Framing

Framing Trends for Today’s Decor

No matter what style of art you like and want to have around you in your home or at the office, there are trends that can elevate your art from ordinary to extraordinary!  With all the choices available today, it is easy to select a personal style that is leading edge and décor forward and still easy to accomplish.  One visit to a framing center will give you tons of ideas from which to select.

The elements of framing start with the art.  The style of the painting or print and the subject make all the difference in the selection of framing materials.  Everything revolves around the image:  style, color, and texture.  Add to these your personal preferences and you have the start of a very individualized end result.

Realistic imagery tends to lean towards more traditional styles of matting and framing.  Your choices are personal, but the materials selected are usually more mainstream.  Hip, modern, and abstract can offer greater latitude in personally expressive style.  Or they can be very understated.  You choose.  Photography, which is currently one of the hottest décor selections, can go either way—traditional or contemporary.  Your selection of mat/frame combinations controls the overall finished result.

Matting is a subject about which volumes could be written.  There are hundreds of selections that can enhance any image.  With the number of mat colors and textures available the possible combinations are staggering.  But there is usually a specific color that enhances the image, brings out a certain emotion and is perfect with your existing décor.  Matting widths most often selected at this time are wider than in previous years.  For decades, narrow mats were used; but with today’s styles they appear dated as do inappropriate color selections.

Framing styles today lean toward wider widths, too.  What might have been considered a “heavy” or “massive” frame in the early 90’s is not viewed in that light today.  A slow progression toward larger frames and wider mats gives you a chance to create very visible art statements with every item you frame.  No longer is a painting or print just something to “put up on the wall.”  Each becomes an asset to the overall cohesiveness and balance in a room or home.

Glazing choices are no longer restricted to clear or non-glare glass.  With the availability of conservation grade glass in both clear and non-glare and at prices that are better than ever, protection of your fine art collection is now easy.  Selection of conservation glass affords up to 98% UV protection.  That will help safeguard your art for decades while you are able to enjoy it every day.

Mounting techniques are improving all the time.  Many conservation methods are available.  The value of originals and limited editions can be protected with proper handling during the mounting segment of framing.  No glue or other adhesive should contact a fine quality art or heirloom item.  Nor should a non-acid-free backing be used behind fine art. 

As an informed consumer you can protect your art items and heirloom collectables just by making wise choices.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 18 No. 4 — February 2008