When incorporating wall art and paintings into your home decor, framing plays a vital role in enhancing the visual appeal whilst protecting your pieces' longevity and quality. The right frame can elevate the artwork and complement its style while providing a polished and elegant feel to the room. Various techniques and methods can be used when it comes to the framing process, transforming your prints and paintings into masterpieces. Here are a few of the ways this can be done to suit all homes and interior styles.

Traditional Framing & Matting

This classic technique uses a mat board to create a decorative edge between your artwork and the frame. This is used to enhance the piece you are hanging and protect it by creating a barrier between the design and the glass. Adding matting to your frame before displaying it on your wall will also add depth and visual space, allowing the viewer's eyes to focus on the artwork.

Shadow Boxes

If you are looking for a fun way to display three-dimensional or bulky pieces uniquely, this is the method for you. This technique involves using a deep frame to create a box-like space between the artwork and the glass. A shadow box frame allows you to include pieces like textiles, sculptures and memorabilia for a visually dynamic and engaging wall display. This is the perfect option if you wish to incorporate a gallery wall into your home.

Float Mounting

For a contemporary feel, you may consider using the float mounting technique to suspend your chosen artwork between two layers of glass or acrylic. This method implies the piece is floating within the frame to create a modern and distinctive aesthetic. Float mounting works particularly well for pieces and designs with intricate aspects or deckled edges that you may wish to showcase without an obstruction.

Canvas Floater Frames

These are designed specifically for canvas artworks and have a unique look that creates the illusion of the canvas piece floating within the frame, similar to the float mounting mentioned previously. A technique like this is an excellent way to preserve the integrity of your canvas while adding a sophisticated touch to the overall display.

Conservation Framing

This is an option that prioritises the protection of your new prints, paintings and wall art to preserve their appearance and quality. For this method of framing, acid-free materials are used to prevent deterioration over time, whilst UV-protective glass is used to shield the artwork from sunlight damage. This technique is used to preserve valuable and irreplaceable one-of-a-kind pieces passed down through generations.

Linen Liners

If you prefer an elegant look, linen liners will add a special addition to your traditional framing methods. Placing one of these between the mat border and artwork adds a visual buffer of texture and sophistication to elevate the aesthetics of the design. Linen liners are often used for pieces, including classic paintings and portraits, especially those with a vintage feel. This is a perfect way to incorporate luxury into all wall art around your home.

Multiple Apertures

If you have multiple pieces of artwork, prints or photographs that you wish to display together, using a multiple apertures frame or multi-opening mats will allow you to do so. This technique is perfect for telling stories through a series of wall art or images or showing the progression of an artist's work over time. These frames look great in a family room or incorporated into a gallery wall.

Minimalistic Floating Frames

For a clean and sleek display that suits the aesthetic of your home, opting for a minimalistic floating frame will be for you. This framing option adds a subtle design enhancement to the artwork itself without overwhelming it or drawing attention away from the piece. This makes for a versatile choice for any print, photograph or painting, be that a landscape image, vintage portrait or contemporary typography design.

Framing is an art form in itself, and the techniques you choose can significantly impact the way your prints, paintings and photography are perceived. Whether you choose to enhance with the timeless elegance of traditional matting and framing or prefer to add a modern, contemporary feel to your room with a dynamic display of shadow boxes, each method brings its own charm to every design. By selecting the right framing for your pieces, you can transform your wall art into a captivating masterpiece that engages those who visit you and have the opportunity to view them. Frames also allow your artwork to stand the test of time by adding a protective element. Remember, a frame is not merely a border; it is a key aspect that enhances the art and elevates its visual impact.