You've Been Framed

Buying an artwork? Already bought one? Well folks, the fun doesn't stop there! We're going to be brutally honest, and say that the framing of a print or an original can either make or break the final piece... So if you don't want the latter - and who would?! - then keeping on reading. We've put together a trusty guide on how to frame your artwork to give it the ultimate wow-factor!

When it comes to framing, there are three standard options that people tend to go for:

• Trapped - the artwork is placed straight into the moulding
• Floated - the artwork is laid flat on top of a mount board with a surrounding border 
• Window mount - the mount board  is laid on top of the artwork (covering the edges) with a surrounding border

If you'd like more information on these above options,  please read our framing page here.

But did you know that there's so many more choices you can decide to use to jazz up your artwork? 

High Float

We would recommend this style for when the edges of a print are deckled, rather than straight and crisp. Similarly to the 'floated' option above, there's a border between the edge of the artwork and the moulding. However, it differs as the artwork is raised above the mount board rather than being laid directly on top of it. This is achieved by attaching the picture to foam board (usually 5mm), with the resulting shadow underneath giving the piece depth and impact.

Double Mount

If  you wish to make your framing stand out (but don't want to go too crazy) a double mount is an ideal place to start.  As per a 'window mount', a mount board is laid on top of the artwork covering the edges, giving a border around the picture. A second mount board is then added and laid on top of the first (usually with an offset of 5 or 10mm) achieving a 'stepped' look. These two mount boards can be identical in colour, but if you wish for more of an impact, we suggest adding a coloured mount board to make your artwork pop! Double mounts can also be used for a textural effect, by combining standard mounts with ones that have a suede or linen surface. 

Spacers

If colours are totally your thing, we suggest jazzing up your framing by adding a spray painted spacer. This wooden spacer is spray painted in the colour of your choice to  suit the artwork, and it sits between the moulding and the artwork or mount board. The colour is visible from the front, but more obvious when looking at the artwork from the sides. To date this has been our most popular framing addition that we've offered - it really makes an artwork stand out from the crowd. We've lost count of the number of times that clients have said how snazzy it looks! 

Slips/Fillets

Similarly to above, a slip is used to enhance a moulding or a mount. Often chosen in a complementary colour to the artwork, depending on your preference it 'slips' underneath said mount board or moulding to be visible on the inner side. The effect of a slip should be to highlight certain elements within your artwork! (Top tip:  as touched upon above, spacers can also be used as a slip if a bright colour is preferred...)

Mount Size

Want to venture out of your comfort zone, but don't fancy any of the above additions? Why not experiment with the actual mount board instead! We find that changing the mount board border size can have a huge effect and really make a difference to the final look. If you have a small artwork, create a contrast by using a large surrounding mount board border - the difference in sizes can make the overall outcome even more impressive. Or for that matter, the dimensions of the mount board don't necessarily have to correlate and be equal on all sides... Be bold and choose to have your mount board smaller on the width than on the height - or vice versa!

Traditional Hand-Painted Mouldings

Well, whoever said that modernity and tradition don't work together, we're about to prove you wrong! In our experience over the years, we've found that pairing an urban artwork with an elaborate moulding can work an absolute treat... Ironically, rather than ageing your piece, the contrast between the new and the old can make your final piece look completely eye-catching and contemporary. We've found this style particularly works well for older classic houses, and for clients who wish to put modern art on their walls but are afraid it won't match the aesthetics of their home. Trust us, you won't believe how good your artwork can look!

So, feeling inspired by any of our suggestions? Have any questions?  Check out our framing page or pop into the gallery to receive your framing quotation!