 1.2cm or thinner)
Sometimes, you can pair a very beefy frame (3”/ 7.5cm or more) with a very small painting (less than 6” x 8”/ 15cm x 20cm) to really draw viewer’s eyes to the painting. And it’ll make the painting feel like a gem.
Types of Frame
Full-Bleed Mounting
Print is framed flush to the edge without a mat. You can cut off any amount of the white borders of the print to better fit the frame. This mounting has a simplistic and bold look.
Mat Mounting
Print is framed by a mat board (minimum 4 ply recommended) with a bevel cut around the edge. This mounting has a more traditional and formal look. You can find precut mat board at local craft stores, or bring the art to a local frame shop for a perfect fit.
Float Mounting
Print is elevated to allow for a full view of face and edges. The space between the art and outer frame is transparent. This mounting has a more elegant and airy look. But be careful of your wall color. It may not work with the painting or the frame you selected.
Last but not least, if you’re not sure the painting will fit your space…
I can do a mock up for you free of charge! Please email me a well-lit photo of the space shot straight-on, with measurements of the wall or a piece of furniture that is in the photo. Please allow 1-2 days for the mock up to be sent back to you.
For a faster answer, you can try free wall art mock up apps, such as WallApp (web based; it allows you to upload a photo of your room) or Wallary (phone app; it uses augmented reality to visualize the painting on your wall in real time).