Selecting the right frame and deciding whether to include a mat can dramatically transform how artwork presents in your space. These seemingly simple choices can either elevate a print to its full potential or diminish its impact. For the discerning eye, understanding the subtle interplay between frame colors, mat options, and your artwork is essential.
The Frame Color Decision
Frame selection is an art form itself—one that requires balancing the artwork's character with your interior aesthetic.
Black Frames: Timeless Definition
A black frame acts like punctuation—it gives the artwork a definitive edge and commands attention. Black frames create strong, definitive borders that:
- Make colors within artwork appear more vibrant through contrast
- Provide a modern, gallery-like presentation
- Work exceptionally well with black and white photography
- Offer versatility across most interior styles
White Frames: Airy Elegance
White frames excel in spaces where you want to maintain a light, cohesive flow, particularly in Scandinavian or minimalist interiors. White framing offers a distinctly different effect:
- Creates a softer transition between artwork and wall, especially with lighter walls
- Enhances delicate artwork with subtle colors or fine details
- Adds a fresh, contemporary feel without the starkness of black
- Expands the perceived size of smaller pieces
The Wood Frame Spectrum
Light Wood Frames: Natural Warmth
Light wood frames work their subtle magic by introducing an element of natural texture while maintaining a relatively neutral presence. Light wood frames (oak, maple, ash) bring organic elements into your display:
- They add warmth without overwhelming the artwork
- Complement nature-inspired pieces or landscapes beautifully
- Bridge modern and traditional design sensibilities
- Pair especially well with earthy color palettes
Dark Wood Frames: Classic Gravitas
A dark wood frame is particularly effective with classical art, historical prints, or any piece requiring a sense of heritage and permanence. Dark wood options (walnut, mahogany, espresso) offer:
- Traditional elegance that elevates formal spaces
- Rich contrast that enhances artwork with golden tones
- Substantial visual weight that grounds larger pieces
- A timeless quality that ages gracefully
The Mat Question: To Mat or Not to Mat?
When to Choose a Mat
Mats serve both aesthetic and preservation purposes:
- Creates breathing space between artwork and frame
- Prevents valuable art from touching glass (crucial for preservation)
- Adds visual importance to smaller pieces
- Allows for custom proportions within standard frame sizes
"A well-chosen mat doesn't just surround artwork—it gives it room to speak."
For works on paper, watercolors, or limited edition prints, a mat isn't merely decorative—it's essential for proper conservation.
When to Skip the Mat
Direct framing without a mat works best when:
- The artwork extends to its edges (like canvas paintings or gallery-wrapped prints)
- You're seeking a more contemporary, immersive look
- The piece has deckled or interesting edges meant to be displayed
- You want to maximize the visual impact of the artwork itself
Making the Final Decision
Consider these factors when finalizing your choices:
- Artwork era: Contemporary pieces often pair well with clean black or white frames, while vintage works may call for wood tones
- Color temperature: Match warm-toned art with warm frame colors, cool tones with cooler frames
- Room context: Your frame should acknowledge the space—light wood in casual settings, dark wood in more formal rooms
- Longevity: When in doubt, classic options like simple black frames or natural wood endure beyond trends
Your framing choices should ultimately enhance, not compete with, the artwork you've carefully selected for your space.
