How to choose the right size of artwork

How to choose the right size of artwork

How to choose the right size of artwork

When you frame artwork, you want to make sure the art is the right size for your space. You don’t want your artwork to overwhelm the room, but you also don’t want it to be so tiny it gets lost. Follow our guide to choose the best sizing for your room.

 

What size is the right size? First consider…

  • In which room will it be hanging?
  • Is this a focal piece? Do you want guests to notice it as they enter the room?
  • Is it above a sofa or dining table?
  • What other items are in that area?
  • Will there be lighting, plants, etc., overlapping the art?
  • Which size is more important for your art – height or width?
  • Are you planning on one piece or a collection?

Measure & Calculate

Calculating the ideal size for framed art can be tricky. Use our worksheet to get the exact sizes picture-perfect!

Plan your framed art to cover a little over half, but not more than 75% of your available wall space. Remember that framing adds size to your artwork!

Step #1 – Measure the open area or blank wall space.

Step #2 – Calculate the width & height needed for art. This is the ideal sizing for your framed art.

If you are using the worksheet and your art will be hung unframed, subtract approximately 4”- 6” from each side of your dimension.

In the Living Room

Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to use all of it. Your framed art should not exceed 75% of the furniture size.

In the Bedroom

Your framed art can exceed your furniture (bed) size because there is usually a night stand or dresser on either side of the bed, extending the space.

In the Dining Room

Because you’ll be sitting down, hang pictures a little lower than you would normally. That way you will still be at eye-level with your artwork.

 

Need a Different View?

Make a paper cut out of the biggest size in the range and hang this placeholder on your wall for a couple days. You can always cut it down to view a smaller size. What do you think?

Planning a Collection?

Allow 2 to 6 inches in between each piece. The larger the art, the more space you can allow between each piece. If the room already has many items, consider adding one larger piece so the space doesn’t look too busy.

What about height off the floor?

A basic rule of thumb is that the center of the art should be 60” (give or take a couple of inches) from the floor. But there are some things to consider:

  • If the art is hanging above a sofa or headboard, allow 6 to 12 inches between the top of the furniture to the bottom of the art.
  • If the art is hanging above a mantle or foyer table, there doesn’t need to be any clearance; it can be a much more subjective choice. You can also experiment with leaning your artwork on the mantle.
  • If the art is hanging in a dining room, it can hang lower since people are sitting.
  • Also consider the height of your ceilings: If you have lower ceilings, you may want to lower the center of your art so that it isn’t too close to the ceiling. If you have really tall ceilings, you can experiment with the space more.

 

You’re all set!

You can confidently go to a gallery or come to our store knowing what size range of art would be best. Even if you are only thinking about one specific wall area, take different wall sizes with you; if you fall in love with a piece of art, you won’t want to limit yourself if it doesn’t fit in that one specific area. And remember, if it’s unframed add some space to each side to account for framing. 

Interview with a Frame

Interview with a Frame

Interview with a Frame

Interviewer: Thank you for joining me today, Barrington. I don’t think many people understand how a piece of wood becomes a beautiful frame.
Barrington: My pleasure. I’d love to share my journey from wood to wall adornment. What are your questions?

wood options for frames

There are many different wood options for frames.

 

First, let me ask – What type of wood are you?
I’m Cherry wood. My rich look, fine grain, and red coloring make a prized frame.

At what point did you realize you were going to be a frame, instead of, say, firewood?
When did I know I was going to be a thing of beauty? Have you seen me in the spring? I’ve always heard comments about how beautiful my grain was, so I knew I was destined for a bright future.

Are you the best wood for a picture frame?

I think I am! There are many woods that make good frames. Straight, fast-growing trees are best, regardless of species. Cherry is quite popular.

What are some woods used for making frames?

There are many woods perfect for making a good frame, so it depends on what kind of wood is needed. Some of the most common woods used are Pine, Ayous, Bass, Balsa, Spruce, Ramin, Poplar, and Jelutong.

You didn’t mention oak, walnut ,or maple?

These are hardwoods. Difficult to mill, but they make beautiful frames due to their gorgeous grain patterns. Oak is used for certain frames, but it is a heavy wood, and weight can be a disadvantage for a frame. Often softwood frames are given a finish that resembles hardwood colorings and grains.

Is wood the best material for a frame?

Well, you’re asking me, so YES! But here’s why I say that: Wood is a natural product with a warm feel and look that when properly taken care of, can last forever. If it breaks, it can be fixed rather easily.

How does raw wood become a frame moulding?

Raw wood stock is turned into a frame profile in a process called milling, utilizing special saws and routers to form the basic shape. The frame can then be carved, gessoed, gilded, veneered, or stained. For example, I was milled to have a flat profile and stained with a rich colorful finish. My beauty lies in my simplicity, but other wood frames can be quite ornate.


What does a framer do with the frame moulding?
Picture framers usually order prefinished wood moulding in length. The moulding is cut down to size and its corners joined together with glue or pins to make the full frame. Artwork is put into the frame along with matting, glazing, and backing.

 

 

Why are real wood frames more expensive?
Wood is a natural product, and you are ordering a custom length of a specially finished material. It depends on the finish of the moulding and its profile – is it water-gilded? Oil gilded? Stained or painted? Carved? Crafting hand-finished frames can be labor-intensive, as it is a custom-built item. Building a frame and assembling its various components involves a lot of hard work by hand. I am the finest quality frame you will find, and my framer worked hard to make me look my best.

What is your goal in life?
I have two goals – to protect the art or memorabilia that I will frame, and to enhance the room where I’m hung. That’s what us frames do!

Interviewer: Thank you so much for taking me on your journey. I hope it makes it easier for customers to choose the right frame for their art and mementos.

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters as a gift of love

February is the month of love. And it’s also the time for Valentine’s Day and the hunt for that special gift. Are you looking for something original to give your spouse, something more personal than chocolate or a stuffed animal? Have you considered framed letters? If you have any saved love letters, we can help you frame it so that it will be preserved and something beautiful you can hang in your home. FOr maybe you have something from an ancestor that you would love to display, like an old letter or an antique postcard from your grandparents. How about the touching poem your husband wrote for you in college?

When it comes to framing and preserving old letters and documents, we have so many options for you to choose from. Framed letters and mementos make a touching and one-of-a-kind gift that will be remembered for years.

Custom framed letters and handwritten notes make memories last

In this fast-moving technical world, is there anything more valuable than a handwritten note? Writing letters is a lost art – emails and texts are easier but far less personal. There is something romantic and beautiful about old-fashioned penmanship, vintage postcards, and the stories they tell. Whether it’s a love letter from your significant other, a scribbled note a friend left on your desk, or a postcard from around the world, framing can help you make those memories last. Let us help you create some beautiful framed letters!

Grandpa’s Love Letters

Did your Grandpa send love letters to your Grandma while he was in the military? Now that they are gone, those letters are even more precious. It gives you a glimpse into their relationship and personality. Displaying their framed letters keeps them present.

Golden History

Framed letters and historical documents can be valuable antiques. Honor these antiquities and preserve them for generations to come. Adorn them in gold! This is the perfect time to use fanciful, ornate frames.

The Romance of Travel

Postcards make excellent framed displays! Whether it’s a vintage postcard from a relative, or a souvenir from your friend’s vacation, add a picture or two to complete the story.

Precious Words

What a wonderful moment when your dear friend surprised you with this poem, complete with illustrations. You’ve got to frame that!

Lot For Sale

Back in the day, a handwritten bill of sale was all you needed. They were simpler times! You won’t see that again. Frame these glimpses into yesteryear.

Just for Fun

Frame a stack of the letters in their envelopes. Keep people guessing what was written. A shadowbox frame can display these beautifully.

Tip: Most letters, postcards or recipe cards are written edge to edge. Try float mounting it – place it on top of the mat rather than cutting an opening in the mat. That way you don’t lose a single word.

Additional ideas for framed letters

  1. Should I order my framed letters online?
    ‘Mail-it-in’ online framing services are tempting, but do you really want to snail-mail your cherished item and hope it arrives in the same condition as when it left you? Bring your valuable piece to us – we can help you find the best framing design and we’ll keep it under our watchful eye the whole time. We can also work with you in person and show you not only the framing materials you can choose from, but also different types of glass and archival mats to finish the piece and protect it. 
  2. Museum Glass
    If you’ve used Museum glass, you know how wonderful it is. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to try it! Museum glass will provide amazing clarity while protecting these valuable mementos from UV rays and fading. And with framed letters, they will be so much easier to read.
  3. 100% cotton rag mats
    For the ultimate in protection, use ‘Rag’ or 100% cotton mats. Cotton is as pure as it gets, so that your great grandchildren can read these letters. The bonus is they often have soft colors which are perfect for vintage items. They are also the environmentally friendly choice for your framed letters.
goofy mugs for father's day

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Do you always have trouble finding a Father’s Day gift that is different and fun? At Frame Depot, we have lots of fun ideas that are perfect for dad and his special day.

Magenta -- Pantone's 2023 color of the year

Color Trends 2023: Magenta!

Magenta is Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year. Viva Magenta represents a positive future in an uncertain world.

they're playing our song

Framing music: They’re playing our song

Framing music is a beautiful way to preserve the songs of your life. We can help you design the perfect frame for your favorite tune.

Let’s talk turkey … and frame costs

Sometimes, custom frames can cost more than the art you are framing, but there are good reasons for that.

how can that be framed

How can that be framed?

Have you seen large 3D objects framed and wondered, “How in the world can that be framed?” At Frame Depot, we can frame just about anything!

Why did we choose these frames?

Frame styles: Why did we choose these?

Our designers are here to help de-mystify the design process and show you some guidelines that will place the perfect frame on your art.

how to preserve a vacation memory

Preserving a vacation memory in style

Relive a wonderful vacation memory every day by putting them on display in a custom shadowbox.

vintage or heritage

Vintage or heritage?

Vintage or heritage? These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but there is a difference in their definitions.

go for the gold

Go for a gold frame

Frame your most precious memories in a gold frame. Frame Depot can help you choose the right amount of gold to make your project perfect.

Your favorite local framer

Top 10 reasons your local framer rocks!

See why your local framer is the best place to get your precious memories framed. At Frame Depot, we focus on making our customers happy.

And the winner is...

Red-carpet framing ideas

Check out Frame Depot for some fun red-carpet framing ideas to preserve your TV and movie memories in style.

Unique framing ideas for your art and photos

There isn’t just one way to frame a treasure! Here are different framing ideas applied to the same photos and artwork.

Color trends for 2020

Color trends for 2020

Color trends for 2020

Classic Blue is Pantone’s Color of the Year!

Pantone©, an industry leader in color forecasting, chose Classic Blue #19-4052 as the Color of the Year for 2020. It is a recognizable blue, so much so that you probably don’t go a day without seeing it in the sky at dusk, a nicely tailored suit, a pool of natural water or a bowl of ripe blueberries.

Classic Blue

Blue is on the cool spectrum, so it has a calming feeling. This particular shade of blue represents dependability, trustworthiness, credibility and constancy. Classic Blue is a color you can relate to in this crazy, fast-paced and high-stress world in which we live. “This enduring blue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

Naval by Sherwin-Williams

Pantone wasn’t the only company who tagged blue as a trending color. Look at Naval #6244 by Sherwin-Williams. According to Sherwin-Williams, “We’re predicting that the next decade in color is going to be bold. Naval merges the desire for rich, inspiring color with our yearning for relaxation and retreat.”

Chinese Porcelain by PPG 

Chinese Porcelain #PPG1160-6 by PPG is a lovely blend of cobalt and ink blue. “The shade of blue instills calmness, reduces anxiety, and encourages sleep. This soothing blue imparts slowness, encouraging consumers to practice mindfulness and be more present in their lives.”

Examples of Blue in Design

Your holiday home

Your holiday home

Your holiday home

Add a magical touch to your decor this holiday season!

 

You’ve made the cookies, addressed the cards, cleaned the house, and planned the party. Now it’s time for the best part — decorating your home for the holidays.  It’s easy to remember to trim the tree or light the candles, but what about your walls? Deck the halls this holiday season by using custom framing to add a festive touch. So put on some Christmas music, grab your favorite holiday drink, and get framing!

Photo of dog in santa hat

 

 

 

Visiting Santa

Dig out the old photo of Santa & the kids from years ago.  Guaranteed Smiles! 

 

Winter Landscape

Winter landscapes can be breathtaking.  Frame your favorite winter scene. 

Family Portraits

Use last year’s family holiday photo to brighten up your walls.  

Drawings

Remember the drawing your child drew and it was too priceless to throw away?  Framing it makes it even more special. 

Try something different this year – hang an empty frame on your door instead of a wreath. You can decorate the frame with bows, greenery, Christmas flowers and ornaments…or just keep it plain.  This will turn your front door into a unique work of art.  

Holiday collection to benefit The House

Holiday collection to benefit The House

Every year we help someone in our community during the holiday season.  This year we have chosen The House, a safe place for Western Slope Teens. They are a temporary shelter for homeless, runaway, and unaccompanied youth ages 13 through 20. The House helps teens move towards stable and safe housing and other youth-driven goals through intensive case management and support from advocates, volunteers, and mentors. 

We will be collecting items at Frame Depot November 18 – December 18.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.

The following are some of the items The House needs:

Food: 

  • Peanut Butter
  • Tortillas
  • Pasta and Pasta Sauce
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Chocolate Chips

Clothing: 

  • Jackets
  • Shirts
  • Socks
  • Belts
  • Underwear (all genders, all sizes)
  • Under Shirts (all sizes)
  • New Shoes (all sizes)
  • Wallets (all genders)
  • Cell Phone Chargers
  • New or Used Cell Phones
  • Backpacks
  • Day Planners

Toiletries:

  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Hand Sanitizer

Cleaning Supplies:

  • 409
  • VInegar
  • Disposable Gloves (rubber and latex gloves for cleaning)
  • Bon Ami
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Dishwasher Detergent
  • Dish Soap
  • All-purpose Bathroom Cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Windex
  • Trash Bags (55 gallon and 32 gallon size)
  • Disinfectant Wipes

Other:

  • Diapers size 2-5
  • Gift cards to grocery stores
  • Bus Passes
  • White Copy Paper