Frames 101

You need not purchase an expensive work of art for the right framing selections can easily transform an inexpensive print or poster into this. When it comes to mat colors these should enhance and not match art.

A good choice if you want it to pick up a color from the image is to go for a double or triple mat. Use the bottom mats for color, but stick with neutrals for the top mats. To add dimension when framing go for double and triple mats.

The size of the piece as well as the width of the frame is important when determining the mat width. Width for the mat and frame should be different.

It creates a striped appearance that detracts from the image. At least one half inch is how much the bottom mat of a double mat should extend to. Mats usually look best when every side is the same width.

Take into consideration floating prints or images that have distinctive edges. Hinged to the front of your mat board is a floating print.

There is a border around the image thanks to the mat board. Although a print with uneven deckled edges is not perfectly centered on the mat it is still okay. Taking into consideration that there is nothing distinctive about the edges then the mat can be cut and the pieces placed over the edges of the print.

It is not that easy to frame photographs. When it comes to formal photographs including portraits or wedding photos ornate wood frames in silver, gold and a variety of natural finishes work well but for art photographs especially those in black and white you should choose simple wood or metal frames in black or silver or with light natural wood frames.

When it comes to gold finished or cherry wood frames, these compete with black and white photographs.

Ornate frames compliment antique photographs. Always consider silver framing for old black and white photos. Choices for frames for sepia prints include antiqued gold finished frames and wooden ones like mahogany, ebony walnut, and cherry.

Including portraits and landscapes, traditional paintings are complemented by ornate mouldings and fabric liners. Choose simple frames and avoid liners when dealing with contemporary paintings.

In framing there are other used besides for paintings, photographs, prints, and posters. You may have some fabrics, theater tickets, old letters and postcards, political buttons, christening dresses, and the like and all of these could be framed and then you can hang them at home or even in your office.

When it comes to gallery style framing the minimalist look applies. Natural finishes for wooden frames or ones in matte black are used here.

Such frames have straight edges and no kind of ornamentation. Thick are the mats used for gallery style framing usually coming in 8 ply in various shades of white.

Considering a small image measuring around 3 by 5 inches, mats measuring 5 inches can be placed on all sides. Apart from making it appear that the piece is important the heavy mats are also able to draw the viewer's eye into the image.

For antique furnishings and reproductions ornate wood frames never lose their popularity. Considering the high sheen silver and gold frames, these reflect the lavish mood of the 1980s but coming through antiqued silver and gold frames is the restrained spirit of the 1990s. Industrial metal frames are a far cry from the metal frames of a decade ago.

Not only is the design for the new ones wider with cleaner lines but they have brushed finishes with cross hatching too. Like earlier metal frames, they're one of the most economical framing choices available.

Due to famous photographers art photography has been revitalized but due to restoration services it has been quite popular to restore and frame your family's own antique photographs.

Less expensive than many original artworks are antique posters even if they are rather expensive to frame and the value of the latter continues to increase with time. The loft dwellers will benefit from these as well as those who have wall space to spare.