What’s wrong here?

Do you ever wonder why some framed art is easy to look at, and some makes you want to move past it quickly? It could be the art itself – maybe you don’t care for the style or subject matter, like abstracts or landscapes – but maybe it’s because of the way it’s framed. Yes, the framing design makes a huge difference and there are some simple ways to avoid framing problems with your cherished pieces.

We’ve framed four pieces of art (each with two mats and one frame) in two different ways so you can see how the framing impacts the visual presentation. Let’s take a look at how you can solve some common framing problems.

Framing problems: Serenity in the guest room

This serene, peaceful image is perfect for your guest room, which has green accents and oak furniture. The top mat should be green to match, right? And the frame should match the furniture? Not necessarily. These are some common framing problems that people encounter when worrying about how to make the frame match the decor instead of complement the art.

Neutral colors sourced from the photograph (and not your walls) will let the art shine, as well as blend with your current décor. By matting it just a shade darker than the light on the water, we avoid competition with the focal point. The frame continues the soft, neutral vibe, making it easier and more peaceful to get lost in the serene view.

Framing problems corrected for photographs

Family photograph

There is no better reason for a family portrait than an addition to the family! Wouldn’t it be cute to use the baby’s outfit for the mat colors and a brown frame to match those darling curls? Maybe, maybe not. What kind of framing problems can be corrected for these kinds of photos?

If it’s the baby you really want to see and not the frame design, make your eye go right to the focal point. This can be done by letting the bold color of the outfit stand out on its own instead of competing with the framing. In this case, a soft white doesn’t interfere with the blue outfit, taking your eye straight to the baby and the parents’ delighted faces.

Pink flamingos

You could watch flamingos all day long  so you found a beautiful photo that lets you do just that. Of course, you want the flamingos to be what you see first when you look at it, so the best thing to do is neutralize it with a white mat, right? And the pink frame is a play on the flamingo color! Great idea….or is it? Bright colored images can pose all kinds of framing problems.

In this situation, the white mat contrasts with the pink, so pink is what you see – not the flamingo, just the frame. The white mat is stark – it creates a strong outline around a fairly dark image. Instead, pull the colors from the background, leaving the focal colors alone. Are the flamingos easier to look at now?

Framing problems corrected for abstract art

Abstract art is versatile and can frequently go with any décor because the design is usually non-specific. Abstracts can create a soothing feeling or add a splash of color to a space. Because abstract art sometimes has a lot going on, it’s best to give it space, or it can look confusing. This is the most common framing problem with abstract art but is easily solved to let your art shine through.

This colorful example was designed with the same two mats and frame, but with different matting proportions. The first appears cramped and overwhelmed, forcing your eye to the framing instead of the art. The second is easier on the eyes, with ‘breathing room’ for the art. Which would you rather look at?

Other framing problems and quick tips

How to solve framing problems with the design

• Stick to colors that are in the art
• The mat color should not be lighter or darker than any color in the art
• Contrast the top mat with the focal point
• Vary the widths of the design package components

Design preview

See it framed before you buy it! We know how painful it can be to make a decision from a corner sample. But not anymore! We can show you what that corner sample will look like all around your art before you say yes. Stop in to see your design preview and let us solve any framing problems beforehand.

Other blog posts you might like:

Color is a fun way to set the mood

The ABCs of framing

Specialty mat cuts add a creative look

The More You Know…

When you are at a frame shop, do you hear terms you aren’t familiar with? Does it sometimes feel like a foreign language? We’ll take you back to school – grab a pen & paper and let’s begin on the ABCs of Framing!

How many terms did you know?

Most of them are familiar, but if you knew all 26 – you must be a framer!

If you knew 15, you’ve had several pieces framed OR you listen to us when we talk.

If you knew 5, we need to see you more often – Stop in today!

Dress Up Your Chalkboard

A chalkboard: The old school way of communicating. Still a great way to capture notes. Here is an elegantly framed chalkboard worthy of the classroom’s attention. Dress up your chalkboard with a custom frame!

Remember your vacation every day!

Travel, souvenirs and memories – they go together like a hand in a glove. Some of the best travel memories are triggered by the souvenirs you bring back from vacation. They tell a story. By preserving those souvenirs with custom framing, you can have those travel memories forever. What’s your favorite travel story?

Travel memories & stories

Etching from Italy

While strolling the avenues of Florence, you found a street artist who was selling etchings of the very view you were looking at – the Piazza Del Duomo. How could you resist? Now it hangs in your office to give you a mini vacation from work.

Sunset photo of the Islands

Hawaiian sunsets never disappoint, and it’s hard to take a bad photo of such rich colors. Neutral framing lets the bold view stand out.

Redecorating your home office

This last year you’ve most likely spent more time in your home than you thought you ever would. You may have even rearranged some things around to create a home office or noticed that your home office needed a redo. A little paint, a new rug and fresh art – that will work! Vacation photos and travel memories make the perfect addition to help take your mind off work occasionally.

Tip: If you are working with an interior designer, talk to them about incorporating your travel memories and souvenirs into a design plan.

See some of our other blogs for additional tips and resources:

It’s all in the details with quality framing

What’s your style identity?

Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media

Are the walls closing in? A new framing project can help.

Bringing art home from vacation

While on vacation, you fell in love with a painting that had already been framed. The question is… do you ship it home that way? How much do you love the frame? Will the dealer or artist reduce the price if you don’t want the frame? How much would it cost to ship it home framed?

If you decide to bring the painted canvas back unframed, ask the dealer or artist to remove it from the frame – DO NOT cut it off the frame! Take the staples out of the stretcher frame. Cover the painting with glassine and roll it up (not tightly) and put into a tube – plastic is best. That is the least expensive way, and then you can have it framed exactly the way you want it.

If it is a piece of art on paper, and fairly small, cover both sides with glassine, and secure between two pieces of hardy cardboard. If it is small enough, you should be able to transport it in your luggage. If not, shipping it should not be expensive. Once it is safely home, remove it from the cardboard and take it to your framer so your travel memories can be properly preserved.

Frames from around the world

Use color to bring out a range of fun feelings!

Not all art is serious! Some art is just fun, and color is a big part of that. Have you noticed how color can greatly influence the vibe in a room or the tone of art? Do you know how to choose art and décor that can create a certain feeling? Let’s break it down and look at how color influences almost everything around us.

How do you want your space to feel? Playful? Energetic? Bold?

Color can create the mood you want.

Blues & Greens

Blues & Greens are restful, stable colors with a stress management quality. They create a soothing feeling, encouraging calmness. Does it make you think of spas or medical offices?

Painting by Georgia O’Keefe, Blue & Green Music, 1921

Bold and passionate

The red inner frame emphasizes the passion of this fun Las Vegas print.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

#3 – According to color-related studies

• Warm-colored (yellows, oranges) placebo pills are more effective than cool-colored (blues, greens) placebo pills.
• Blue-colored streetlights can lead to reduced crime.
• Red causes people to react with greater speed and force, something that might prove useful during athletic activities.
• Black sports uniforms are more likely to receive penalties.
• Paint your office blue and green: In 1999, researchers at Creighton University found that employees in blue offices felt the most centered, calm, and hopeful towards their work. Since blue can lower heart rates and green can reduce anxiety and is associated with money, a combination of blue and green is best for the office.

Take a closer look at details in quality framing vs bad framing

A question we often hear is, “Why is custom framing expensive?” The quick and easy answer is that it is ‘custom’ – it is being handmade specifically for your design and your needs. More importantly, it is because of the impeccable quality of workmanship we put into every project and our dedication to quality framing. Details matter in custom framing. Here are a few that deserve a closer look and how they can impact quality framing.

Example #2: Frame issues

• Notice the ragged edges on the corner of the frame? This happens when the blade on the saw that is cutting the moulding isn’t sharp enough, tearing at the wood instead of slicing through it.
• Some frame corners have large gaps due to uneven cuts or warped moulding. We like to keep our corners clean and even!

Example #4: Glass issues

• Notice the faded art? This happens because the glass used to protect the art isn’t UV-filtering, meaning it offers no protection from UV rays. Insist on quality framing UV-filtering glass for your next project.
• Is glare blocking your view of the art? Ask for options that minimize or eliminate glare.

With quality framing, it’s all in the details

All of these issues can easily be avoided.
All it takes is a little more time, attention to detail, and quality materials. Our professional framers have years of experience. You won’t see these problems with our quality framing because we care about your art.

Quality & Design Quality framing is not as noticeable at first as design, but it’s just as important! We use acid-free and 100% cotton rag mats and UV-filtering glass. Many of our frames are hand-finished solid wood. The design is usually what everyone notices first, and our designers work with you to develop the best design for your piece.