A Quick Guide on Framing Art
Hi there! I often get asked at conventions about the best way to frame artwork, so I thought it was time to share my tips with you. If you're just here for the link to the frames I present at my convention table, here's a short overview.
And just a heads-up: This guide reflects my personal preferences, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! It's all about giving you a bit of inspiration and direction.
Preparation
Begin by measuring your artwork and the paper format to get accurate dimensions. Next, take a moment to really look at the artwork in detail.
What do you love about it?
Are there specific elements you’d like to highlight?
Do you want the artwork to blend in seamlessly with your decor or stand out as a focal point?
Think about where you plan to display it.
Is it going in a modern space or a more traditional setting? Observe the wall color and lighting, as these can greatly affect how the frame and artwork interact.
The location is important—whether it’s a hallway, a kid’s room, or a cozy corner in the living room. For instance, you might want to avoid hanging a piece with dramatic colors and a heavy theme in the bedroom; instead, choose something more relaxing.
And remember, there's no need to stress about finding the "perfect" spot. A home is meant for living, not to function as a gallery!
Tip:
Rather than buying a new frame, I recommend checking out flea markets. It’s more sustainable, and you'll often find a variety of unique frames just waiting to be discovered!
How to pick a Frame
Choosing the Frame Material
Let’s take a closer look at these three artworks. What do they all have in common?
Each piece captures scenes from nature. For these types of artworks, I highly recommend using a wooden frame.
Wooden frames, particularly in darker tones, have a classic, timeless quality that enhances the presentation of nearly any artwork. The organic texture of wood complements the natural scenery, evoking a sense of earthiness.
In contrast, I advise against using plastic, metal, or very thick black frames for nature-themed artwork. These materials can be distracting and may clash with the themes of the pieces.
Choosing the Frame Color
We’ve settled on a wooden frame, but how do we pick the perfect color? Let’s take a closer look at all three pieces:
Even those rich in greens have warm tones like brown, orange, and red. A warm reddish frame creates a pleasing contrast with the greens of the forest painting, making the colors appear more vibrant.
Plus, reddish wooden frames are often easier to find than green ones, and a green frame might come off as too artificial—which is the opposite of the natural aesthetic we want. That’s why, a reddish-dark wooden frame will not only enhance the themes of all three artworks but also help them stand out beautifully.
I hope this example shows why it’s so important to take your time and really look at your pieces. Once you find the right tones that work together, choosing the perfect frame will be much easier.
This frame can be purchased in various sizes here.
About Gold
In the example above, you can see how the wood on the frame is refined with a subtle touch of gold. Alongside the wooden edge, there’s a slim, understated gold border.
Gold embellishments on a wooden frame bring a warm, sophisticated finish that pairs beautifully with earthy tones in artwork. When adding gold, I recommend following the "less is more" approach.
Gold frames can sometimes feel overdone, but when combined with dark wood, they create a very elegant and refined look.
Metall or Black Frames
In these two artworks, the theme isn’t nature; instead, the scene is built around urban and technical elements like neon signs, surveillance cameras, and cable trays. Both pieces feature a lot of black and darker areas. A slim black frame works well with these subjects, and a metal frame would also suit them nicely.
You can find the frame in various sizes here.
Passepartouts
A passepartout is a mat placed around artwork inside the frame, offering several benefits:
It gives the artwork "space to breathe," creating a more balanced presentation.
It allows flexibility with frame size—if the frame is too large, a custom passepartout can make the artwork fit.
It protects the artwork from moisture and prevents direct contact with the glass.
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A light cream color is always a safe choice. For sizing, the inner cutout should be about 1 cm smaller than the artwork on each side. Smaller artworks benefit from larger passepartouts, and for balance, the bottom border should be slightly wider than the top, with equal side borders.
If you're on a budget, consider buying a frame + passepartout bundle. For A3 artwork, an A2 frame with a pre-cut passepartout for A3 works well.
If you life in Germany and you want to create a custom made passepartout for your artwork, I can recommend you this service. It’s very affordable, they deliver fast and the quality is great.
In the example below, you can see how much of a difference a passepartout makes:
Framing: Step to Step
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It's important to be prepared. Here is a list of materials you may need for the framing process.
Glue Pads*
Gloves
Tape*
Measuring tape, ruler
Glass cleaner
Cloth
Duster
Spirit level
*It’s highly recommended to use acid-free materials to prevent the artwork from getting damaged over time.
Lay the artwork flat on the table.
Form small Glue Stick balls and place them at the outer corners of the artwork (make sure they won’t be visible later).
Place the passepartout on top and align it. The Glue Stick allows for small adjustments.
Once aligned, press the passepartout down to secure it.
Flip the artwork and passepartout over, then attach the back with acid-free tape.
Clean the glass on the inside with a cloth and glass cleaner.
Place the glass into the frame. Double-check for dust or fingerprints, then insert the artwork. Use cloth gloves to avoid fingerprints.
Secure the back plate.
Clean the glass on the outside—done!
Hanging Art on the Wall: 3 Ways
Solo Hanging
Choose an artwork that isn’t too small.
With a solo artwork you can experiment with the frame e.g. with bold or wider styles.
Works well above wide furniture, like a sideboard or sofa. It’s best to align the artwork with other elements in the room, like centering it on the wall or above the sofa.
You don’t always need to drill. A beautiful picture can also make an impact by simply leaning against the wall.
Row Hanging
The easiest way to arrange artwork is by following a horizontal line.
This approach works best for pictures of the same size or artworks that complement each other in color or style.
For a polished look, use matching frames and keep the spacing consistent. Be sure to plan ahead by measuring and marking the drill holes.
Salon/ Petersburg Hanging
My favorite method because everything is "allowed"—organized chaos!
Flexible and expressive, perfect for showcasing many artworks in a limited space.
Use a variety of frame sizes and formats.
Look for a unifying element (frame, motif, theme, color scheme).
New artworks can easily be added, as the wall can be expanded.
Works well in galleries, dining rooms, and staircases.
May feel overwhelming in bedrooms or smaller rooms.
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Gather all the pictures and artworks.
Lay them out on the floor to experiment with arrangements.
Hang from the inside out, starting with the largest frame or central piece.
Mark spots on the wall using a taut string or laser measuring device.
While it may look chaotic, use imaginary reference lines for a harmonious arrangement.
More examples for Petersburger Hanging:
I hope these tips help you frame your art and create stunning displays in your space. Remember to experiment and trust your own taste—my suggestions are just a starting point.
If you want to receive more guides about Art topics like this, I recommend you to sign up for my newsletter. It’s free and without any spam! :)
Enjoy the process, and happy framing!
Sarah
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