If you're looking for the best frames for oil paintings, think about choosing the right frame for artwork or are pondering framing options for original paintings, here is your comprehensive guide to framing techniques for small paintings.
What’s in a frame? You might have heard that a good frame makes all the difference for artwork, enhancing its impact and giving it the perfect finish. Yet, custom-made frames—lovingly crafted by hand—often come with a price tag to match. Like me, you may wonder: can you really see the difference between a ready-made frame and a custom one?
When I first started framing my artwork, I explored every option available, from budget-friendly store-bought frames to high-end custom options. Over the years, I’ve learned some handy tricks for deciding which frames to choose—and I’d love to share those insights with you. Whether you have a beautiful print, a gorgeous photo or a cherished original, here are my top tips on framing small artwork in ways that enhance its beauty and suit your space.
1. Selecting a frame that complements your art
choosing a frame that complements the artwork
The first thing most people consider when choosing a frame is what best complements the artwork itself, and that’s an excellent place to start! For my smaller paintings, I experiment with a few colours and styles I find most versatile: off-white, grey, and wooden frames.
Sometimes, matching the frame to a dominant colour in the artwork can bring a lovely sense of unity, while contrasting the frame with a different hue can make the artwork stand out more. For instance, I once framed a grey-toned piece in a grey frame, expecting it to feel cohesive—but it ended up feeling a bit flat. A dark wooden frame, with its contrasting tones, gave the artwork a subtle lift that felt just right.
When you’re framing a piece, try to decide if you’d like the frame to blend harmoniously with the artwork or create a bit of contrast. You may be surprised by how much of a difference this simple choice can make!
2. Ready-made frames vs. custom frames: considering your budget
A ready made frame with one of my prints - an affordable alternative
Let’s be honest: frames can be expensive! Especially for smaller artwork, where the cost of a custom frame might exceed the value of the piece itself. For many people, a ready-made frame from Ikea or a similar shop can be a fantastic choice. If you’re framing something casual or decorative, a standard frame can still give it a polished look without breaking the bank. You can also consider vintage frames from a charity shop or flea market, and get a new mat cut to size to make them fit.
A custom made frame with one of my prints (without glass)
However, if you have a high-quality print or an original piece you really want to elevate, a custom-made frame is well worth considering. For my prints, I work with an outstanding printer who uses exquisite paper, achieving results so lifelike that I often think my prints look very close to originals. A custom made frame with a high-end finish can give such prints an elegant, professional quality, making it nearly indistinguishable from an original artwork.
3. Making Small Artwork Feel Bigger
image: Room for Tuesday via pinterest
If you’d like your small artwork to take up more visual space and create a stronger impact, adding a mount can be a great solution. A mount adds space around the image, making it feel larger and giving it a defined border. The colour of the mount is a personal choice—I usually select one that blends in with the frame for a cohesive look, but you could also choose a colour that picks up a hue from the artwork itself.
Mount sizes can vary considerably. For a miniature painting, you might opt for a mount several times the size of the artwork, which really makes it stand out. This approach can make even the smallest artwork appear more substantial and prominent on the wall.
4. Picking the Right Frame Colour
You might wonder how to pick a frame colour for your art. It certainly can make a big difference in how your artwork feels in a room. I find that there are two main factors to consider: the colours in the artwork itself and the wall where it will be displayed.
A light frame colour on a light wall gives an airy appearance
For instance, if your wall is a light, neutral colour, a dark frame can create a striking contrast, drawing the eye to the artwork as a focal point. Alternatively, a light frame can make for a softer look, giving the piece a fresh, airy appearance.
A dark frame on a dark wall makes the artwork pop
Choosing a frame colour that’s also present in the artwork can help create a cohesive look, while a contrasting colour can make the artwork pop.
5. Contemporary or Traditional Styles
Another point to consider is the style of your frame in relation to your home’s decor. If your home has a traditional feel, you might be tempted to choose a frame with moulding or detailing that matches this classic style. However, a more contemporary frame with clean lines can provide a lovely contrast, allowing the artwork to take centre stage while balancing the room’s traditional elements.
A contemporary frame can offer a lovely contrasts in a traditional setting
Conversely, if you have a more modern space, adding a traditional frame can add character and warmth. Try thinking about whether you want the artwork to blend seamlessly with its surroundings or to bring in a touch of contrast.
6. Hanging or Standing Your Artwork
Consider where you’d like to place your framed artwork. If you’re planning to hang it on the wall, the frame depth may not matter as much. But if you prefer to display it on a shelf, table, or as part of a vignette with other objects, you may want a deeper frame that can stand on its own.
You may want a deeper frame that can stand on its own
Personally, I love creating little arrangements of framed artwork with other pieces like candles, small sculptures, or books. For this kind of setup, a frame with a bit of depth lets the artwork stand securely and gives it a solid presence in the display.
7. Showcasing an Original or a Print
The small gap between the painting and the frame immediately shows it's an original painting
One of the important choices in framing small artwork is whether to highlight its originality. For example, when I paint on wooden panels, I sometimes leave the edges visible, revealing the natural grain and letting the viewer see it as an original. This open framing style can be a lovely way to give a more “authentic” feel to the artwork.
On the other hand, for some of my high-end prints, I often choose a mat and a detailed frame. In these cases, a well-chosen mat and frame can lend the artwork a timeless look, creating an impression of an original. If you’d like to give a print that “original artwork” appeal, consider a frame with a quality mat.
8. Choosing the Right Glass (or None!)
If all these framing decisions weren’t enough, here’s one that depends on the medium of your artwork. I generally don’t use glass for my oil paintings because they’re durable and fade-resistant. But for delicate works on paper, such as watercolours or ink drawings, glass is essential for UV and damp protection.
For photos, pints, and artwork on paper selecting the right type of glass can make a surprising difference. The choice isn’t just between glass and acrylic but includes different types of glass, each offering a unique look and level of protection. You might have noticed that the glass in some frames seems to be super reflective, while in others it’s almost invisible—this is often due to whether the glass is anti-reflective.
I ship my prints with shatterproof acrylic that also had the added benefit of being lighter than glass
Both acrylic and glass can come in anti-reflective versions. Acrylic has the added benefits of being shatterproof and lighter than glass, which is why I use it for the frames I ship with my prints.
If you have a delicate artwork or just prefer the idea of real glass, there are several varieties to consider. My local framer offers four options:
- Standard glass
- Anti-reflective glass (reduces glare)
- Conservation glass (filters out UV light)
- Museum-grade glass, which not only filters out an even higher percentage of UV light but is also anti-glare.
The quality difference is reflected in the price; museum glass, for example, can cost four times as much as standard glass. Choosing glass that suits your needs can be the final touch in creating a frame that not only protects but enhances the beauty of your artwork.
9. Explore Alternative Hanging Methods
One of my prints on a poster hanger for a casual, minimalist look
For a modern, unconventional display, you could consider alternative ways to hang your artwork. Poster hangers, for example, offer a casual and minimalist look that works well for prints.
Slim brass or silver frames give a frameless floating effect
Another option for framing art on paper is to use brass or silver frames, giving a frameless, floating effect. Both of these choices are simple yet effective ways to let a piece stand out without a traditional frame.
Or leave the painting unframed for a relaxed, informal look
These tips should help you find the perfect frame to highlight your small artwork, giving it a fitting display that enhances its unique qualities. Whatever you choose, a well-considered frame will bring out the best in your piece, creating an eye-catching addition to your space.