5 tips for framing artwork

If you're considering buying an unframed artwork, it can feel a bit daunting. 

You might be thinking ...

• What's the right kind of frame?
• IS there a right kind of frame?
• If so, what's it called? What do I ask the framer for?
• What frame will go with the painting AND with my home?
• Is the frame going to cost more than the painting?!

A collector recently asked me some of these questions about framing a painting she'd bought from me, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts:

⭐️ If you buy a painting unframed, take it to your local framer.

They can help you choose a frame that will show off the piece and work with your home aesthetic too. If you have a framed painting you love, take a photo of it {or take it with you!} as an example.

⭐️ Consider not framing it at all!

Some paintings work well without, canvas especially. {Paper and wood panel can be trickier.}

If you're considering purchasing an unframed painting, ask the artist about tidying up the sides if it's a deep sided canvas or wood panel.

Some art looks great with messy sides too - at the end of the day you're purchasing it, so you can display it how you like!

⭐️ Simple is often best AND easiest.

Try a slim frame in black, white, or wood {oak is often a good choice}.

My framer hand finishes many of the frames she makes for my paintings with lime wax, which gives a beautiful beachy whitewashed look.

⭐️ Mounts {or matts for my US friends}.

Not all paintings and prints need them.

Works on paper tend to look elevated mounted and framed {unless the edge of the paper is a feature}, but again, you can talk to your framer about it and they'll help you make a good choice.

⭐️ Factor in the extra cost.

I find it's helpful to recognise upfront that if I want to frame a piece, it's going to add to the overall cost, and I factor that in.

That 'reframe' {see what I did there} helps to put it in context, rather than feeling like 'another expense'. After all, if the piece was already framed, I'd be paying for that as part of the cost anyway.

I consider framing a painting {or print} to be part of the investment; a good frame can help protect it, it elevates the work, and by extension the room you hang it in!

Framing can seem intimidating, but if you keep it simple, ask for help from your framer, and trust yourself about what you like, you'll end up with something you truly love.

PS. For a selection of my paintings that are available already professionally framed and hand finished, click here.

For unframed works, I'm always happy to discuss framing options with you if that's helpful.