Specialty mat cuts add a creative look

Apr 2, 2021 | Picture Framing

Specialty mat cuts add a creative look

Add a creative touch to your framing project

What is a specialty mat cut? Most mat openings are cut in a typical rectangle shape but specialty mat cuts are unusual shapes or designs cut into the mat instead of the usual right angles. A carefully chosen specialty mat cut can creatively enhance the art. There are so many shapes from which to choose, how do you know which one is the right one? As with most framing designs, there is no one right answer.

We took the same art and added different mat cuts. Which one do you like best?

There are no bad options! It just depends on what you are trying to emphasize.

Octangle
It has a feminine, vintage look.

Persian
It has a soft formal look.

Angle Array
It mimics the frills in the dress.

Grecian Notch
It has a geometric formal look.

Camelback Flair
Its flowing lines match the dress.

Nouveau
It has a bold, timeless look.

Specialty mat cuts can complement your framing project in many ways:

Hide unwanted items in the image

Add softness and warmth to an image

Reflect a period of time

Mimic the feel of the image

Frame Depot can create custom specialty mat cuts for your project — just ask!

Color Tip:

As you can see, a lot of specialty mat cuts require two mats, but you can play with the color for different effects. Use two layers of the same color for a subtle look. Or, make one layer much brighter than the other to highlight something in the art. There is no limit to how many mats can be used!

Design Preview:

See it framed before you buy it! We know how hard it can be to make a decision from just 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. Let us show you!

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Small pieces for small places

Mar 8, 2021 | Picture Framing

Small pieces for small places

small pieces of art for small spaces banner

No room or area is too small for artwork!

Can you name all the small places in your home that are a bit bare? Probably not, because there are more than you think. Take look around your home – do you see them now? How many of those small spots could use a touch of art?

The small wall space by the door
Open shelving in your office
On a tabletop
Above the cabinets in your kitchen
A windowsill
… the list goes on and on!

You’ve found a small place that needs art, you’ve got the perfect small piece for that space, and now you need to frame it. Here are a few ideas.

How about that small piece of art you picked up on vacation? It works well in your powder room. It is simply framed, but the contrast between the art and the mat makes your eye go right to the image, creating a noticeable piece.

This cross-stitch says it all, and it’s perfect for your dressing table. The cross stitch itself measures 4” x 4”, but by framing it with the same silver color used on the outside of the cross stitch, it ‘extends’ the size. Using a matching purple fillet makes it stunning.

"It's expensive to be me" crossstitch in small metal frame

These small antique images are the kinds of photos you see sitting on a piano, shelving, table or desktop. The framing doesn’t need to be much larger than the photo already is, so forget the mat – just add a wide frame around it so it doesn’t get lost with all the others photos on the piano.

Small places in your home where you could put artwork

small spaces to add artwork on kitchen wall

small spaces to add artwork on bathroom wall by door

front door from inside, showing small spaces to add artwork

How to frame small pieces for small places

The key is to not introduce multiple elements, such as color, size or frills. Because this pocket watch is so small, it could have easily been over-powered. The frame is proportionate to the watch. Only one color of matting was used so that the watch didn’t get visually ‘lost’.

How small is too small to frame?

This tin-type photograph only measures 2” x 3”, but the framing takes your eye in, making the image noticeable. We added a small frame (fillet) around it and kept to one solid color of matting.

Nothing is too small to frame! Let us show you how a small piece can become a noticeable piece.

ornate frame with tiny photo in the middle, frames for small space

Paint Colors

Paint colors that make small places feel larger

Go bold, go dark: Dark colors can actually make a space feel larger since they draw in your attention

Make it dynamic: Choose colors that change with lighting, such as Mint or Sage Green or a Pearl Gray

Classic white: White reflects the light and makes the walls recede, which makes a small space feel large and airy.

← What’s Your Style Identity? Specialty mat cuts add a creative look →

What’s Your Style Identity?

Jan 29, 2021 | Gallery Walls, Picture Framing

What’s Your Style Identity?

Your design preferences make up your own personal style identity!

We all have a style identity when it comes to interior design. You know what you like, but you might not know the name or the specific characteristics of that style. Have fun answering a few questions to find out what your style is.

What is my style identity?

Does your house look like an English garden or a beach house?
Do you love the casual look as opposed to straight lines?
Do you enjoy natural light to indoor lighting?
Would you rather be outdoors or at the beach instead of stuck inside?

Your style is Shabby Chic / Coastal

Characteristics: Casual furniture in natural materials such as wicker and rattan and worn looking white-washed woods. Stripes and florals dominate fabric patterns.

Color palette: Layered blues, crisp whites, rosy reds and greens.

What is my style identity?
Does city-living appeal to you?
Do you like the linear look of urban architecture?
Do you have suspended lamps with Edison bulbs in your home?
Do you like bare building materials seen in old factories and converted lofts?

Your style is Industrial

Characteristics: Spacious, simple design that includes wood and metal elements. Exposed pipes, ducts and brick walls are often seen. High ceilings are common.

Color palette: Neutral palette – gray, brown, grayish-white, tan.

What is my style identity?

Do you read about art and know furniture designers’ names?
Are you a fan of low sleek furniture with style and comfort?
Did you have a serious addiction to Mad Men?
Would you describe yourself as simple and uncomplicated?

Your style is Mid-Century Modern

Characteristics: Clean, often curved lines mixed with simple geometric shapes. There usually is a variety of materials (woods, metals, plastics) used in this design.

Color palette: Background earthy neutrals (browns & grays) paired with bright, bold colors such as oranges, chartreuse, pink and blues.

What is my style identity?

Do you prefer simple design with clean lines and geometric patterns?
Do you believe ‘less is more’?
Would you describe yourself as organized, methodical and efficient?
Is your home free of clutter?

What's your style identity, living room setting

Your style is Minimalism

Characteristics: This is a bare essential look. Simple, uncluttered, clean lines typically in an open floor plan. Functional furniture with flat, smooth surfaces and strong lines.

Color palette: Monochromatic – a variation of one color, usually whites, beiges and greys.

What is my style identity?

Do you appreciate history and tradition?
Does your home have a “timeless” look?
Are you a planner who rarely acts on impulse?
Do you prefer stately color palettes and elegant furnishings?

Your style is Traditional

Characteristics: Curved, heavy, dark wood furniture is the norm, paired with stuffed patterned fabrics, hardwood floors, and classical art.

Color palette: Deep, rich jewel-tone hues in reds, blues and greens.

What is my style identity?

Are you trendy, yet classic and chic?
Do you love to shop at the flea market for well-loved décor items?
Do you have more seating than you need because you love to entertain?
Is your home known for its warmth and simplicity?

Your style is Modern Farmhouse

Characteristics: A comfortable mix of old and new with heirloom hand-me-downs. Texture abounds with organic and natural materials.

Color palette: Dominated by natural colors such as soft whites, stormy grays, greiges, browns with accents of purple and blues.

What is my style identity?

Is The Great Gatsby your favorite book or movie?
Do you love rich metallics and sumptuous fabrics?
Is your home filled with stylized geometric patterns?
Do your friends describe you as glamorous?

Your style is Art Deco / Hollywood Glam

Characteristics: Bold and opulent, yet elegant and functional. Angular, geometric forms are common, and fabrics have exotic patterns or high-shine finishes. Deeply colored polished wood, often with a lacquer finish, is frequently paired with metallic accents.

Color palette: Accents of deep yellows, reds, greens, blues and pinks, offset by softer colors of creams and beiges.

Additional Topics

Still not sure what kind of frame you want? Let us help! Our designers know how to match your art to the perfect frame for your style.

Want more fun? Take this Style Identity Quiz!

https://www.tryinteract.com/quiz/what-s-your-decor-personality/

*Frames shown are an example of what may be available…

Color trends for 2021

Jan 4, 2021 | Gallery Walls, Picture Framing, Projects

Color trends for 2021

Illuminating Yellow & Ultimate Gray are Colors of the Year!

Aren’t you ready to kiss 2020 goodbye and embrace 2021? It certainly has been a challenging year for everyone. We don’t know what this new year will bring, but we’re ready for a change. With all the pressing uncertainty and unanswered questions, why should we concern ourselves with color trends right now? Because color reflects our mood. By changing the color around us, we can change our mood. We need comfort and hope. We need the soft, solid colors of familiarity – the caring, ‘we are all in this together,’ dependable color. We also need the happy colors of optimism that promise better things to come in the year ahead.

Many companies make predictions about color trends, but this year their forecasts all have one thing in common: solid, soft neutrals paired with bold accents. The palettes are filled with comfort colors to promote a sense of calm and wellness.

Pantone’s Illuminating Yellow & Ultimate Gray

Pantone©, an industry leader in color forecasting, has predicted that Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray will dominate color trends in 2021. You could call the pair ‘Happy & Dependable’. One color plays off the other to create synergy, union, and balance between practicality and positivity … just what we all need for 2021!

Using this year’s color trends in design

We’ve all spent much more time in our homes recently – plenty of time to notice how our rooms need new color! How can we use these color trends to update our homes?

Benjamin Moore©

Aegean Teal

Foggy Morning

Gray Cashmere

Sherwin-Williams©

Urbane Bronze

Messenger Bag

Modern Gray

What’s are the popular design and color trends for 2021?

design and color trends in the home

Look for bold color trends, good quality and comfortable minimalism

Deep, bold color has a stabilizing and comforting feel. A rich color can feel like a warm hug and have a feeling of elegance and sophistication. Look for the colors in paint, window and floor treatments and cabinet coloring. We can show you how to use these new colorings with matting and framing.

Craftsmanship, comfort & durability is key for 2021. Look for furniture, fabrics, and accessories that will last, that are made with sustainable products, and that can be passed down through the generations. We have always prided ourselves on the quality of our frame mouldings so you can enjoy your framing for a lifetime.

Soft minimalist design is here to stay. Organize your home with intentional, clutter-free spaces that make you feel calm. It’s about having less things, but the right things. More relaxed, casual, comfortable minimalism allows for an escape, with a feel of innocence and whimsy. You will see color trends and patterns that make you smile. Now’s the time to frame a playful piece that will make you happy every time you look at it.

← Float frames make your project stand out! What’s Your Style Identity? →

Float frames make your project stand out!

Nov 3, 2020 | Family Framing, Gallery Walls, Gift ideas, Picture Framing

Float frames make your project stand out!

Float Frames: A versatile frame moulding for stretched canvas

Have you seen these frames and wondered what they are used for? They are called Float Frames. Instead of the frame sitting on top of your art, a float frame rests under your art. It is a frame designed to lay behind a painting or stretched art to make the art appear as if it were ‘floating’ within the frame.

Why would you use a float frame? Float Frames:

Allow the viewer to see the sides of a canvas
Give stability to a canvas and prevent warping
Can appear minimal or invisible
Are available in a variety of colors, sizes and materials.

A float frame is more versatile than you would imagine.

Using a float frame can be a great way to add another frame to your moulding stack, leave a visual distance between your art and frame, extend the depth of the moulding for shadow boxes, or add character to your framing. We’d be happy to show you our float frame collection!

Traditionally float frames are used to rest behind a stretched canvas. It gives a clean, contemporary look.

You can also add a frame within a frame for a dramatic, multi-dimensional effect.

Sometimes you need to raise the art above the frame.

gallery wrap vs traditional wrap on canvases

Gallery wrap vs. traditional stretch

With traditionally stretched canvases, the fabric is wrapped around shallow stretcher bars (plain wood frame) and secured to the sides. The edges are unpainted and staples are visible. The canvas is usually intended to be framed before presentation. The shallow depth ensures the canvas can fit inside normal frames.

With a gallery wrap, the fabric is wrapped all the way around the edges and secured to the backside of the stretcher bars. Edges are painted and finished; no mounting methods or staples are visible.

When using a float frame, the depth of the stretcher bars is a matter of preference, based on the look you want. Ask us about your options. Either way, when using a float frame, it is best to have the edges painted (even if it is painted black) since a little edge will show.

← Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media A framed gift for the host! →

Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media

Oct 5, 2020 | Caring for artwork, Gift ideas, Picture Framing, Projects

Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media

Hear ye, hear ye!

There was a time when the only way to receive news was through printed material such as a newspaper. Now newspapers and magazines have become collectibles. Why? Fewer and fewer newspapers are being printed in favor of online and digital sources. Despite our transition to digital media, there is something about seeing a headline in print that makes it feel permanent and important. Just like a photograph, when you see it, it jogs your memory back to a special time. So what do you do with a collectible? You frame it! Read more about framing newspapers and how to do it properly.

How do you properly frame newspaper articles so that they can last forever? Carefully! Framing newspapers is challenging – the paper itself is meant to self-destruct. Because a newspaper is printed on a lightweight, non-acid-free paper, it needs all the help it can get to preserve itself. We use only acid-free materials that surround the paper to ensure no further damage will be done.

There are numerous ways to mount a newspaper. If individual articles are cut to create a story, then dry mounting is recommended to prevent and remove wrinkling. Mounting is done on a dark backing such as foamboard to prevent ‘ghosting’ (the reverse side text showing through). Because newspaper ‘yellows’ quickly, a UV protecting glazing is used to keep the fading to a minimum.

Looking for an old newspaper?

There are several websites that sell old newspapers. They are a great resource if you want a headline from a specific date like your birthday.

ebay.com

anydate.com

rarenewspapers.com

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Conservation-grade materials

We want your newspaper articles, magazine covers, and other collectibles to survive for a lifetime with minimal change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free. Our framers use the very best materials for your projects.

Where do you begin when framing newspapers?

Step 1: Bring in the newspaper article

Step 2: We’ll help you decide on a design…

Step 3: Pick up your completed framed project!

More fun projects to consider framing

Sometimes wrinkles are part of the charm, like in this old article about Mark Twain.

Your grandparents’ wedding announcement gets new life in a custom frame.

Capture a moment in time by framing your favorite magazine cover.

Vintage sheet music makes a great addition to your music room decor.

← Hide or disguise it with a stylish frame! Float frames make your project stand out! →