Framing Original Art & Art Prints for Your Interior Space
When framing original art or a professional art print, imagine the frame choice from the perspective of an interior designer – Does it elevate the art? Is the artwork part of a stand-alone piece, a focal point under a frame light, within a gallery wall, or a supporting piece? Does the frame help tie the art and room interior together?
Below you'll find ideas, tips, and a few of my favorite finds to guide your framing decisions!
Framing original canvas art.
Oil Painting Frames
For a contemporary and minimalist look, the elegant floating canvas frame is a perfect choice.
This style is quite elegant and popular for abstract and modern landscape paintings. A floating frame creates a beautiful effect, making the artwork appear to lift away from the wall. It allows the entire composition to shine, including the texture & painted edges, without any obstruction.
For a more classic or timeless feel, a traditional or vintage frame can be a beautiful option. Traditional frames come in an endless variety of styles, from simple, clean wood to ornate, gold-gilded designs. These types of frames add weight and gravitas to the piece, instantly giving it a unique feel.
A frame's purpose is not only to enhance the art piece, but also to protect the canvas edges with a lovely border. Remember, canvas paintings need to breathe and should not be pressed behind glass. Like furniture, floating canvas frames are crafted from a variety of materials and finishes, including natural wood frames, metallic frames in gold, silver, or bronze, and simple black or white floating frames.
Here are a few suggestions if you’re not sure where to begin –
Consider a frame color that’s already in the painting, but not the main color. For example, if your painting is mostly blues and whites with a touch of bronze, a thin bronze floating frame will create a delightful, subtle accent that brings the artwork to life!
Framed photo art print in Living Room.
Framing Art Prints
Art prints come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Finding the best frame is part of the fun – with or without a mat!
Oftentimes, using a mat (or matboard) is a simple way to make an art print look professional and polished. It not only draws the eye toward the artwork but also prevents the print from touching the glass, which is vital for long-term preservation. A standard white or off-white mat is a timeless choice that works for almost any print.
A great tip I learned from Emily Jeffords about framing – if you’re including a mat with a frame, size up a standard frame size, then find the correct mat. For example, if you’re framing an 8 x 10” piece with a mat, look for an 11 x 14” frame with a mat for 8 x 10”. Similarly, if you’re framing a 30 x 40” canvas print, look for a 36 x 48” frame, with a mat fitted to 30 x 40”.
Oftentimes, mats are sold with the frame. Or, they can be found at art supply stores, frame shops, or online.
For smaller art (5 x 7” or smaller), a mat can sometimes make it look stuffy. A clever tip is using an oversized mat for a smaller print to make a huge impact on a wall! It creates a beautiful sense of negative space, making the piece feel grander than its dimensions.
Art Prints and Gallery Wall frames.
As you’re looking for a frame & mat for your art prints, you may notice some frames have glass, and others have acrylic.
My personal preference is glass for a more polished look, but there are pros and cons to each! Glass offers superior scratch resistance and clarity, but can be heavier and more fragile. It's great for pieces that won't be moved often. Whereas acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, making it perfect for larger pieces or in homes with children. High-quality acrylic can also have UV protection, which is a great bonus. However, acrylic can also have a slightly warped reflection and may look odd in a room with a lot of natural light.
Art. Frame. Style.
The right frame—whether floating, matted, simple, or ornate—enhances your artwork, protects it, and ties your space together. Your chosen frame should reflect both the art’s style and your personal taste. Remember: thoughtful framing elevates your art and your interior rooms.
Looking for more inspo? Visit these curated Pinterest boards for some of my favorite framing ideas –
