Ideas

Choosing Your Frame

The Great Frame Up carries hundreds of quality frames in different woods, styles, colors, and finishes. At The Great Frame Up we are trained in the “rules” of how to choose an appropriate frame. Here are some of the things that we will keep in mind as we work with you on your project.

Size – It’s important to select a moulding of the appropriate width. A moulding that’s too narrow can look like an afterthought and be structurally unsound. Your frame should physically and visually support the weight of the art without being overpowering.

Style- The color, subject matter, and tone of your art will all point you toward an appropriate selection of frames. The frame should continue to carry the “message” of the art. The décor of the room in which the piece will hang should also act as a guide.

Type- Wood frames will look good on almost any piece of art. We offer a wide selection of frames crafted from domestic woods such as walnut, cherry, oak, ash, basswood, poplar, and pine as well as select, high-quality imported varieties and eco-friendly options. Stained wood can be plain, carved, simple or ornate. And, many wood frames are available in lacquer finishes, faux finishes, and gold or sliver leaf. We also carry metal frames, which work well with certain décors, or with modern pieces and posters.

Choosing Your Mount

Mats are more than decoration; they protect the surface of the art and keep it from lying directly against the glass. To decide which mats to use, look to the colors in your art for inspiration. Using multiple mats will add beauty and depth to the finished piece. Here are a few basic rules:

• Dark colors tend to contain the art, while light colors tend to expand it.
• Mats should be approximately twice as wide as the frame width. In a multiple mat combination, that means the top mat.
• Vary the amount showing on each mat in multiple mat combinations to balance the colors in the art.
• The top mat can be whatever color is predominant in the art. You can also use a neutral top mat with lower mats as accent colors.