How To Pick The Right Made To Measure Frames For Your Art

It’s exciting to fill up your walls with your beautiful artwork, but choosing the wrong frame can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your art.

And, not only does the choice of frame affect the look of your art, but environmental factors such as dust, light, and humidity all affect the quality of your artwork as well.

After spending all this time trying to make or find the perfect art piece that goes well with your overall vibe, it only makes sense to spend just a little more time looking for the perfect made to measure frame to really make it standout.

To protect your artwork from any external factors and keep it looking fresh, having the right made-to-measure frame is essential.

In this post, we’ll talk all about the different types of frames you can opt for, how to choose the best one for you, and how to keep your walls and your art looking fresh.

Understanding Frame Types and Materials

Before getting into which frame would be suitable for your art, it’s handy to know what you’re working with first. When it comes to choosing the right frame you have many options.

We’ve given you a quick breakdown of the main types of picture frames below so you can better choose which one would be right for your art.

1. Standard picture frame - this is the basic frame usually made from a combination of wood and glass. Comes in sizes from small to medium to large
2. Gallery frames - high-quality frames with an inset frame and a minimalist design. These are great when used for a collection of images
3. Table-top frames - these are standard, small picture frames with a stand, typically used to place on office desks or tables.

Don’t get confused if you still can’t seem to find which is the right frame for you from the types above. These types aren’t set in stone and in the art world, there are many different and sometimes confusing names for various frames. So, it might be a better idea to focus on where you plan to hang your frame.

Once you have that down, it’s important to look for the right material.

Choosing the frame with the right material is important for several reasons:

• The right frame will protect your paintings from environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature. Having a proper frame that could reduce the effect of light for example, can help prevent your painting from fading.
• Sometimes, the frame itself can enhance the design of your artwork by improving its presentation. This could improve the look and feel of your art and draw more attention to it.
• A high-quality frame made from durable materials will also ensure your art stands the test of time. The right frame will preserve the condition of your art overtime.
• Finally, the right frame will also be much more versatile allowing you to take your framed artworks with you while greatly reducing the risk of any breakages or mishaps.

Wood vs. Metal vs. Acrylic Frames

We’ve already looked at why the material you use for the frame is important. So, now let’s explore the options you have at hand.

We suggest that you go for mainly three types of frames: wooden, metal, and acrylic.

Which one you end up choosing ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. To help you choose the best out of these three, we discuss each one in detail below.

Wood

When framing your artwork, wood is oftentimes the first kind of frame everybody sets their eyes on. We don’t blame them!

A wooden frame, especially one made with high-quality durable wood, can provide you with that beautiful, traditionally aesthetic look when hanging your art.

The ridges and patterns that natural wood form often complement the artwork giving it a nice overall appeal and that traditional classy look. Apart from the aesthetics, wooden frames are also the most durable, providing excellent protection for your art.

As we mentioned though, a wooden frame only provides these benefits if it's high-quality and durable. The frame we suggest is Eagle Frames’ wooden frames. Not only are they made with high-quality and durable wood, they also come in multiple sizes from small to large, and have shatter-proof glass protecting your art from any external damages.

Metal

Metal frames tend to be the second best choice for most people due to their lightweight and minimalistic look. These frames are able to provide a minimal feel whilst providing satisfactory durability.

When framing artwork with metal frames, you typically have the option of choosing either aluminum or steel frames. Frames made from silver and bronze are also a choice, but they cost significantly higher and aren’t very versatile.

The main benefit of metal frames over wooden frames is that metal frames provide a sleek and modern appeal to your art. This means it could work great for more contemporary style artworks or minimalistic pieces. They also don’t have any issues with warping, which could be a concern when using wooden frames, improving their longevity.

Finally, metal frames can be customized through engraving and various finishes. This can allow you to customize your frames with unique ornament patterns. However, this will greatly add to the cost and it can also be challenging to find and get such finishes professionally done.

Acrylic

Lastly we have acrylic frames. These are also known as plexi frames and are usually for larger artworks.

This is mainly because acrylic frames are shatter-proof, allowing them to be a good option for larger artworks which may be prone to breakages when handling their larger size. These grames offer much better protection from UV-light as compared to other types, preserving the original condition and colors of the artwork longer and are often available in various styles and finishes.

But, some drawbacks to acrylic frames include that they are more exposed to scratching compared to glass frames. Also, since acrylic frames have a smoother surface and are built with a plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), it has a slightly more porous surface than other materials, causing it to generate static buildup and attract higher amounts of dust and debris.

For this reason, maintaining the condition of acrylic frames is much harder and nuanced since you have to also take care of the cleaning methods you use to not cause further static buildup.

Here’s a table summarizing the main benefits and drawbacks of the three materials:

	Benefits	Drawbacks
Wood	Traditional, classic look Sturdy, durable Versatile	Expensive Prone to weather changes
Metal	Sleek and modern Minimalistic Prevents warping	Limited variations May be too basic
Acrylic	Shatter-proof Offer great protection Suitable for large artworks	Difficult to maintain Attract dust and debris Scratch easily

Matching the Frame with Your Artwork

Now if you’re thinking of framing your art, there’s a high chance you want to hang it somewhere it’s seen. That could mean hanging it in the living room, drawing room, bedroom, etc.

When you’re hanging your artwork in a living space you need to make sure it matches the overall vibe of your surroundings. For that you need to consider various factors such as the style and colors of the artwork as well as the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve with your frame.

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when matching your frames with your artwork:

1. Look at the Artwork’s Style: the type of art you created should match the frame you opt for. This could mean using a wooden frame with ornamental patterns for a traditional style painting or a metal frame for a contemporary art style to give it a nice modern touch.
2. Choose a complementary color: you can choose a frame that matches the color of the artwork or choose a contrasting color to make the frame standout. Remember when going with colored frames, be sure to keep in mind your overall environment and whether it matches the atmosphere.
3. Measure the size and proportions: It’s essential to use the right made-to-measure frame for artwork so that it isn’t too big that it overshadows the artwork nor is it too small to overpower it. If it’s a small piece you can use small gallery frames to hang up multiple artworks together, whereas for bigger pictures you can benefit from wider frames.
4. Consider the subject matter: the theme of your painting also largely affects the mood you’re going for. For that, it’s best to choose a painting that matches the subject matter of your art. For example, a landscape painting can look great with a natural wooden frame.
5. Think about the environment: as stated earlier, you need to keep in mind the surroundings of your artwork. Think of how your chosen frame will interact with the rest of the environment and choose one that’s in harmony with other elements of your room.
6. Consider matting your artwork: matting your artwork can improve the aesthetics and durability of your design by creating a harmonious balance within the frame, adding a layer of protection, and adding depth to the artwork. When done right a mat can greatly enhance the look and feel of your artwork.

Considerations for Different Art Styles

We’ve looked at some general tips to help match your frames with your artworks. However, everyone has a unique art style, which means there’s no one perfect frame for every art style!

Typically, the type of artworks you’d be working with may fall under two broad categories: traditional art and abstract art.

For traditional art such as landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, choosing a classic frame such as one made by natural or even processed wood would complement your artwork nicely. We suggest buying Eagle Frames’ wooden frames which offer you the perfect blend of durability and style. This frame goes well with the traditional style and also includes a strong glass frame which will protect your artwork from UV-light - as traditional paintings are more susceptible to fading through light exposure.

Abstract art on the other hand tends to be more expressive so the focus of the viewer should be solely on the artwork rather than the frame. For this reason, choosing a sleek and minimalistic gallery frame can offer a clean presentation of your piece.

Also, abstract pieces often offer more freedom than traditional art, so experimenting with colored frames, shadowbox frames, and float mounting can add depth to the image and give it an added effect. When framing abstract work, try to avoid ornate designs and overly decorative frames as they may detract from the details of the actual art piece itself.

Sizing and Fitting

To have the right made-to-measure frames for your art, you need to make sure you find the right size and fitting for your artwork. Below is a basic step-by-step guide on how to measure your artwork or image to determine the right frame size for you:

1. Gather materials: you’ll need a tape measure, pencil, paper, and a calculator
2. Measure the artwork dimensional: Lay your artwork on a flat clean surface. Use the tape measure and measure from the outer edges of the artwork to find out the height and width of the piece.
3. Determine matting size (optional): if you plan to add matting to your art you need to decide on the size of the mat first. Typical ranges come from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, so choose a size that looks good for your art.
4. Calculate total frame size (optional): Add the size of the mat to your artwork’s dimensions you measured in step 2. This will be your total size for the frame
5. Consider glass and glazing: You’ll probably be adding a glass frame to your painting for added protection. For the glass you need to account for the thickness of the glass to get a proper frame. Typically, you’d need to add about ¼ of an inch to each side of the frame.
6. Calculate final frame size: After determining the thickness of the glass, add that value to your total frame size that you calculated in step 4.
7. Choose frame style and profile: After calculating the final frame size in step 6, choose a frame that suits your artwork best using the tips provided earlier.
8. Double-check measurements: Finally, double-check all your measurements and calculations so that there aren’t any sudden surprises when you order the frame.

Custom vs. Standard Sizes

After measuring your artwork, you’ll notice that at some stores and even online providers you have the option to either opt for frame custom size or a standard size frame.

As the name suggests, custom size frames are frames that are customized and made to perfectly fit your exact artwork. They offer you a precise fit, flexible features, and are personalized according to your art style. You can customize the colors of these frames and even opt for additional protection measures.

Standard size frames on the other hand are readily available and affordable since they are mass produced in standard shapes and sizes. They are much more convenient, pre-defined and interchangeable granting them added versatility.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each kind of frame:

	Benefits	Drawbacks
Custom size	Perfect fit Design flexibility Better protection Personalization	Higher costs Longer production time Requires professional help
Standard size	Affordable Conveniently available Compatible with pre-cuts Interchangeability	Limited customization Standard size; not perfect fit

Aesthetic Impact of Frames

We’ve mentioned earlier in this post that your choice of frame can impact the aesthetic of your art. But, you may still be confused on what kind of frame would complement your artwork the best.

Here are some options of picture frame styles to explore when you’re out to buy painting frames for your artwork:

• Traditional Frames: traditional frames are often decorative with ornate wooden frames and unique finishes. These are great for traditional art style paintings as they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the painting and often complement them well.
• Contemporary Frames: contemporary frames are sleek, modern, and minimalistic gallery frames or floating frames that go well with modern abstract art styles. This not only adds sophistication to the image but also presents it cleanly and enhances the visual appeal of the image by guiding people’s eyes towards the artwork itself.
• Rustic Frames: rustic frames are made with natural wood that has been stained or distressed. The texture formed by the wood’s natural finish provides the image with a natural look and feel - making it great for landscapes.
• Eclectic Frames: eclectic frames don’t follow a set standard and are rather used to facilitate an art piece’s creative expression. These sets of frames are created by mixing and matching colors and forms from a diverse range of sources to add personality and character to the end piece.

Frame Colors and Finishes

When choosing a frame color or finish that matches the overall theme of both your art and your surroundings, keep the following tips in mind:

• Match the frame’s color to the dominant color in your artwork. This will complement the colors in the artwork and offer a more harmonious display of colors
• Consider the overall decor and aesthetic of the room where the artwork will be displayed. Choose frame colors and finishes that complement the existing decor, furniture, and color scheme to create a unified look
• Create a balance between the artwork and the frame by choosing frame colors and finishes that enhance the artwork without overpowering it. For example, a neutral frame color can provide a subtle backdrop for bold or vibrant artworks, while a bold frame color can add drama and contrast to more subtle or muted artworks.
• Finally, remember to keep your preferences in mind. The frame you end up choosing should align well with your personal tastes, style, and preferences.

Longevity and Protection

By reading through all other sections, you ought to have found some useful tips to help choose the right fit for your art so that it enhances the visual appeal of the image. However, your choice of frame shouldn’t just be there to make your art look good. Instead it also has to be high-quality to provide your artwork with protection from external factors such as dust, humidity and harmful UV rays.

To improve the longevity and protection of your art, you should look into materials that are durable and of high-quality. This includes using acid-free mats for matting your artworks and UV-filtering glazing to protect your paintings from harmful UV rays which could cause fading and discoloration.

By using these measures you can protect your paintings and preserve their original condition for years to come. It’ll also allow you to confidently show your art to the world as you won’t have to worry about the details fading overtime.

UV Protection and Glazing Options

Many of us grow up being told to wear sunscreen to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays of the sun - well your paintings need protection too.

UV light can cause colors to fade and materials to deteriorate, which can ruin your art you spent days, weeks, or months on.

To protect your artwork from these externalities, you can use protective measures like protective glazing, UV-blocking glass, and acrylics. These will act as a shield against UV radiation and preserve your artwork. They also improve the resistance of the frame itself making it more durable.

Practical Considerations

If you’ve been following along, you should have a good idea of what kind of frame you want and how to make sure it is able to protect your artwork from the negative impact of external, environmental factors.

Now, it’s time to dive into the practicalities of hanging your art.

You should start by assessing the weight of your frame. Remember, heavier, larger frames require stronger wall hangers to support them; you may also need some tools to properly install a wider frame into the wall to hang your art.

Next, think about the hanging mechanism. Does your frame have a wire on the back for easy hanging, or will you need to install D-rings or sawtooth hangers?

Finally, you need to consider the wall on which you want to hang the artwork. If you’re hanging your art on a drywall, you should try to locate a stud so that the painting doesn’t fall out of its place. And, if your walls are made from bricks or concrete you may need additional tools such as anchors to secure your art in place.

Choosing the Right Hardware

Picking the perfect frame is just half the battle – you also need the right hardware to hang it securely. Depending on your frame and wall type, there are various options to choose from, like hooks, wires, or even specialty hangers. Just make sure you match the hardware to your frame and wall for a sturdy and safe display.

FAQs: Custom Framing

How to Choose Frames for Rare or Valuable Art

Framing rare or valuable art can be a totally different experience compared to framing your own artwork. When framing rare or valuable pieces it’s crucial to take extra care when choosing the frame.

Firstly, you don’t want to cheapen out when it comes to rare art. Only choose the best archival-quality materials, UV-filtering glazing, and acid-free matting. This will help it preserve its natural condition, prevent fading, and avoid yellowing of materials.

Secondly, it’s best to get a custom size frame for a perfect fit. For this, we recommend consulting a professional who can advise you with the best frame for your type of painting.

Tips for Framing at Home

Framing your artwork at home can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's essential to approach it with care and attention to detail.

Start by gathering the necessary materials, including a frame, mat board, glazing, and hanging hardware. Measure your artwork carefully to ensure a proper fit, and consider using a mat to create a professional and polished look. When assembling the frame, use archival-quality materials and techniques to protect the artwork from damage.

If you're unsure or need guidance, don't hesitate to seek advice from framing experts or online tutorials to ensure a successful framing experience.