My Framing Guide

Sometimes it feels daunting or a little overwhelming to chose a frame. Do you go big/small? Matte/no matte? Gold/silver? There are millions of combinations and it can be very expensive so you want to make an informed choice for your space and your new art investment! Luckily, it is not permanent so if you grow out of the style or simply dislike the result you can always change it. All of my work requires framing (and completes the piece) so, I’m very passionate about the subject and decided to compile some of my favorite framing moments from designers and other artists and share my ideas and advice to make your pieces really shine. Message me for questions, I could talk about framing all day!

How to start:

  • measure the space

  • understand the vibe of the room (hardware, lighting, depth and color)

  • do you want the piece to stand out or add a subtle touch?

  • jot down some notes, take a pic of the space and head to the framers!

Choosing a framer:

  • I personally love a mom & pop neighborhood framer, this is their livelihood and they love helping you create the perfect piece. They are creative and have an eye for new trends, what works with a room and they have an incredible inventory to chose from. Ask around to see who the best framer is in your area is (it will be expensive but very worth it, and supporting small business is everything).

  • If you aren’t feeling the in-person framing process at the moment, check out Frambridge or Simply Framed online! They do beautiful work and have great choices and great customer service. You mail in your piece and they ship it back to you perfectly framed, clean and beautiful. I love suggesting giftcards from these companies to go with gifting art. Framing is so subjective so sometimes it is hard to frame for a friend.

  • Michael’s and Hobby Lobby are other good options if you don’t have a great small business framer near you. They have good selections and the framing professionals are helpful! Still expensive but tend to offer coupons often!

  • For gifts, small spaces and children’s rooms or dorm rooms I always suggest ready-made frames from Target, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, etc. These frames are so affordable and easy to change out. The quality isn’t exactly there but they are an excellent way to frame fast and you can find some really pretty things if you look hard enough!

  • Last but not least, consignment stores, estate sales, even thrift stores, are the PERFECT place to find frames that can be revamped for barely any price. I love searching thrift shops for frames that need an art change out to be a completely different look. I also adore following all the Instagram consignment shops and even Next door or Facebook Marketplace. You can find incredible pieces that only need a glow up for a great price. Don’t ever sleep on used frames!!

Choosing a style:

  • This is so subjective so I am just going to share what I love!

  • Matting is key for me. I love a double, triple, QUADRUPLE matte situation. Colors and textures in matting make a piece look 10x more than you paid for it.

  • I love golds, whites and grays. Of course it depends on the space. For instance, a lake house doesn’t need a plethora of gold frames but maybe some rustic birch wood frames, but I feel that gold, white and gray always enhance a space! I also love when you do a hodge podge of sizes, colors and textures together. Think outside the box, because remember it isn’t permanent.

  • Add color! if your piece is subtle in color add some color to the frame or matte

  • Double the size of the piece with a large matte. this is always a chic addition and makes the piece really pop.

  • When in doubt, go with a white matte and a thin gold frame. This is always my go to.

  • Float your piece! Float the piece over a matte with any frame of your choice. It adds a very special and creative dimensional look

  • Keep if fun and happy. Don’t take it too seriously! Keep it light and don’t worry about rules. Framing allows you to give some of yourself to a painting so make it yours!

Reach out to me with any questions, below are some of my favorite framing looks of all time! I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy the process as much as the finished product!

xx Sallie