If you’ve bought high-quality art recently and you’d like to emphasise it in the best way possible, there are two essential choices for framing canvas paintings: a traditional rebated frame, or, for a more modern feel, a tray frame. Tray frames can fit close to the painting; alternatively, they can have a gully around it to give a ‘floating’ impression.
Canvases are rarely put behind glass as they need to breathe. If glass is required, this could be used in a traditional rebated frame, with a slip to hold it away from the painted surface. Another option is a box frame, with the canvas attached to the backing board, and spacers to hold the glass.
The front of a traditional frame overlaps the canvas slightly, so it might not be great if you have details around the edges that you want to emphasise. But canvas pictures put into traditional frames can also be bold and eye-catching, taking up more visual space. Canvas paintings in traditional frames draw your eye immediately, especially as these frames tend to add size.
All of this also depends on the kind of painting you’re displaying – tray frames, for example, might suit canvas paintings with a bit less detail to be emphasised in the centre and more going on at the edges. Bold, vibrant pieces might be better off in a traditional frame.
Our framing portfolio showing the kinds of frames we offer is available here. And we have more top tips for framing your art here too.
Frames aren’t just for paintings and photos. 3D objects can look great in a frame too. Examples of 3D items you could display in frames include music or sports memorabilia, clothing or accessories, and personal mementoes. There will be different aspects to consider here in comparison to displaying canvas paintings or any other 2D image. You’ll need to think about size and shape, and find a space that fits the object. Highlighting small artistic details might not be as much of a concern in comparison.
The kind of frame you use will of course largely depend on the kind of object you’re displaying and its size. It needs to suit the object visually, and fit it in a way that works both aesthetically and practically. You can include more than just the object too. Maybe a few relevant images around it, or even smaller objects, could elevate the item. You’ll have several choices for frames in this scenario, including double glass frames, shadow boxes and box frames.
Double glass frames can allow you to see all sides of the object you’re displaying. The glass space in between the object and the frame also adds a modern, minimalist feel, and this can put more emphasis on whatever it is you’re displaying. You’ll also have the added benefit of keeping old, valuable and precious items safe. You can find more information on framing 3D objects here.
If you’re going to put together a gallery wall, choosing the frames for each of your paintings will be an important – and fun – part of the process.
It is, of course, very important to take colours into consideration when choosing your frame. They can’t clash with the colours in your painting – and the colour you choose also needs to fit with the kind of painting it is. More modern, traditional minimalist art might work better with either a neutral or natural-toned frame, or plain black.
If it’s a quirkier picture, bright colours might be a better fit. Gold, or darker natural tones, often suit older paintings very well. Whether they’re 2D, 3D or a mix, you’ll also need to make sure that all the pieces fit together aesthetically. Ask yourself if your display has a particular theme. If so, what’s the best way to emphasise it?
If it’s filled with very modern pieces, for example, adding a few golden or ornate frames would probably look out of place, unless your display is divided into different sections. At the same time, it can be a good idea to shake things up a bit by choosing slightly different frames for each painting or image. Think very carefully about what would suit each one – and work with the others – and try to choose accordingly.
Once you’ve chosen frames, there are a few additional key things you need to keep in mind while arranging your walls.
If you have a few large pictures with bolder frames, try to make them your centrepiece, hanging others with more low-key frames around them. If you have frames with a wide variety of colours, experiment with putting complementary colours near to each other.
As each kind of frame will also say something about the image within it, you should try to group pieces together by theme. Don’t forget to consider the walls where you’re displaying your paintings, images or objects. Is there an effective colour contrast? Or does it just clash?
Finally, if you’re contributing one or two individual pieces to a public space or gallery, try to imagine them in a wider context. If you’re really stuck, you might want to contact the organisers to find out what style the other frames in the exhibition will be.
At Lasermark, we have a variety of options for bespoke, high-end frames. If you’re still conflicted about the perfect frame for your art, our Arundel-based team of fine art specialists are here to help.
If you need any more information or would like to speak to us about a particular project, please do get in touch.
If you would like to have a consultation with regards to a 3D Framing project, please get in touch by using the enquiry form below.
