How to Choose the Perfect Picture Frame for Your Artwork

Woman browsing colorful picture frame mouldings on a frame wall in a modern custom frame shop

How to Choose the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork

Choosing the right frame can completely transform how your artwork, photograph, or print looks once it’s displayed on your wall. The right frame enhances the image, complements the surrounding space, and protects the piece for years to come.

With so many frame styles, colors, and materials available, selecting the perfect frame can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, professional framers follow a few simple principles that make the process much easier.

In this guide, we'll walk through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect frame for your artwork.

1. Start by Letting the Artwork Be the Star

One of the most important principles in framing is simple:

The frame should enhance the artwork — not compete with it.

A frame that is too bold or decorative can sometimes distract from the piece itself. The best frames complement the colors, style, and overall mood of the artwork while allowing the image to remain the focal point.

When choosing a frame, look closely at the artwork and consider:

• What colors stand out in the piece?
• Is the artwork modern or traditional?
• Does it feature bold contrast or softer tones?

Answering these questions will help guide your frame selection.

If you're exploring different styles, you can browse our collection of custom picture frames to see frames that work well with a wide range of artwork.

comparison of modern black picture frame ornate gold frame and contemporary blue frame using the same artwork

2. Consider the Style of Your Artwork

Different types of artwork often pair best with certain frame styles.

Here are some common combinations professional framers use:

Modern Photography & Prints

• Thin black frames
• Minimalist metallic frames
• Clean gallery-style frames

Classic Artwork or Paintings

• Ornate frames
• Warm wood finishes
• Gold or antique frames

Abstract or Contemporary Art

• Bold modern frames
• Simple black or white frames

These guidelines are helpful starting points, but ultimately the goal is to choose a frame that complements the artwork without overpowering it.

You can browse a variety of styles here:
👉 Shop Picture Frames By Style

Eclectic gallery wall with mixed picture frame styles and artwork displayed in a colorful home interior

3. Match the Frame to Your Space (Or Intentionally Contrast It)

Your frame should also work well with the environment where the artwork will be displayed.

Consider the style of the room where the piece will hang.

Modern Interiors

• Black frames
• White frames
• Thin metal frames

Rustic or Farmhouse Interiors

• Natural wood frames
• Distressed finishes
• Warm brown tones

Traditional Interiors

• Gold frames
• Ornate wood frames
• Dark finishes

However, many designers intentionally take an eclectic approach by mixing styles.

For example, a modern photograph placed in a vintage gold frame can create a striking contrast. Likewise, a traditional painting displayed in a sleek black frame can create a fresh, contemporary look.

Gallery walls especially benefit from this eclectic approach, where combining different frame styles, colors, and widths can create a curated, collected feel.

You can browse a variety of frame styles here:
👉 Shop Frame Styles Collection

4. Think About Frame Width

Frame width plays a major role in the final presentation of your artwork. The width of the frame can influence how bold, subtle, or balanced the finished piece looks on the wall.

Frames are generally grouped into three width categories:

Thin Frames (½" – 1")

Thin frames create a clean and minimalist appearance.

They are commonly used for:

• Modern photography
• Minimalist artwork
• Gallery wall displays
• Contemporary interior design styles

Thin frames allow the artwork to remain the primary focus while keeping the presentation simple and refined.

Medium Width Frames (1" – 2")

Medium width frames are the most versatile option and work well with a wide variety of artwork styles.

They are commonly used for:

• Photography
• Art prints
• Posters
• Everyday home décor framing

These frames provide a balanced look that feels substantial without overwhelming the artwork.

Wide Frames (2" and Larger)

Wide frames create a bold visual statement and draw more attention to the framed piece.

They are often used for:

• Large artwork
• Statement pieces
• Traditional artwork
• Decorative framing styles

Because of their presence, wider frames tend to work best with larger pieces or artwork meant to stand out in a room.

Browse frames by style and width here:
👉 Shop By Frame Width

5. Choose the Right Matting

Matting adds space around your artwork and can dramatically improve its presentation. If you're unsure how to choose the right matting size or color, check out our guide on choosing the right matting for your artwork.

Mat boards help:

• Create visual breathing room around the artwork
• Draw attention to the image
• Add contrast and depth
• Elevate the overall presentation

A single mat provides a clean and modern look that works well with photography and minimalist artwork.

A double mat adds depth and introduces a subtle accent color around the artwork, which can create a more classic gallery-style presentation.

White and off-white mats are the most commonly used because they complement nearly any artwork style.

You can explore our custom matting options here:

👉 Shop Custom Single Matboards
👉 Shop Custom Double Matboards

6. Choose the Right Acrylic Protection for Your Artwork

The protective front covering used in a frame plays an important role in both appearance and long-term preservation of your artwork.

While traditional glass has been used for decades, many professional framers now recommend acrylic glass because it is lighter, shatter-resistant, and safer for shipping framed artwork.

Acrylic also comes in several premium options designed to improve visibility and protect artwork from damage over time.

Standard Clear Acrylic

Standard clear acrylic provides excellent clarity and is much lighter than glass. It offers basic protection and is a popular choice for everyday framing projects. Some options like premium Acrylite acrylic glass have 90% UV protection.

Non-Glare Acrylic

Non-glare acrylic reduces reflections from overhead lighting and windows, making it easier to view artwork in brightly lit rooms. This option works well for spaces with strong lighting where glare might otherwise distract from the artwork.

Conservation Acrylic (99% UV Protection)

Conservation acrylic blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping prevent fading and discoloration over time. This option is ideal for protecting valuable photographs, artwork, and prints that will be displayed in rooms with natural light.

Museum Quality Acrylic (Optium Museum Acrylic)

For the highest level of clarity and protection, museum-quality acrylic offers advanced performance.

Optium Museum Acrylic provides:

• Up to 99% UV protection
• A nearly invisible coating for exceptional clarity
• Abrasion resistance to reduce scratching
• Anti-static protection that repels dust

This premium acrylic is commonly used in museums and galleries because it provides an incredibly clear viewing experience while offering superior protection.

You can explore our framing options that include these acrylic upgrades here:

👉 Shop Acrylic Glass Upgrades