What’s Your Style Identity?

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

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?
style identity: shabby chic living room

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

  • 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?
style identity: shabby chic living room

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

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?

style identity: shabby chic living room

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

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?

What's your style identity, living room setting

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. 

style identity: shabby chic living room

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?

What's your style identity, living room setting

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.

style identity: shabby chic living room

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?

What's your style identity, living room setting

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…

Peace, love and cupcakes!

Peace, love and cupcakes!

Jan 28, 2021 | not blog post

Peace, love and cupcakes
gifts from the heart

Frame Depot is happy to help MarillacHealth this Valentine’s Day with a cupcake fundraiser.

MarillacHealth provides quality healthcare to Mesa County residents regardless of income or insurance status. If you would like to help them, order some of their groovy cupcakes and when you pick them up, you’ll get a love note. Bring that love note to Frame Depot and drop it in our jar and we’ll draw a name on February 27 — that person will win a $100 gift certificate to Frame Depot.

You can call 970-241-0033 or visit MarillacHealth to order. Thank you for helping us help them!

cupcake fundraiser poster

Color trends for 2021

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!

2021 color trends 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.

yellow, color trend of the year

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.

A framed gift for the host!

A framed gift for the host!

Dec 7, 2020 | Gift ideas

A framed gift for the host!

Don't show up empty handedDon’t show up empty handed. Surprise your holiday host with a custom framed gift!

Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, this holiday season will not resemble any other in recent memory. Holiday parties will most likely be limited — just a small group of close friends or family. Small gatherings can be wonderful because you can spend more quality time with the people you love … a welcome change from social distancing and quarantines.

Your holiday host has put in time and effort to make this gathering a success, and you want to show your appreciation and gratitude. A custom framed gift is the perfect way to say thank you, so you don’t have to show up to the party empty-handed. Whether you need a host/hostess gift, or your family is doing a traditional holiday gift exchange, framing a memory is a thoughtful, personal gift idea.

Frame a memory 

You’ve had some extra time this year to make small gifts. Gather them together and make a presentation that will be valued and used year after year to decorate for the holidays. Give a framed gift that displays a favorite memory.

 

mountain photo in frame

A pic of fun socially-distanced times you had during the year.

old photo of friends in frame

An old picture of earlier times make a great framed gift.

collection of grandkid photos in frame

Precious pictures of the grandkids.

vintage christmas stamp in frame

A holiday themed print is always appreciated for holiday decorating.

christmas felt art in frame

Frame  an old Christmas card or holiday craft.

christmas cookies on plate

Bringing some homemade treats never hurts!

Need a little something extra to bring along? Here are some of our favorite cookie recipes.

What NOT to bring:

  • Cut flowers: A potted plant is fine, but don’t bring anything that requires immediate maintenance.
  • Cheap wine: Noooo! Your host has gone to a lot of time and expense, so reward them!
  • Uninvited guest: Especially if it is a sit-down dinner, don’t bring an uninvited plus one.
  • Your pet: Don’t put your host on the spot by asking if you can bring Fido.

 

Free Delivery!

This December, let us deliver your framed gift! From our house to yours, safe and sound.

christmas wrapping paper and ribbon

Gift Wrapping

We know gift wrapping a large framed item can be challenging, so let us wrap it for you!

HOLIDAY HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 10am – 6pm

Saturday: 10am – 4:30pm

Closed: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

We will be accepting new holiday framing projects until Dec. 22nd, and shadowboxes until Dec. 18th.

Float frames make your project stand out!

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, available at Frame DepotFloat 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.
side view of float frames
wall panel with float frames
how artwork fits into float frames

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!

 

float frames with canvas artwork

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

float frames with canvas artwork

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

side view of float frames with artwork

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

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.

pocketwatch and old newspaper

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.

old historic newspaper

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

—

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

 

framing newspapers

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

custom framed newspaper

Step 3: Pick up your completed framed project!

custom framed newspaper

More fun projects to consider framing

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

custom framed newspapers

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

framed newspaper wedding announcement

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

framing newspapers and magazines

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

old sheet music framed

Hide or disguise it with a stylish frame!

Hide or disguise it with a stylish frame!

Sep 3, 2020 | Family Framing, Picture Framing, Projects

Hide or disguise it with a stylish frame!

hide your tv by making it a work of artDisguise and hide your TV or wall safe with a custom frame

Did you know you can use frames to hide things? You’ve spent lots of time and money to design your room just right, but something’s off…it’s not the furniture, or the color scheme — it’s your TV! Your flat-screen TV has become the dominant focal point of the room and when it’s powered off, it just looks like a big black box on the wall.

Thanks to advancing technology, televisions are much more stylish than they used to be, but visually they are still just a black box. We have clever framing options so you can disguise your large TV or wall safe!

Two ideas for disguising your TV: Hide the TV completely

hidden frame over dresser
tv with hidden frame over dresser

TV in hidden frame over fireplaceOr, don’t hide the TV — disguise it as framed art!

Did you know you can frame your TV? You don’t always have to hide your TV — sometimes you can turn it into a work of art. With a frame around the screen, the TV becomes a stylish part of your room.

If you have a ‘smart’ TV, you can program it to scroll through your digital photo collection, allowing it to look like art and bring a smile every time you notice it. This is a stylish and easy way to turn your TV into art.

Read also:
How to choose the right size artwork

Does a frame make a difference?

Lighting your frames

Lighting your artwork is very important, no matter what it is illuminating. If you have covered your TV or safe completely, light the framed art so you can appreciate it.

Tip: Install a dimmer switch for ambiance.

safe behind hidden frame in gallery

Hide your safe in plain sight

Safes should be hidden because of the valuable items inside. You certainly don’t want to advertise that you have a safe. Hide it in plain sight. We can build a frame that hinges away from the wall to conceal your treasures.

safe behind hidden frame in living room
safe behind hidden frame in living room

More clever ways to disguise things with framing!

  • Hide your keys or money: We can build a frame that is easy to open and easy to hide small valuables.
  • Show the record cover, but hide the record: Frame your favorite album or CD cover, and in another attached frame show the record/disc. Best of both worlds!
  • Disguise a door? Yes – you can hide a door with a frame! We can frame a large piece of art and secure it to the door so it doesn’t shift every time it is opened.

If you want it hidden, we can build a frame for it.

Let’s have fun framing posters!

Let’s have fun framing posters!

Aug 2, 2020 | Gift ideas, Picture Framing

Let’s have fun framing posters!

Budget-friendly options for framing posters and making them priceless

Framing posters is just like framing any other piece of art, right? Not necessarily. Posters are mass-printed reproductions of photographs, artwork, or advertisements. You’ve seen them plastered on dorm room walls and movie theater halls. Because they are low-cost compared to original artwork, there are a few things to keep in mind when framing them. Your framing will ultimately depend on how you plan to use the poster — you still want it to look good!


How is framing posters different from framing other art?

Posters are typically printed on inexpensive, light-weight paper. This paper can appear wavy or wrinkly if framed improperly. Unlike original or limited-edition art, posters should be adhered to a backing board using a dry mount machine so that they appear smooth. No more wrinkly paper when framing posters! Also, it isn’t necessary to use spacers to keep glass off of the poster, and you don’t need to use the highest-quality frame mouldings to achieve the look you want.

Framing choices at Frame Depot

Why do people frame posters?

budget friendly poster framingBudget

Yes, you can frame on a budget! We offer budget-friendly poster framing options that don’t look cheap. When you are framing a poster for your kid’s room or for a gift, you may not want to invest as much into framing it as an original piece of art. An inexpensive poster may not need a 24K gilded frame or archival quality mounting. Sometimes you just need simple and affordable. We have frames that would work well on your poster and fit into your budget.

Also, read out post: See it framed before you buy it!

Too good to be true?

When a big box frame shop advertises “50% + 20% off,” it looks like a great deal — but is it really? What is the original price? Does 50% + 20% = 70% off? Let’s say the project is $500.00. If it were 70% off, it would equal $150.00. If it is 50% + 20% off, it would equal $200.00. Don’t let the big store’s sales confuse you — compare our prices and I’m sure we can find a poster framing option that you will be happy with.

framing posters, decorative artwork

Decorative

You love Van Gogh, but the odds of you owning an original Dutch Master are pretty slim. Poster reproductions are the perfect way to bring famous, beloved art into your home. You want it to be designed as if it were an original piece of art to be worthy of a lifetime of compliments. Just because something was originally a poster doesn’t mean that it can’t look like a million bucks after a good framing job. Our designers are eager to help design that special piece.

poster framing, collections

Temporary Displays

Posters are frequently used in semi-temporary displays. In real estate offices, hospitals, waiting rooms, and classrooms, it is not unusual to change art on a regular basis.

poster framing, temporary displays

Collections

In a room with a poster collection, it is easy and affordable to frame numerous posters similarly. This unites the collection and increases its aesthetic value. This is especially popular with travel, movie, and concert posters.

Acrylic glazing

If your poster will be hanging in a high traffic area (waiting rooms), a danger zone (kid’s room), or moved around a lot (dorm room, apartment), acrylic glazing may be a better choice than glass. Acrylic won’t break and is light weight.

See it framed before you buy it

See it framed before you buy it

Jul 2, 2020 | Picture Framing

See it framed before you buy it

perfect frame design, see your art framedThere is no such thing as ONE perfect frame design. What if you could see it framed before you buy it?

Do you think there is only ONE perfect frame for a piece of art? The answer is NO! There can be many ‘perfect’ frames for a piece of art. That’s probably why it seems so challenging to narrow down the options. But who wants to guess what will look good when framing a piece you love?

What’s important is choosing the right frame for YOU. Let’s break it down and show you how different frames can work with the same piece of art and why.

SEE IT FRAMED:
BLOOMING BLOSSOMS

 

About the Art:

Blooming Blossoms is a highly stylized photo of red poppy flowers blooming in a blurred grass field. This piece is a soft, neutrally toned print with a bright focal point. It would complement any area that calls for serenity. When choosing a frame be careful not to overpower the focal point. So, let’s see it framed with some different styles.

 

About the Frames:

  1. White (upper left): It’s hard not to notice the red flowers in the center, but by using a frame that extends the background, it highlights the flowers even more. Choosing a frame that has a flowing rounded design mimics the soft curves and lends a feminine touch.
  2. White & Red (upper right): Adding a hint of red is going to draw the eye to the red poppies, and emphasize that the flowers are the focal point. Paired with a clean white frame that extends the background, it gives the piece a subtle simplicity with pop.
  3. Blue & White (lower left): When you first looked at this piece, did you notice the soft grey-blues in the background? Now you do. It draws out other colors without taking away from the focal point.
  4. Silver & Gold (lower right): Many people shy away from ornate frames because they might make the art feel too fancy or strict. In this case, the warm gold/silver color combo and the soft, curved carving flows with the art and gives it formality without stuffiness.

If you are framing an oil painting, check out our post on the framing choices you need to consider. We also have a post on framing textiles.

 

blooming blossoms, see it framed

SEE IT FRAMED:
BIERES DE LE MEUSE

Alphonse Mucha, 1897

About the Art:

Bieres de le Meuse (‘Beer of the Meuse’) was a French advertisement typical of the Art Nouveau period. Art Nouveau is known for its elaborate use of color, flourishes, and graphic design style. It can pair well with ornate frames or frames with clean, elegant lines. So, let’s see if framed with some different styles.

 

About the Frames:

    1. Gold (upper left): There are many gold tones in this piece, so you can’t go wrong with surrounding it in more of the same color. The frame’s soft, curvy design flows seamlessly with the art, which turns an ornate frame style into something whimsical.
    2. Black (upper right): A black frame is like black clothing – it goes with everything – but you have to be careful. For this piece, choose a smaller frame profile with a touch of gold. Adding a mat allows your eye to easily rest on the art without the black frame dominating. This has a traditional and universal feel so it will match any decor.
    3. Espresso (lower left): There is so much going on with this art; a wide, soft dark brown frame helps calm it down. Notice the detail carved into the outer edge of the frame? That helps tie the design in the art to the frame. This is a transitional look that works well in an eclectic space.
    4. Copper (lower right): This frame has a coppery-gold finish but is carved in an Art Nouveau pattern. It speaks directly to the period in which the art was created. Matting creates a buffer between the art and the frame allowing each one to shine.

Artist Profile: Alphonse Mucha

Alphonse Mucha (pronounced ‘moo-ka’), was born in what is now the Czech Republic on July 24, 1860 and died there on July 14, 1939. He moved to Paris in 1887. Mucha painted in a style called Art Nouveau (French for ‘New Art’). Many of Mucha’s works reflect the flavor of modern life in the latter part of 19th century Paris and the blossoming use of print advertising. Many of Mucha’s advertising pieces featured a single figure or a woman against a halo-like disk, arranged harmoniously with flowers and other decorative motifs. The idea was to draw potential consumers’ attention to a feminine beauty and then send an alluring message about the product being represented. Mucha not only painted, but he designed jewelry, carpets, wallpaper and theatre sets.

mucha framed print, frame comparisons, see it framed

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. Our See it Framed system can let you see what different framing styles will look like on your project, before you commit to anything.

perfect frame design, see your art framed

What do these frames have in common?

Framing games is a great way to preserve family memories

Framing games is a great way to preserve family memories

Jun 12, 2020 | Family Framing, Projects

Framing games is a great way to preserve family memories

dice in a frame - - framing gamesIt’s time for framing games!

We hope that you and your loved ones remained healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic. For some of you, the stay-at-home order was extra time to spend with your spouse and/or children. What did you do to keep yourself and everybody entertained? Did you put a puzzle together as a family project? Did you play board games or card games? Were you able to throw a frisbee around in the yard? Activities like these always create great family memories.

Did you know that framing games and puzzles is possible? In fact, it’s pretty fun. Board games, puzzles, cards, and even random game pieces lend themselves very well to a framed display, especially considering most of them have eye-catching design and a flat profile. What a great way to remember a happy memory in the midst of troubled times.

Board games

Don’t let anyone forget that you won the epic four-day Monopoly game by owning Indiana Ave! You can even include game pieces, cards, and money. Framing games can help keep your fun family memories alive, while adding some fun decor to your family room.

monopoly board - framing games
monopoly board - framing games

Puzzle time!

You did it! You finally finished that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle you’ve been meaning to tackle for years. Such an effort needs to be rewarded. Frame it! (So that you won’t need to put it together again…)

There are special glues you can purchase that are specifically made for puzzles and will help keep them preserved for many years to come. If you have questions about this, we are happy to help with all your questions regarding framing games and puzzles.

 

space puzzle framed - - framing games

Vintage games

Look what you found while you were cleaning closets! An old game you used to play with your siblings. It’s a little too worn now to be played, but by framing games you can bring back those old memories. Copy the rules and put them on the back or in a pocket on the back. You could even frame the rules and game pieces in a matching frame. If you’re at a loss for ideas, just bring your vintage game to Frame Depot and we can give you lots of ideas for displaying and preserving it.

elsie board game - framing games
elsie and her family board game - framing games

Some fun game trivia

  • In Monopoly, Jake the Jailbird is the guy behind bars and Officer Edgar Mallory sent him there.
  • Chutes & Ladders, a game about Karma, was invented in India in the 2nd century. It was originally called Snakes & Ladders. The phrase “back to square one” originated in the game.
  • The game of Clue was invented in 1947. Mr. Green was originally a reverend, but Parker Brothers objected to a reverend being suspected of murder, so he was changed to a businessman.
  • The Game of Life was the first and only board game invented by Milton Bradley in 1860, although he singlehandedly launched the board game industry. Because using dice was associated with gambling, a six-sided top was used instead.

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

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

May 4, 2020 | Picture Framing, Projects

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

Are the walls closing in in the time of coronavirus?Empty walls

Have you been staring at empty walls this quarantine? If you can’t figure out what would bring that space to life, not a problem. We can help you out with some ideas for framing projects. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Take a picture of your ‘problem’ wall. If you can include some measurements, that is also helpful.

Step 2: Tell us what your idea is for that space. Are you looking to add one big piece or several small ones? Do you have any special items that could be framed that could be a focus or theme for the wall, like a musical instrument or family heirloom?

Step 3: Email it to us at: staff@framedepotgj.com. Give us all the necessary details and let us know you’d like some assistance with ideas for a room or a specific wall.

Step 4: We’ll correspond virtually to propose a solution. Problem solved!

Lost and found memories could fill those empty walls

Maybe you spent your time at home cleaning and re-organizing your closets. How many shoeboxes of old photos did you find? Cherished keepsakes? Maybe an old memento that belonged to grandma? Instead of hiding those heirlooms in the closet again, plan a beautiful display! Follow these steps to create a memorable project.

Step 1: Based on what you found, select a theme, such as grandma’s scarf. 

Step 2: Gather all items that relate to your theme — photos, mementos, letters, textiles — anything that’s scrapbook worthy.

Step 3: Bring your items to us. We are open again but we are also doing pick-up, deliveries and also curb-side drop off and pick up — whatever you are more comfortable with during this time. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. If you can’t come to our location, we can send you photos by email.

Step 4: We’ll work our framing magic and present you with a completed framed project, so you can cherish your memories for a lifetime! Imagine all the beautiful projects that could grace your walls.

 

Fun and games

a pile of puzzle piecesIn an upcoming newsletter we will feature framing puzzles and games. Puzzles and board games of all kinds can be framed and displayed, especially if you have some empty walls in a family or game room! If you were one of the lucky ones to buy a puzzle during the great pandemic jigsaw puzzle shortage, save it as a memory of how you spent your quarantine. Stay tuned for more information on how to turn some of your fun into a framed memory.

How to choose the right size of artwork

How to choose the right size of artwork

Apr 7, 2020 | Gallery Walls, Picture Framing

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. 

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