Should paintings be framed?

Are you thinking of choosing a frame for a special work of art in your collection? When choosing a frame, there are several points to consider. A good frame should focus the gaze directly on the artwork, while also protecting it from environmental factors that could affect its appearance over time. In reality, finding a good frame is an art form in itself! Choosing the right one can elevate your work of art to become the focal point in the room.

How do you choose a frame for a painting?

It is important to consider the medium of the work and the support it’s painted on. What does this mean? When we say “the medium”, we are referring to what materials are used. The “support” refers to the canvas or other vehicle that the artwork is created on.

Understanding these properties will help you account for factors that may affect the artwork if not framed correctly. Here are some elements to take into consideration when you choose a frame for a painting:

• Artwork Style
• Artwork Medium
• Artwork Support
• Frame Style
• Frame Color
• Mounting

Frames are available in many varieties.  If framed incorrectly, a frame might overpower the artwork or fall short in giving it the attention it deserves. While it’s important to pick a frame that complements your artwork, frames that are too busy or similar in color should also be avoided. Think about how a frame can present the work most effectively.

What color frame should I use?

The artwork style will help to suggest the frame style. For example, you may choose a traditional gold-leafed frame or a wooden frame for a classical painting. Lighter or more abstract paintings usually look best in less decorative frames, such as a box frame with a thin border. For paintings with a subject matter somewhere in between, you could choose a frame that combines traditional and contemporary art styles. 

Black or white are always good choices for frames. Both are neutral and work well with most interiors and subject matters. Unadorned black frames can add depth and drama, and white frames work well with bright colored works and white walls. It’s up to you! Use your eye to guide you in deciding which frame completes which style of artwork. 

What is the right frame for the art medium?

A frame should protect the artwork as well as drawing attention to its appearance. Works made with mediums such as graphite, charcoal, or pastel are more delicate and require care when handling and framing. Watercolor paintings on paper can also be fragile. These artworks usually look best when framed with a mount, or ‘mat’. Acid-free mounts and backings will help protect the work from deterioration.

How to choose an artwork mounting

The mount helps highlight the artwork by separating it from the frame and drawing attention to the work. They also help conserve fragile artwork by ensuring that the glass doesn’t touch the artwork directly. This can cause condensation and damage to the paper as mold and mildew can form.

Most artworks on paper look better with a mount, providing a more elegant finish. Some works on paper are ‘floated’ over the mat, in which case a framer will use conversation quality materials to protect the back of the artwork.

Neutral colored mounts tend to be the most popular, although other colors can add an interesting dimension to an artwork. If you want to introduce subtle colors, consider double matting. Artworks can also be framed with a piece of wood that acts like a separate inner frame, which is slotted under the rebate around the inner edge of the frame. This is called a “liner”.

Should art be framed with glass?

If you choose to frame your artwork with glass, be sure the glass has a UV filter. This protects works that will fade over time if exposed to UV light. Low-reflective types of glass are best because they do not interfere with viewing the artwork. Plexiglas, or acrylic glazing, is much lighter than glass. This makes it a good alternative for large artworks. It can scratch easily but it is essentially shatter-proof.

Some paintings, such as oil paintings, were never originally framed behind glass. Today in galleries and museums, you’ll usually only see an oil painting with a glass frame if it’s at risk from damage or unusually valuable, like the Mona Lisa.