Frame It

A beautiful expensive painting will not be complete without a proper frame that suits the style of the portrait and even a mirror can become an extraordinary piece of décor if framed correctly. It is thus not surprising that the frame you put around your valuables is quite important and a big decision to make.

The problem is that there are so many different types and styles of frames available on the market today, which means that this could be a very challenging task if you do not know exactly what you want, need or should get to complement what you have to work with. Photo frames also come in various materials, like wood, leather, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, crystal, composite, and pewter which make the decision even harder.

Here are a few handy guidelines to assist you in making the correct decision when going shopping for a frame that will be perfect for you:

Stay true to your style

When choosing a photo frame / portrait frame, you have to stay true to style of the space it is going to be incorporated into. You have to keep the style, theme and colour scheme in mind when making a decision about what kind of frame you want because the frame will have to blend in with the environment. If you have a room with a contemporary style, frames in dark colours or with metal finishes will work very well. A room with a classical Victorian look and feel will require wooden or gilded frames with an antique look. When you do not have one of these themes, try choosing frames with wooden or leather finishes, as these natural materials tone in with almost any theme.

Stay true to the content of the frame.
 

The most important aspect when it comes to deciding on the correct frame, is to consider what you will be putting inside it. Some photos / paintings are very modern and will not look too good in a vintage frame, whilst photos with a yellow undertone will not look good in a frame with a metal finish. Colourful photos will look too busy in a colourful frame, whilst a dull image can be brighten up by a little extra colour. Ornate gilded or etched wooden frames are preferably used for black and white photographs and classic portraiture, because they give that classy touch. It is important to remember that the frame should always enhance a picture and not overpower it.

Decide where the frame will be used.

This will assist you in making many helpful decisions:

• Paintings will obviously go on the wall and not only should the frame you decide on be of a good, strong quality – it should also be equipped with proper mechanisms to fasten it against the wall. Flimsy brackets could result in damages to your painting if it should bump or fall.
• Some people like to display photos on the room divider, in the showcase, or on a bedside table and for this purpose you will require a frame that can stand by itself.  
• Other people like pictures on the wall in hallways or in the living room and for this purpose there are a lot of different wall mounted framing options available. You can choose one that can keep a single picture or one with different spaces that can hold more than one picture.

Don’t overdo it

When it comes to photo frames, less is more, so keep it simple. The wrong frame can make a beautiful image seem lifeless, whilst the correct frame could turn it into a masterpiece. It is also important to decide if your photo really needs an additional border or if a single frame would be enough. Sometimes, adding a border, matching or off-setting the background colour of the photograph can enhance the overall impact.

Horses for courses

Although ceramic and glass frames are beautiful and can create a glamorous, ultra modern look it is most definitely not a wise decision if you have little ones running around in your home. Wood and metal will be a better choice in such an instance. You can however use lively plastic frames in different shapes and sizes to decorate your little one’s bedroom. They just add a lot of fun and liveliness to the space. Photo frames based on cartoon themes are the most sought-after options by children and will inspire little one’s to leave your valuable frames alone.

What are you prepared to spend?

There are a lot of precious and modern frames available that could cost quite a nice price as well. Determine what your needs are and choose something that suits your budget. Remember that frames can damage easily and thus result in great loss for you if your frames are very expensive.

Framing a painting

The frame you choose for your painting should compliment its style and if you hang more than one painting in the same room, the frames should blend in with one another. A frame should highlight your painting and make it look even better than it is. You must also rather spend a little extra and get a good frame that will last and protect your valuable painting.

Go digital

Digital frames are very popular at the moment because it enables you to store many photos at a time and you are able to create a slideshow in order to view these images on a rotary basis. It enables you to display and change your photos at the touch of a button. There are a wide range of models available in different screen sizes. You can get a small model perfect for a desk top, or a wall-mounted model that has a square screen. Some of these models also have a calendar and you can even add some music to create the perfect ambience in a specific room.

Where can I find good frames?

• Camdeboo Picture Frames has many interesting options available, visit their website on http://www.ovalframes.co.za
• QueenBee will do the job according to your specifications. To get a customised frame for your painting or picture, visit http://www.queenbee.co.za.
• Woolworths, @home, Boardmans and Mr. Price Home have exquisite frames available for your nightstand, showcase or wall. Visit a shop near you.

Try these!

The Gallery 4 Picture Photo Frame from Woolworths.
The Beaded Value Frame from Woolworths.
Silver multiple standing frame for baby pictures from Mr. Price Home.
Multi Love frame from Boardmans.
Mirror Frame with blossom decal by @home.