Top Ten Framing Tips

Cindy Cambridge, Account Executive with Larson Juhl, an international framing company, spoke to our artists' seminar at Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum about trends in framing and how quality framing impacts the sale of art. Here are some tips she shared:
There are no rules...only guidelines.

1. Frame to enhance the art, not to match the room.
2. In a completed frame design, the art should be the first thing you see.
3. Moulding width should be determined by the following: size of the art, scale of shapes within the image, visual weight, scale of the room and furniture in the room.
4. Mat width should be: at least slightly wider than the moulding or at least slightly narrower than the moulding width.
5. Neutral mat colors (white, gray, tan and black) allow the artwork to be the focal point, and allow the completed piece to be more versatile if it moves to a different location.
6. Paper as well as textile art should be framed behind glass. In each case, there should be space between the art and the glass, provided by a mat or sspacer.
7. Double matting, fabric mats, a fillet or stacking frames are all ways to increase the perceived value of a piece.
8. Conservation grade materials (including mats, mounting items, glass and acrylic) should be used on everything. the value of protecting the piece far outweighs the minimal difference in cost.
9. Acrylic is the better choice in a child's room, or if the finished piece needs to be shipped.
10. Art doesn't go out of style, but framing trends come and go. Replacing a single element of a framed item, or all of them, can update the look of any piece.

Trust your custom framer to help guide you in finding the best solution for each item you are having framed. When done correctly, custom framing should enhance a single piece of art along with the room in which it will be displayed.