Framing inspiration
So you found the perfect print. What now? Framing can transform your piece, but the right choice makes all the difference. Let us guide you through the process.
How to frame a print
The framing process can feel like one with hidden rules. Flanked by a dictionary of obscure terms – mounts and mouldings to name a couple – and the costs involved, the task of framing a print can quickly become daunting. The result? Cherished prints languish in drawers and boxes, never to be seen.
While there are conventions to consider, there’s no one ‘right’ way to frame anything. Equipped with the basics, follow your instincts, and you’ll be fine.
What can I frame?
Framing doesn’t end with prints, paintings and photographs. Treasured objects, trinkets and tchotchkes of all kinds can also benefit from a four-sided surround. Ask any framer about the strangest thing they have framed and you’re sure to unearth some anecdotal inspiration.
Framing can feel like a costly necessity – an inconvenient final hurdle. Consider it instead an opportunity to preserve and showcase whatever is most valuable to you, for whatever reason that might be. The things we frame become the things we talk about, recounting how they came to hang on this wall, at this moment. Seen this way, the importance of the perfect frame is clear.
Looking for framing inspiration?
The object or print you're framing is a good place to start. What colours and textures are at play? Are you looking to complement or contrast them? Does it call out for something compact and cosy in muted hues, or something slick, shiny and spacious?
For more inspiration, look at the combinations of colour and texture in your favourite artworks, objects, interiors and clothing – or head to a gallery. The best way to decide what works, especially if you’re feeling experimental, is to spend time with a framer looking at samples and swatches alongside your artwork, in the flesh.
Mounting
Your framer will ask what type of mount you would like. This describes how and where a print sits inside its frame.
The most common options are float and window. Float-mounted prints hover above their backing board, casting a subtle shadow and showcasing their exposed edges. They are usually encased in a box frame, the depth of which creates a space between the print and glazing. By contrast, window or ‘passe-partout’ mounts trap the print behind a flat surface with an opening sized to conceal the edges of the paper. In this case, the glass usually sits flush against the mount. Both styles can accommodate multiple elements within a single frame.
The size of the mount is also an important consideration. Give your print room to breathe, or keep things tight? If you’re feeling wild, consider an irregular border or an off-centre placement. Unmounted prints, by contrast, stretch right to the edge of their frame – perfect if they have a border of their own, or you’re short on space.
Moulding
Moulding describes the style of a frame’s outer edge. Choosing the right one will involve decisions about size, colour, material and shape. Wood and metal are popular, and can both be stained or sprayed to align with your vision. Some mouldings suit or necessitate specific mount styles. Your framer will help you find the perfect combination.
Glazing
The key considerations when it comes to glazing are preservation, visibility and strength. Most framers offer glass and acrylic options with varying degrees of UV protection. Decide what level of protection you need based on the photo-sensitivity of the print you’re framing, and where you plan to hang it. Non-reflective glass or 'Optium' acrylic makes it easier to observe your artwork from all angles. Expect to pay for more protection and less reflection. If you’re planning to ship your frame, acrylic is a good bet. Glass, while enticingly traditional and at times less expensive, is liable to shatter.
In some cases, you can forego glazing – fully exposing the surface of your print. Tray frames used for paintings on canvas are a good example. Be mindful, however, that an unglazed frame leaves its contents vulnerable to UV light, moisture and airborne assailants.
How do I hang a print?
On the back of your frame, you’ll find a hanging system. Its style will depend primarily on size and weight. Sawtooth hardware rests directly on nails or screws, while D rings can be used to attach hanging wire. For particularly heavy works, a hanging bar may be fitted, which will come with an inverted counterpart for you to screw directly to your wall. If the back of your print includes important information – a signature or edition details, for example – your framer can affix a copy to the back of the frame.
How much does framing cost?
In short, it varies. Bespoke framing is not cheap. Bigger frames, as you might expect, will be more expensive, while optional extras like non-reflective glass and unusual materials can increase your bill significantly. Framing is a craft that requires precision and expertise. Cheaper options, such as off-the-shelf or online services, are available, but will restrict your choices when it comes to size, mount, moulding and materials.
In conclusion
First time framing? Start safe, lean classic. Then, next time around (or the time after that), roll the dice with something strange, fun and free. Questions or concerns? We're here to help.
Ready to frame your art? Explore our collection of prints today and make your selection stand out with the perfect frame.
