How to Choose the Right Frame Size & Colour?
Struggling to find the perfect frame for your artwork?
Choosing the right frame size and colour can be daunting and confusing. But with a little guidance, you can easily make your art stand out.
At Framous Picture Framing, we are dedicated to helping you select the right frame size and colour that will lift up the beauty of your art while complementing your space. Additionally, if you’re finding picture frames online, we also help you get top-quality picture frames and custom framing services at an affordable price.
Now, let’s explore the expert tips on choosing the right frame size and colour:
4 Tips to Choose the Right Frame Size for Your Artwork
A high-quality picture frame not only enhances your artwork but also protects it for years to come. Review our easy tips to get the right one.
i) Measure Dimensions of a Picture Frame
Getting the measurements right for your frame is important to ensure your photo or artwork fits perfectly. The right frame size can make your picture look stunning when displayed. Here are some things to consider:
- Height of your Picture/Artwork: Measure from the top to the bottom of your artwork.
- Length of the Artwork: Measure from one side to the other.
- Depth of Your Picture: Consider how thick your artwork is, especially if it includes elements like canvas or textured materials.
- Adding a Mount: Decide if you want a border around your picture. This can affect the overall frame size.
- Space / Wall to Hang the Artwork: Ensure the frame size fits well in the intended display area.
ii) Consider the Wall / Space Available
It’s much easier to choose a frame that fits the available space rather than finding a blank wall to fit the frame afterwards. However, when you’re measuring your artwork, it’s also good to measure the wall space where you plan to hang it.
Avoid choosing small areas, as they can quickly become cluttered.
Aim to leave an even amount of space around the picture once it’s hung.
Additionally, consider the overall layout and balance of the room to ensure the frame enhances the aesthetic without overwhelming the space.
iii) Choose the Right Frame Layout
Thinking about the type of artwork and how you want to display it is also important. Whether you prefer a single picture or a collage-style arrangement, your frame should match the size and style of your artwork for the best look.
For larger photos, opt for a wider frame that includes a matboard or mount. This helps balance the proportions and provides the support needed for the weight of the artwork and glass.
On the other hand, less detailed or smaller scenes can benefit from a thicker frame to give a more extensive presence.
Here’s a helpful guide that pairs common photo sizes with their ideal frame sizes:
| Picture Size in cm | Suitable Frame Size |
| 10 cm x 15 cm (4″ x 6″) | 15 x 20 cm (6″ x 8″) or 20 x 25 cm (8″ x 10″) |
| 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm (5″ x 7″) | 20 x 25 cm (8″ x 10″) or 28 x 35 cm (11″ x 14″) |
| 20 cm x 25 cm (8″ x 10″) | 28 x 35 cm (11″ x 14″) or 30 x 40 cm (12″ x 16″) |
| 28 cm x 35 cm (11″ x 14″) | 40 x 50 cm (16″ x 20″) or 45 x 60 cm (18″ x 24″) |
| 40 cm x 50 cm (16″ x 20″) | 50 x 60 cm (20″ x 24″) or 60 x 75 cm (24″ x 30″) |
| 45 cm x 60 cm (18″ x 24″) | 60 x 75 cm (24″ x 30″) or 60 x 90 cm (24″ x 36″) |
| 21 cm x 29.7 cm (A4 Size) | 30 x 40 cm or 35 x 45 cm |
| 29.7 cm x 42 cm (A3 Size) | 40 x 50 cm or 45 x 60 cm |
| 42 cm x 59.4 cm (A2 Size) | 50 x 70 cm or 60 x 80 cm |
| 59.4 cm x 84.1 cm (A1 Size) | 70 x 100 cm or 80 x 110 cm |
| 30 x 30 cm | 40 x 40 cm or 45 x 45 cm |
| 40 x 40 cm | 50 x 50 cm or 55 x 55 cm |
| 50 x 50 cm | 60 x 60 cm or 65 x 65 cm |
| 21 x 30 cm | 30 x 40 cm or 35 x 45 cm |
| 30 x 40 cm | 40 x 50 cm or 45 x 55 cm |
| 40 x 50 cm | 50 x 70 cm or 55 x 75 cm |
| 50 x 70 cm | 60 x 80 cm or 65 x 90 cm |
| 70 x 70 cm | 80 x 80 cm or 85 x 85 cm |
| 100 x 100 cm | 110 x 110 cm or 120 x 120 cm |
This way you get a comprehensive guide to picture frame sizes that helps you select the right frame for your artwork
iv) Go for the Right Matting
For your picture matting, keep in mind that it plays an important role in both the frame size and the overall presentation of your artwork.
Matting has two main functions:
- First, it helps your artwork or photo stand out by creating a visual buffer that draws attention. This extra space around your piece makes it ‘pop’ and enhances its visual impact. A well-chosen mat can make your artwork look more striking and elegant.
- Second, matting serves a practical purpose. It creates a small gap between your artwork and the glass, which is especially important in humid environments like Australia. This gap helps prevent moisture from getting trapped between the glass and your artwork, which can cause damage over time.
For larger pieces of art or photos, a wider mat is generally recommended. However, the size of the mat should be proportional to the frame you choose. A wider frame with a generous mat can add a polished look and provide a balanced space around your artwork, making it more eye-catching.
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6 Tips to Choose the Right Colour Picture Frame
Picking the right frame colour is key to showcasing your photos and complementing your home decor. The colour, style, and material of your frame all affect how well your artwork looks and fits with your space.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the perfect frame colour and material.
i) Choose the Right Frame Type / Material
When it comes to picture frames, wood and metal are the top choices, each offering a unique style:
Wooden Frames:
- Pros: Warm, classic, and versatile. They can fit a variety of art styles and room decor. Wooden frames come in different colours and finishes, from rustic and natural to sleek and modern.
- Cons: These frames can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity, and might warp over time.
Wooden frames add a cozy, traditional touch and are great for creating a timeless look.
Metal Frames:
- Pros: Modern, durable, and minimalist. They often have a bold, stylish appearance and are available in various finishes like glossy or matte.
- Cons: Fewer colour options compared to wood, and they can sometimes look cold or impersonal.
Metal frames can make a striking statement, especially with vibrant or contrasting artwork, adding a modern flair to your display.
Thus, when choosing between wood and metal, think about the style of your artwork and the overall aesthetic of the room. This will help you pick a frame that not only complements your art but also fits well with your decor.
ii) Coordinate the Frame Colour with Your Artwork
Let the style and mood of your artwork guide you. A well-chosen frame can either complement or enhance your piece, making it stand out beautifully. Here’s how to choose the perfect frame colour:
- Decide Carefully for the Dark & Light:
Consider the style and vibe of your artwork.
- For dark, vibrant pieces, a neutral frame can help to balance and ground the artwork.
- If your piece is lighter, a colourful frame can add energy and highlight the artwork’s features.
- Pick a Colour from the Artwork:
Look at the colours within your artwork and choose a frame that picks up on these hues. Whether it’s a dominant or secondary colour, selecting a shade from the artwork itself helps create a unified and harmonious look.
- Neutral Colours Never Fail:
If you want your frame to blend in rather than stand out, classic colours like black, white, or natural wood tones are excellent choices. These neutral colours tend to complement most art styles and ensure that the focus remains on the artwork itself.
- Use Bold Colours for Contrast:
For a striking effect, consider a vivid frame colour that contrasts with your artwork. A bold frame can create a dynamic visual statement, making the artwork pop and adding a touch of excitement to the display.
iii) Harmonise the Frame Colour with Your Room Décor
Matching the frame colour with your room’s décor is key to creating a cohesive look.
When your frame blends well with the room’s existing colours and style, it helps the artwork feel like a natural part of the space.
To achieve this, start by considering the main colours and themes in your room. If your room has a neutral colour scheme, like beige or grey, you can choose a frame in a similar tone for a subtle, harmonious look. Conversely, if your room features bold or vibrant colours, a frame in a complementary or contrasting colour can make your artwork stand out.
Additionally, think about the materials and finishes in the room.
For example, if your room has wooden furniture, a wooden frame with a matching or complementary finish can enhance the overall aesthetic. Similarly, if your décor includes metallic accents, a frame with metallic details can tie everything together beautifully.
iv) Consider the Matboard Colour
The matboard, which is the border around your artwork inside the frame, plays a big role in how the colours of your piece are perceived. The right matboard can make your artwork pop and look even more vibrant.
To get the best effect, try out different matboard colours and textures. For instance,
- light matboard can brighten up dark pieces
- dark mat board can make light colours stand out more.
Moreover, the finish of the matboard—whether it’s matte or glossy—can also affect the overall look.
V) Add Some Metallic Touch
Frames in gold, silver, or copper tones can really enhance darker pictures.
These metallic shades catch and reflect light, creating a lively and dynamic effect that helps keep the artwork from looking too heavy or overwhelming. The subtle shimmer of metallic frames can also add a sense of luxury and sophistication, making your art stand out even more.
vi) Go for a Theme / Storytelling Display
Consider using coloured photo frames to build a themed display. Arrange your photos by grouping those with similar colours or tones. This approach helps create a unified and visually appealing arrangement.
Select frames that match or complement the colours in your photos. This will enhance the overall look and feel of your display, turning it into a cohesive story or theme that stands out. This way you make your space look more organized and reflect your style.
So, whether you choose a bold red, a soothing blue, or a playful yellow, the frame becomes a statement piece in its own right.
Ready to Frame Your Masterpiece?
Now that you’re equipped with these expert tips, it’s time to find the best picture frames for your artwork.
Head over to Framous Picture Framing today!
Explore our extensive collection of best-selling photo frames or discuss your needs with our experts for a custom framing solution.
We guarantee high-quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service at an affordable price.
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