Framing Original Art

Framing Artwork can be an intimidating task. This is why I like to sell my works on paper matted and ready to pop into a standard-size, readymade frame of your choice. Then you can choose the style of frame you like, but since there are so many styles out there, I thought I would share a few of my favorite looks & give some resources for where to purchase readymade and custom frames online and in stores.

Overall, I love frames with minimal clean lines, which is often called gallery style. They perfectly finish the display without distracting from the artwork.

1. Jenny Phillips “ Sky Pebble 2“ on Minted. 2. LEFT Natural Wood Gallery Frame by Simply Framed. RIGHT “Following the Pack” by Jennifer Daily on Minted. 3. Deeann Rieves “Spiral” in IKEA Ribba frame 4. “Seated Figure” by Lorent and Leif on Minted 5. Viteri Hanging Frame on Anthropologie artwork by Michelle Heslop

My top 5 favorite types of frames for original art & prints:

1. WHITE GALLERY FRAMES

   This is such a classic look for artwork in any color- from minimal line work with lots of negative space to colorful, layered abstracts. White frames never take away from the artwork at all, but finishes the look with fresh clean lines.

2. NATURAL WOOD GALLERY FRAMES

   Almost first place for me because I really love the look of natural wood frames. I think they work best when the artwork has some warm tones. The warm natural wood brings out the warm tones perfectly and looks great in a variety of interior styles.

3. SHADOWBOX FRAMES FOR FLOATING ARTWORK - in white or natural wood

   I absolutely LOVE when artwork is floating in a frame, especially if the paper has deckled edges. The raw edges add such a rich texture and so much depth to the piece when floating in a shadowbox frame with a soft shadow.

4. BOHO CHIC BRASS HANGING FRAME

   Again, artwork with raw, deckled edges look SO nice floating in an acrylic or glass frame like this or in bonus option #6. Whether it’s a minimal line drawing like the gorgeous figurative piece by Kayla Gayle in the interior samples below or a painting with nice warm tones like the abstract by Michelle Heslop in the top 5 illustration above.

5. THIN BLACK GALLERY FRAME

   This look works best in my opinion for artwork that has black in it- charcoal drawings, black and white photography, or art with black as a prominent color. A thick black frame can look a bit masculine and add too much contrast, but a thin gallery style frame is such a great look.

   BONUS OPTIONS:

6. BONUS PICK- CHAMPAGNE GOLD GALLERY FRAME:

   Champagne gold frames are warm and classy. I prefer them over any traditional gold frame.

7. BONUS PICK- ACRYLIC FRAME WITH BRASS STANDOFFS:

   A gallery wall of these makes such a strong statement, whether it’s artwork or family photos. They make a strong statement and add a lot of texture to your walls. Two excellent interior samples of this type of frame below by Julie Couch Interiors.

*scroll down for resources

Beautiful Interiors for Art Framing Inspiration

I did a poll on my Instagram stories recently about framing artwork and MOST people preferred to buy readymade frames (non custom). So I’ve been gathering a few of my favorite readymade frame sources. I often sell 16” X 20” matted pieces, so I have specifically been looking for that size for my current figurative and abstract painting collections.

Readymade Frame Top Picks

1. WHITE GALLERY FRAMES: Michael’s White Gallery Frame or Blick Modern White Gallery Frame

   also this is a great 11” X 14” size white Gallery frame- Michael’s White Sydney Frame

2. NATURAL WOOD GALLERY FRAMES: Ikea Hovsta Frame “Birch Effect” or Blick Natural Wood Gallery Frame

   I am still searching for the very best real wood readymade frame in a light color. My favorite so far is not readymade, but the finish looks gorgeous and I can’t wait to order one to see how it looks in person- Simply Framed Gallery Natural Frame

3. SHADOWBOX FRAMES FOR FLOATING ARTWORK: Ikea White Ribba Frames or Ikea Hovsta Frames “Birch Effect”

4. BOHO CHIC BRASS HANGING FRAME Anthropologie Viterie Hanging Frame or Candiko 11” X 14” Antique Gold Floating Frame These aren’t 16” X 20”, but I love this look mixed with gallery frames, family photos, and unframed works on canvas or wood in other areas of the room. Gives great variety and texture.

5. THIN BLACK GALLERY FRAME: Blick Black Gallery Frame

6. BONUS PICK- CHAMPAGNE GOLD GALLERY FRAME: Michael’s Champagne Gold 11” X 14” or Target’s Thin Metal Gallery Frame 11” X 14”

   Framebridge has a really pretty custom Champagne Wood Frame that has a little more of a silver champagne finish.

7. BONUS PICK- ACRYLIC FRAME WITH BRASS STANDOFFS: Wexel Art Displays Acrylic Floating Frames or Highland Hardware 16” X 20” Acrylic Floating Frame (full disclosure- I haven’t ordered from either of these places, but wanted to provide some links for this type of frame if this is your preference.)

For more framing inspiration and resources, check out my Pinterest Board:

Framing Original Art & Prints

The paintings above are in my brand new collection, which will be available in the shop Tuesday, August 25th. Join the mailing list today to get early access shopping when the new collection goes live!