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Framing your Art Prints
Choosing the right frame and mat can greatly enhance the overall look of the art work and complement the decor of your room.
There are a few reasons for framing your art piece. Firstly, it prevents the art work from dust and dirt; it also prolongs and preserves the life of the art work, and prevents it from fading and sustaining damage over time. Aesthetically, a frame also makes the art work look more presentable, and helps to bring attention to the art work.
Framing is especially essential for reproduced prints and posters. When simply stuck on the wall without any framing protection, the print will start to tear on the edges and some of the color may also fade out within a short period of time.
When choosing a frame, avoid picking one that is the same color or tone as the wall the art work is to be hung on. For example, do not use a white or pastel colored frame for a white wall. Find a frame color that contrasts the color of the wall. For example, on a pastel colored wall, a dark frame color, like brown or black will do nicely. In my opinion, black or brown are the most popular choice colors for frames, but sometimes metallic colors like silver and gold do nicely as well, it all depends on the theme decor of your home. Never pick a loud color like red or yellow as the frame color. In my experience, these colors almost always never look good as frames. Unless you’re framing a picture of Mickey mouse in your child’s playroom, avoid these colors like the plaque.
On the other hand, also be careful not to pick a frame that takes attention away from the art piece itself! Remember, the artwork is the center of attention, not the frame. Find a frame that compliments the art, not compete with it. In any case, if you’re still unsure, always consult a qualified interior designer, artist or a framing specialist for advice on the best choice of frames to use.
The design of the frame should also match the surroundings, for example, a frame with a lot of intricate carvings may be pretty to look at, but may not be suited for the modern, contemporary home. Such frames would do well in a Victorian styled decor. If you’re finding a frame for a contemporary interior, you should choose one that’s simple and minimalist.
A framed art piece consists of several components, namely the art piece itself, the frame, the external glazed surface that is placed over the art work to protect it, and a mat. The frame itself is fairly straightforward. Most of them are made of wood, though there are some that are made of metal.
The clear protective glazing layer is made of either glass or acrylic. Acrylic, more commonly known as Plexiglas, is more recommend due to its lightweight and impact resistance. Higher quality acrylics may offer enhanced features like non-glare and UV protection, thus providing even greater protection for your art piece.
The mat is used for 2 main reasons; it serves as a support for the art work, to prevent the art piece from being damaged through bending and folding. It also helps to create a separation layer between the art work and the glazing so that the glazing is not directly “touching” the art piece, damaging it in the long run. Most framed art pieces come with a single mat layer, although you can choose to have double, even triple mat layers. Having triple mats would add extra depth to the art work.
When choosing a mat color, you might want to go with a neutral color, like whites, cream, ivory, sandstone, pearl, grays and blacks. Neutral mat colors not only take a back seat to help enhance and guide the viewer’s attention to the art work itself, it also can easily be fit into any room, without seeming out of place.
As a general rule, choose a color that is no lighter than the lightest color within your art piece, no darker than the darkest and no brighter than the brightest. This way the mat will not outshine the art work and steal the attention away from it. Light colored mats tend to make the picture seem larger and your perception more “open” or outward. Dark colored mats seem to turn your eye inward; creating a “tunneling” effect and making the picture seem smaller then normal.
Happy framing!
Copyright 2007 Edwin Mah
About the Author
Edwin is an art enthusiast and owner of Abstract Prints.com, an online store and gallery selling a wide range of abstract art prints, suitable for interior decoration of homes, offices, hotels and restaurants. Visit his website at www.abstract-prints.com
External Frame Pack Review
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Texsport Durange External Frame Backpack $73.99 Travel in style with an external frame backpackBackpack has a 63-liter or 3850-cubic-inch capacity Outdoor accessory is a great pack for novice backpackers |
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High Sierra Badger 40 External Frame Pack $70.63 High Sierra brings back the external frame pack with this Badger 40. Weighing in at only 4 pounds, this pack includes a mesh back panel, sternum strap, hydration reservoir. Designed specifically to fit children ages 5 to 13. |
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HP PD6400Z 640GB Pocket Media USB External BK242AA#AC3 Hard Drive $99.49 Store loads of photos, home videos, and music on one handy, highly spacious 640GB compact and portable external drive! Use it alone, connected via USB cable with any PC, or in the chassis slot of select HP PC products. |
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Perfect Figure Women’s Body Suit Shaper $62.99 This body shaper from Perfect Figure features adjustable, removable straps and pull-on styling. This shaper also enhances the bust, buttocks and waist line. |
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Perfect Figure Women’s Latex Powernet Strapless Body Shaper $59.99 This body shaper from Perfect Figure features internal latex for thermal action. An ultra-compression band enhances the gluteus, waistline and slims hips for an attractive shape. |
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Kelty Juniors’ Tioga 34 External Frame Backpack $89.95 Instill the love of hiking early with the Kelty Juniors’ Tioga 34 External Frame Backpack. Specifically designed for ages five to thirteen, they’ll love this versatile and lightweight pack. |
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Kelty Trekker 65 External Frame Backpack $149.95 Whether you’re on the trail for a long overnight or multiple nights, the Kelty Trekker 65 External Frame Backpack has you covered. Classic and timeless, this versatile trail pack is a simple, comfortable and lightweight favorite. |
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Kelty Cache Hauler External Frame (Sold Alone) $119.95 With a large sturdy aluminum frame and plush suspension straps youll be able to get large amounts of gear in and out or your camp easily and comfortable with the Kelty Cache Hauler External Frame. Multiple lash points and a hinged fold down base let you strap down your load for a stable ride and with a stabilizing waist belt and sternum strap youll feel secure toting your cargo long distances. A moisture wicking backpanel improves air circulation and allows sweat to evaporate to keep you cool as you lug heavy weights over uneven terrain and with a padded hydration sleeve youll stay well watered as you exert yourself. On its own or paired with the Kelty Cache Packbag this lightweight tough external frame is perfect for hunting, camping or any trip that takes you deep into the field. |
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Kelty Cache Hauler External Frame Backpack $219.95 The Cache Hauler is designed to carry big loads comfortably. The frame and the packbag are both included and can be used together or separated for individual use. |
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Eureka External Screenhouse $149.95 The freestanding Eureka External Screenhouse is great for family picnics or outdoor parties. An excellent choice for a respite from bugs at a backyard barbecues or as an extra lounge space on car camping or RV trips, the Screen House provides a 128 square foot area–just right to fit a standard-sized picnic table–and a roomy 7 foot, 3 inch center height. The 75D polyester roof cloth provides excellent UV resistance, and it dries as quickly as nylon. It features a strong, self-supporting external 3/4-inch, chain-corded steel frame with a ring-and-pin assembly. It also offers storm loops for added stability in the wind. Other features include two full-length doors and 50D no-see-um mesh walls to keep out pesky insects. |
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Bariatric PVC Shower Commode Chair $535.5 “Bariatric PVC Shower Commode Chair by MJM International: ? 700 lb. weight capacity. ? Made of 100% Virgin PVC material. ? PVC pipe and fittings come with Built-in Stabilizers that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. ? User-friendly push pull handle. ? Full support seat (high density polyethylene flatseat). ? Full back support sling. ? 10 quart commode (slide out). ? Dual reinforcement throughout the entire frame. ? 30″” internal width. 34″” external width. ? 6/5″” x 1-1/4″” threaded stem casters (4-locking casters). ? 23″” seat depth. 21″” seat height. ? 43″”H x 34″”W x 28″”D. Please Note: Due to size and weight, each chair is $50.00 to ship. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for standard delivery. This is a made to order product.” |