Nothing elevates an art print faster than a well-chosen frame. Whether you’ve just won one of our giveaway pieces (congratulations!) or picked up a print you love, great framing turns paper into a show-stopping focal point. Let’s walk through the essentials.
1. Pick a Frame Style That Complements the Art
Minimal or ornate? Let the artwork lead the way. Graphic, modern prints shine in sleek black, white, or metallic frames, while vintage-inspired pieces look stunning in wood with a bit of texture.
2. Mind the Mat
A mat gives the print breathing room and prevents it from touching the glass. White or off-white mats keep things clean, but colored mats can highlight a hue inside the print. Standard reveal (the visible border) is 2–3 inches for medium pieces; go wider for statement impact.
3. Use UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic
Sunlight fades pigment over time. Splurging on UV-blocking glazing protects color and keeps your print crisp for years.
4. Mount Securely (But Reversibly)
Acid-free hinging tape or photo corners keep your print flat without permanent adhesives. That way you can re-mat or re-frame later without damage.
5. Level, Measure, Hang
Eye-level is roughly 57 inches from floor to artwork center. Use a ruler and a small level—nothing ruins pro framing like crooked art!
6. Lighting Makes the Difference
A picture light or directional track bulb (2700–3000 K for warm tones, 4000 K for cooler palettes) adds gallery polish and brings colors to life.
7. Keep It Cohesive in a Gallery Wall
Mix frame colors sparingly—two finishes max for a tidy look. Keep 2–3 inches between pieces and align their centers on one straight line for harmony.
8. DIY vs. Custom
Ready-made frames save cash and look great for standard sizes. For oversized prints or anything irreplaceable, go custom to ensure archival mats, perfect fit, and museum glass.
9. Rotate Seasonally
Swap prints a few times a year to refresh your décor and protect art from prolonged light exposure on the same spot.
10. Enjoy the Process
Framing is part craftsmanship, part personal expression. Take your time, experiment with combinations, and trust your eye.
Weekly & Monthly Giveaway Reminder
Love the idea of framing a brand-new print? Enter our weekly giveaway—10 winners get free 13 × 19″ prints every Saturday! After the first week, we still award one print per month from each episode. Don’t miss your chance to win big art for zero dollars.