Choosing the right picture frame can completely change how a painting or print feels in your home. The frame doesn’t just protect the artwork — it sets the mood, enhances the colours, and helps the piece sit comfortably within a room.
Here are five practical tips to help you choose a frame with confidence.
Tip One: Do a Little Research
It’s worth spending time researching two things:
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A good professional framer
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Your own taste in picture frames
Finding a reputable framer is often the easier part. A good framer can advise you on materials, finishes, mounts and costs. Before you visit one, though, it helps to have a sense of what you’re drawn to.
Pinterest is a useful starting point, as are interior magazines such as Ideal Home. Notice which frames catch your eye — modern, traditional, light, dark, simple or decorative. This makes the framing process far easier when you see a professional.
Tip Two: Look Closely at Frames in Real Spaces
Visit local galleries and really observe the frames being used. Notice the colours — black, white, silver, gold or natural wood — and think about how those finishes would look in your own home.
Ask yourself:
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Will the frame complement or contrast with the artwork?
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Will it suit the style of the painting?
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Does the artwork feel modern or traditional?
A professional framer will also have a wide range of mounts (the card surrounding the artwork). Sometimes using a double mount works beautifully, especially if one of the colours subtly echoes something in your room.
One useful guideline is to avoid having the mount exactly the same width as the frame — slightly wider or narrower usually looks more balanced.
Tip Three: Canvas or No Frame?
Canvas paintings come in different forms. Some are painted on box canvases, which can be left unframed if you prefer a more contemporary look. Some artists paint the edges of the canvas so it almost acts as its own frame.
Other canvases are stretched with visible staples on the sides, which usually suggests the intention is for the piece to be framed. There are no strict rules — it often comes down to personal taste and the style of the artwork.
Tip Four: Think of Framing as an Investment
Framing can be expensive, and occasionally the frame may cost more than the artwork itself. However, if a piece is special to you, a well-chosen frame is an investment.
A painting you love can bring enjoyment for many years — whether it’s something you see each morning or a piece that quietly lifts your mood as you go about your day. Well-framed artwork can also become something passed down through generations.
Tip Five: Prints and Artwork on Paper
If your artwork is on paper — such as a print or watercolour — it will need to be protected behind glass. Make sure all materials used are 100% acid-free, including mounts and backing boards. This prevents discolouration and damage over time.
If you have several pieces to frame, they don’t all need to match, and you don’t need to frame everything at once. Some framers offer discounts for bulk orders, so it’s worth asking.
Each piece of art is unique, so there’s no need to “dress” them all the same. If you already own frames you like, a professional framer may be able to reuse them with new, acid-free mounts — saving money while still protecting the artwork properly.
If you store unframed artwork, avoid leaving it untouched for long periods. Check occasionally for signs of damp or mould, as paper-based artwork is particularly vulnerable.
If you found this useful, you may also enjoy my blog on where and how to hang your art in your home.
If You Found This Useful, Perhaps Have A Look At My Other Blogs Advising Where to Hang Your Art https://joankennedyartist.co.uk/hanging-art/