Framing photos is one of the easiest ways to take your gallery wall from good to great, but it can also be incredibly difficult. Framing photos requires a lot of planning and skill, especially if you want the final product to look professionally done rather than like something that was thrown together using whatever materials were lying around the house. This guide offers five picture framing tips that will help you take your photos from casual to chic in no time at all!
1. Use high-quality framing materials
Always select real wood or metal frames. These materials are far superior to plastic frames and will ensure your photos don’t warp over time. When framing photos, it is also important that you use high-quality framing materials, such as acid-free mats and UV glass. The cheapest options may be tempting, but they won’t protect your photos from damage over time. Consider getting a second opinion if you aren’t sure about what type of framing materials to use; many framing stores offer free consultations for new customers.
2. Protect your photo with glass
It is often suggested to use plexiglass to reduce the weight of your picture. It’s also a good idea to use UV-filtering glass to protect your photo from fading and yellowing over time. Be sure that you choose a frame with UV-filtering glass if you’re displaying it in direct sunlight or near any other strong light source, as otherwise, it could fade over time.
3. Photo frame size makes a difference
Use the appropriate frame size for the photo. Don’t go overboard with a huge frame when a smaller one will do. And don’t get too caught up in matching your frames with your decor; it’s better to have mismatched frames that work with your photo rather than perfectly matched ones that are too big or small. If you really want to match, look at frames designed specifically for certain decorating styles. For example, if you have an antique-style bedroom set, there are antique-style frames available—even if they don’t necessarily matchy-match existing pieces in your home.
4. Choose the right color frame
Choosing a color that accents your photo is important. A good picture framing store will have tons of colors to choose from, and you can even get creative with colors if you want. For example, if you have a black-and-white photo, try using an orange frame for contrast. Or, if you’re using a sepia tone image, use an antique gold frame for some extra pizzazz! The possibilities are endless when it comes to framing your photos—the only limit is your own imagination!
5. Seek help from a professional framer
Professional picture framers will always know what’s best when it comes to getting your photos ready for display. While there are a lot of good framing tips out there, you really can’t go wrong by seeking help from a professional. After all, they’ve had many years of experience behind them and have likely seen just about everything in terms of what goes on display and what doesn’t work.
