How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture

  • December 18, 2009
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The perfect frame will make your painting, photograph, or piece of artwork stand out on your wall. Here’s how to find an ideal match.

You Will Need

  • A picture or other form of artwork
  • Measuring tape
  • Matting material
  • A color sample of your wall
  • A keen eye for details
How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Determine the size of your picture

Step 1: Determine the size of your picture

Measure the length and width of your picture to determine its size. Make sure to include any borders because the frame will be going around the entire piece.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Select a matting for the picture

Step 2: Select a matting for the picture

Based on the size of your picture, choose a contrasting color for the matting. The matting should be 2 to 3 inches larger than the length and width of your picture to create an attractive background effect.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Pick the right thickness of your picture frame

Step 3: Pick the right thickness of your picture frame

Choose a frame thickness that complements your picture but doesn’t overpower it.

In general, select a thinner frame for smaller pictures, and a thicker frame for larger pictures.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Measure the size of your picture plus the matting

Step 4: Measure the size of your picture plus the matting

In order to pick the right size frame, you will need to measure the size of your picture plus the matting. Place the picture in the center of the matted piece and measure the length and width.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Choose the right effect

Step 5: Choose the right effect

Decide what type of effect you want to create. A frame that has a simple sloping edge or beveled effect will draw the eyes toward the picture, while a more ornate frame will draw attention to the frame itself.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Choose the right style

Step 6: Choose the right style

Choose your style. Antique and wood-stained frames are often ideal for older pictures. Polished wood, plastic, shiny metal, and chrome frames work well with contemporary prints and modern photographs.

How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture: Test against your color sample

Step 7: Test against your color sample

Make sure the picture truly ‘pops’ by laying it next to the color sample of your wall. This will give you a good idea of how the picture will look in your home or office.

The concept of frames evolved from the borders on vases, tomb paintings, and mosaics created more than 4,000 years ago.

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