An Artist's Secrets for Choosing the Perfect Frames for Art Prints
To be honest, framing is one of those things that I take for granted that everyone has clarity on and knows exactly what they want.
But I realize there are actually a lot of things to consider when making framing choices, so I thought I would share some insights!
As an artist who’s known for my bold colors, it may be kind of surprising, but in my own home I tend to go for things that are timeless, minimal and - here's the surprise - neutral(!).
I'm obviously a huge color fanatic and definitely incorporate color into my decor too, but when it comes to the frames on my walls I keep things pretty simple.
That's why the framing options in my Print Shop are short and sweet too.
So here's everything to consider about framing when ordering art prints…
Ordering prints unframed or framed?
If you want a contemporary, done-for-you frame and love the simplicity of mine, order framed (these prints are mounted to a backing surface and custom fitted to the frame).
If you prefer to choose your own frames to go with a certain decor style or to express your creativity with something a little different, ordering unframed might be the way to go.
Frame color
Again, I love simplicity and I think a light wood or white frame really helps most art stand out while the frame takes a backseat. If your home skews lighter (white or light color walls, white oak or pine wood tones) then the natural wood or white frames will be perfect.
If your home skews much darker (deep colors, dark wood floors), you might consider ordering unframed prints and taking them to your local framing shop for something a bit more aligned.
Then again - sometimes a pop of color can take the artwork in a fun new direction (like when I couldn't resist adding a bright red framing option for the Cherry Ice/Pink print).
Matting
IMHO unmatted art prints feel a little more clean and modern, which is why I don't offer a matting option on most of my prints.
But in the right context a simple white or cream mat can give the art print a little extra boost. Like in this lovely bedroom below designed by Ariel Okin (the designer custom framed the ‘Cherry Ice/Pink’ print with a clean white mat).
I also happen to LOVE really oversized mats on the right print. I think it works especially well on square artwork. There are only 3 prints currently available with oversized matting in the Print Shop, but if there's another print you'd like to have matted and framed this way, feel free to get in touch about a custom order.
UV protection
We all know that light is one of the biggest enemies of any kind of artwork. All of the frames in my Print Shop come with industry standard UV-shielding plexiglass (lighter and safer than glass) that is shatter & scratch-resistant.
Orientation - Horizontal or Vertical
My art prints are visually intended to hang the way they are shown, but some of the unframed prints can also be oriented the other way if that's preferred.
Keep in mind that framed prints come with wire attached and can only be oriented as shown in the main product image (e.g. 'Pink Dust/Cornflower' is framed to hang horizontally). If you're ordering a print that you'd like to hang in the other orientation, make sure to email us when you place your order so the wire can be installed accordingly.
The main thing is to choose what works for you and your space. These are all just my personal thoughts on framing, but I know that everything that goes into our homes is an expression of our own style.
Always go with what YOU love, not what you think you're supposed to do (a framing - and life - lesson).
