Every great piece of art deserves a frame to match. From beautiful photographs to paintings and heirlooms, the right custom frame can help showcase a piece while keeping it protected. One of the key decisions you must make when getting a custom frame is the materials used. There are plenty of options available, from wood to metal and even leather. While typing “frame store near me” into a search engine is a great start, we want to offer some extra advice for picking out the perfect materials. This advice will help you think about the piece from every angle. That way, you can work with a custom framer to get the frame your piece deserves.
1) Write down a budget
Before you get started on anything to do with custom frames, you should set yourself a budget. Beautiful custom framing can be very affordable. It can also get very elaborate. Setting yourself a budget can help guide your decisions at every step. That way, you get the custom frame you want at a price you love.
Don’t know where to start with a budget? You can start by searching “frame store near me” and looking at their portfolios and pricing. This can give you a rough estimate as to how much custom framing is in your area. You can also contact one of those stores to discuss your vision. They may be able to help you get an idea of pricing so that you can set yourself a budget from there.
2) Think about the piece
After setting yourself a budget, the next thing you will want to do is think about what’s being framed. Is it a canvas painting? A postmodern visual piece? Perhaps it’s a precious heirloom that needs a dramatic and quality shadow box. Whatever the piece, the right material for the frame will be one that complements it perfectly.
There are some loose rules that can govern your decision at this stage, kind of like how white wine generally goes better with fish than red. Deep woods, for example, complement canvas paintings of landscapes that feature rich colors. That said, there are lots of frame materials that could suit your piece. Searching through some available materials and comparing them to the piece could help give you an idea of the options available.
3) Consider the décor of the space
If the space where the piece will go is decorated in a modern style with a lot of chrome and black, an elaborate carved wooden frame will stick out rather than look like a feature piece. It’s always a good idea to consider the décor of the rest of the space when looking at custom frame materials. The frame doesn’t necessarily have to match perfectly. For example, just because you have a lot of chrome and black doesn’t mean your frame should be black or chrome. It is a good idea to stay within the same design realm but let the piece itself do the talking. Otherwise, it might not get the looks it deserves.
4) Look at the lighting
The right frame and finish should help show off the piece. It needs to protect it as well. Since lots of lighting can potentially damage a piece over time, you will have to get the right frame and finish to preserve it. The light can change the frame itself over time as well. A wood frame in direct sunlight, for example, will eventually change color. The sun could also damage the paint as well.
Consider your space and the lighting within it before choosing a frame. That way, you can get something that will help the piece stand the test of time.
5) Don’t forget about the mat
Many people think only about the frame material when they are looking at custom framing. They should also consider the mat.
A mat is the border around the piece that serves a functional and decorative purpose. In general, mats come in four materials: paper, alpha cellulose, rag mats and fabric. Each of these materials have their benefits, from the affordability of paper to the protective qualities of alpha cellulose. Its best to discuss mat options with a custom framer so they can guide you to the right material for your piece and price range.
6) Start searching for a frame store near me
Now that you’ve thought about every part of picking a frame material, it’s time to call the experts! A custom framer can work with you to suggest the style, materials and more, ensuring your piece gets what it needs to stand out. They can also build the frame and ensure your piece is carefully enshrined inside. Then, you can feel confident that your piece is safe and looking its best for years to come.