Decorating with art can often be one of the most rewarding ways to personalise and add charm to your home. Even the simple act of displaying artwork in your room can help you do a lot to express your unique tastes and create the most inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.
Yet, while most people often focus on choosing artworks themselves, the frame that surrounds an artwork like a high-quality art print plays an equally important role in bringing out its full potential. A thoughtfully chosen frame can help connect the piece with the room’s overall design, ensuring a seamless flow that enhances both the artwork and the space around it.
With the wealth of styles, colours, and materials available, how do you go about choosing the perfect combination of artwork and picture frame? This guide from DROOL Art will help you select frames that not only highlight the beauty of the art you’ve invested in, but also fit naturally with the rest of your décor:
1) Get to Know Your Frame Options
First, remember that picture frames come in a wide array of materials, styles, and finishes, and each one can offer you a unique way to enhance your art while complementing the rest of your home décor. It may be hard at first to choose from so many, but you’ll also have an exciting opportunity to tailor your choices to suit your personal aesthetic and the specific character of your space.
One way to help you narrow down your choices is to get to know the different frame options available to you. This way, you can make choices that you can stand by that not only enhance your artwork, but also enrich the overall look of your home.
You can begin by familiarising yourself with the basic types, as they’re often easy to work with and will serve as a solid starting point for making more specific selections later on. A common type of picture frame used in showcasing artwork is a wooden frame. This traditional option brings warmth and a classic touch to not only the art piece, but its surroundings as well.
At DROOL, we only use high-quality real wood and premium Perspex glazes when crafting our wooden picture frames. This ensures that your art is protected from dust, UV rays, and potential damage. All of our frames are made using 100 percent acid-free materials. They’re also FSC-certified, guaranteeing exceptionally high quality that’s in line with archival purposes.
Another option is an acrylic picture frame. This type of frame offers a sleek alternative to traditional wooden frames, providing a more modern feel that can enhance any artwork. Finally, you can also check out classic metal picture frames. These combine durability and a streamlined aesthetic, making it a popular choice for contemporary and industrial décor styles.
Take the time to explore different styles and materials to find the perfect match for your art and décor, all so that each piece you select contributes to a cohesive and inviting home atmosphere.
2) Choose a Frame That Complements the Art Style
Picture frames must draw the viewer’s eye to the art, and the right frame will enhance the piece without overshadowing it. To achieve this, it’s important to consider the artistic style of the piece itself. For instance, contemporary art prints may benefit more from sleek, minimalist frames that allow their vibrant colours and shapes to take centre stage. A classical portrait, on the other hand, might be better suited to a more ornate frame that echoes the historical context of the artwork.
When assessing a piece’s art style, take note of its predominant characteristics, such as colour, texture, and form. For bold, dynamic pieces, a simple frame can help to ground the artwork and prevent it from imparting a chaotic or overwhelming effect. More intricate art styles, such as impressionism or detailed landscapes, might call for a more decorative frame that complements the nuances of the piece without detracting from its charm.
Also consider the overall décor of the room where the artwork will be displayed. If your space leans towards a modern aesthetic, you’re best off selecting frames with clean lines and understated finishes to achieve a sophisticated look that ties the room together. In contrast, if your décor is more traditional or eclectic, you might want to explore vintage or ornate frames that reflect the character of your furnishings and accessories.
3) Select a Frame in a Colour Found in the Artwork
An effective strategy for selecting a good picture frame for your artwork is to choose a colour that is present in the artwork itself. Drawing upon the existing colours in the artwork will allow the frame to seamlessly integrate into the overall composition of the piece, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a more dynamic display.
Start by taking a close look at your artwork and identifying the dominant and accent colours within it. For example, if your artwork features vibrant reds and oranges, get a frame in a similar tone or even one that features a gradient effect, as this can create a striking but complementary impression.
You can also think about the emotional impact of a colour when selecting your frame. Different colours evoke different feelings, and choosing a frame that resonates with the mood of your artwork can do a lot to enhance the viewer's experience. For instance, a calming blue frame may beautifully complement an artwork of a serene seascape, while a vibrant yellow frame might energise a lively abstract piece.
4) Experiment with Non-Traditional Frames
While traditional frames definitely have their purpose, why not try experimenting with non-traditional frames to impart a unique and creative flair to your artwork display? Non-traditional framing options can range from unconventional materials and shapes to innovative designs that challenge the norm. Frames like these may best allow you to showcase your personality and artistic sensibility and transform your framed pieces into true statement displays.
The GLO FrameTM by DROOL, for instance, boasts an innovative dual display design that allows you to showcase two artworks at once. Upon simply loading two pieces into either side of the frame, you can rotate it as you please to switch up the vibe of any room.
Moreover, this frame can be hung on its edge using a screw, nail, or hook, or be stood up on its own. This flexibility lets you display your art any way you like.
5) Consider the Size and Scale of the Artwork
Lastly, a frame that fits well with the dimensions of the artwork and the surrounding environment can dramatically influence how the piece is perceived. The right proportions will create a sense of balance and harmony, allowing the artwork to resonate more effectively within the space and engage with viewers in a more meaningful way.
For example, if you’re working with a large piece, a frame that matches its scale can help to emphasise its impact, achieving a bold statement on the wall. If the artwork is small, opt for a more delicate choice of frame to achieve a balanced visual effect.
Tips like these should make it easier to create a display that feels both intentional and cohesive. Further enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal with DROOL’s contemporary pieces and unique picture frames, making sure that your art isn’t only beautifully presented, but also resonates with your personal style.
