A Guide for Framing Artwork

This blog post contains commissionable links.

You invested in artwork you love, but where do you find a good frame?

It’s hard to know the best way to frame fine art, I get it!

Let’s breakdown how to find the best frames to compliment the artwork and your space.

Disclaimer #1: your space probably needs bigger artwork than you think.

Most people think too small when it comes to decorating their walls. Frames and matting are a great way to add size. When in doubt, go big!

Disclaimer #2: local frame shops are always an incredible experience as they are experts in their field.

If you’re looking for more cost effective framing options or don’t have a local frame shop nearby, consider the frames on the list below:

Amazon Framing Options

It can be a bit nerve-wracking to buy high quality frames on Amazon!

I have found the Craig Frames brand to be reliable with readily availabe sizes and options for mat or no mat frames for large artwork (think 18x24 or bigger frames).

You can browse my top Amazon frames on my storefront!

Note that most of their frames, and most large size frames on Amazon, only ship with plexiglass or plastic fronts. So that’s something to note when considering price.

Framebridge also uses plexiglass, but it’s typically higher quality plexiglass than what you’ll find on Amazon.

Shop my favorite Amazon frames!

Michaels Custom Framing

Michaels can be slept on when it comes to framing! It will depend on where you live, but most often the custom framing experience at Michaels is enjoyable and an affordable way to achieve a custom framing look at a lower price tag.

Michaels also has a few ready-made frames at 18x24 and larger sizes in store. They have glass fronts (typically), so take note of that with shipping their frames.

Target Finds for Framing

Target’s Threshold line carries some great frames that go up to 18x24. These come with glass fronts and are simple, but with high quality wood and glass, it makes them a great deal for the price!

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite frames from Target & Michaels on my Shopmy page.

Shop my favorite frames on Shopmy!

Framebridge

Framebridge has been around forever and for good reason. At the end of the day, they do a great job (so far in my experience!) of handling artwork and providing unique frame options that you can’t find at “big-box” stores.

Yes it is more expensive than ready-made frames at Target, but your artwork will be air tight and protected. To me, it’s worth the cost upfront to protect your investment longterm.

Framebridge uses acrylic with UV protection on their frames vs. glass. So if you’re like me and you have small kids at home, that’s actually something I prefer in this season of life. When and if I want to swap that out for glass, I can always upgrade.

Something I love doing with artwork in frames is to select “float mount” when you are choosing how to frame your artwork on Framebridge.

You can select different color backgrounds for the float mat background color (as seen in the below photos).

I think it creates a playful visual interest. If you want to take up more wall space go for the wide mat, as seen in photo below!

Shop my favorite Framebridge Frames!

Other Framing Tips

When in doubt, Take a DIY Approach

Frames have been hard for me to suggest because often times I take what I buy at a big-box store and add my own personal touch by painting the mat and/or including my own float mount.

It takes a few coats of paint to fully cover the mat with saturated color, but otherwise it’s pretty foolproof to paint a mat! For DIY float mounts, I use this museum-grade putty to float the artwork on top of the mat.

I love the way this mat color and float mount (see photo!) completely transforms the simple black frame.

Shop Secondhand or Vintage

I am always on the hunt for good frames, especially at vintage or antique shops! It can be a bit tricky to find frames as the frame size gets bigger.

One of my favorite tips is taking smaller vintage frames to surround a modern frame with on a gallery wall.

If you have a frame from a big-box store and you want to make it look more lived in, surround the artwork with frames from vintage/antique shops. Or any frames you have that are different colors/textures! Visually it gives a comfort queue when the frames are mixed and matched.

Image source is McGee & Co.