Frames aren't specifically necessary for hanging wall art. Even so, they're almost universally used to protect art objects and provide aesthetic context to paintings, drawings and photographs. Accidents occasionally happen around the house--spills, falls, and so on--and you'll likely want to protect your purchase from such possibilities by selecting a frame for your wall art that matches the artwork in addition to keeping it safe.
Types of Available Wall Art Frames
The first portrait frames were made of wood. While you can still find frames made of wood, you'll also find frames made of other materials, including: • Aluminum and stainless steel • Fine metals, such as silver and bronze • Glass and plastics. Some frames will include a layer of material intended for protecting the framed art object, often made of standard glass or Plexiglas. These are almost always used in photograph frames, while not as common for paintings. Museum quality archival glass includes ultra-violet filters that can protect your art from the harmful effects of the sun.
Choosing The Best Frame For Your Wall Art
A useful way of selecting the best frame for your wall art projects is to begin by considering the artwork you intend to frame. First, pick a frame appropriate for the size of the photograph, painting or drawing. Then, decide whether or not you want to use a mat as an additional border for your artwork. Professional framers can help you decide on the size and colors of the mat paper, which is precision cut and can be multi-layered. A good mat can strongly accentuate striking colors or contrasts in a print, painting, or photograph. Your next choice will be based on the aesthetic qualities of the artwork. A black-and-white photograph might be well served by a modern-looking metal frame, while picturesque photos of nature or landscape scenes might look better in a more ornate wooden frame. Similarly, an elegant original painting or drawing may look best in a traditional, gilded wooden frame. Finally, the framed work of art or photograph will, under optimal conditions, match the rest of the decorations and colors in the room where you're planning to hang the piece. Placement is also important, so that the framed object coordinates spatially with any other wall art in the room.
Using a Professional Framer
To end up with the best possible framing, you may want to seek out the service of a professional art or picture framer, a concern that likely won't come up when selecting wall hangings. Many framers will advertise their services through websites for their business, with all the necessary contact information so you can arrange for a consultation. You can also contact the Professional Picture Framer's Association (PPFA) the national organization of skilled framers, to find a reliable, certified professional framer in your area.