How to Frame Art Prints: Pro Tips for a Polished Look

How to Frame Your Art Prints Like a Pro: A Complete Guide

Framing an art print is more than just a way to protect it—it's an essential step in elevating the art and making it a focal point in your home. The right frame can complement the artwork, enhance your decor, and add that polished, professional touch. But how do you choose the right frame? How do you ensure your art looks its best once it's up on the wall?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about framing art prints, from selecting the perfect frame to mastering the finer details like matting and placement. Let’s dive in!

Why Framing Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why framing is so important. A good frame:

• Protects your print: Keeps it safe from damage, dust, and fading.
• Enhances the artwork: The right frame can bring out the colors, details, and overall feel of the print.
• Complements your decor: Frames tie the artwork to the rest of your room, making it feel like a cohesive part of your space.

Now that we’ve established why framing is essential, let’s look at how to do it right.

Step 1: Choose the Right Frame

The first step in framing your art print is picking out the frame itself. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Frame Style and Material

Frames come in a wide variety of styles and materials, each bringing a different vibe to your art:

• Wood Frames: Perfect for adding warmth and a classic touch. Wood frames can be stained or painted in various finishes.
• Metal Frames: Great for a modern, sleek look. They’re usually available in silver, black, or gold finishes, adding a contemporary edge to your artwork.
• Plastic or Composite Frames: A budget-friendly option that can mimic the look of wood or metal. They’re lightweight and versatile.

2. Color

The frame color should complement the artwork without overpowering it:

• Neutral Colors: Black, white, and natural wood tones are versatile and work with almost any art print.
• Bold Colors: If you want the frame to make a statement, go for a bold color that either contrasts with or accentuates a key element of the print.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure, a simple black or white frame is usually a safe bet. These colors tend to blend well with most art styles.

3. Frame Thickness

The thickness of the frame can also impact the overall presentation:

• Thin Frames: Provide a subtle, minimal look that doesn’t distract from the art.
• Thick Frames: Create a more dramatic effect, often best suited for larger prints or more traditional pieces.

Step 2: Consider Adding a Mat

Matting is the material that sits between the print and the frame. It’s not always necessary, but it can elevate the look of your art by providing some breathing room between the print and the frame.

1. Why Use a Mat?

• Focuses Attention: A mat draws the eye toward the artwork and adds a professional, gallery-like quality.
• Enhances Size: A mat can make a smaller print appear larger and more impactful.
• Adds Depth: The space between the print and the frame adds a sense of depth, making the artwork feel more substantial.

2. Choosing the Right Mat

• Color: White or off-white mats are classic choices that work with most prints. Colored mats can be used to highlight specific tones in the artwork but should be used carefully to avoid overwhelming the print.
• Width: Standard mat widths range from 1 to 3 inches. A wider mat can make a small print feel more important, while a narrower mat keeps the focus on the art itself.

Pro Tip: Double matting, where two mats are layered on top of each other, can add extra dimension and sophistication to your framed print.

Step 3: Frame Your Print

Once you’ve selected your frame and mat, it’s time to put it all together. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean the Glass: Before inserting the print, clean the glass thoroughly to remove any dust or smudges. This ensures a crystal-clear view of your artwork.

2. Position the Print: Place your print on the mat (if using one) and ensure it's centered. Some mats come with adhesive corners to keep the print in place, but you can also use acid-free tape for this purpose.

3. Assemble the Frame: Carefully place the mat and print into the frame. Secure the back of the frame, ensuring everything is snug but not too tight, as this could damage the print.

4. Check for Dust: Before sealing the frame, check for any dust or debris trapped between the glass and the print. A quick wipe or blow can save you from redoing the whole process.

Step 4: Placement and Hanging

Now that your print is framed and ready, it's time to hang it on the wall. But where and how you hang it can make a big difference in how the art is perceived.

1. Eye Level

As a general rule, hang your framed art at eye level, which is about 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the frame. This creates a natural line of sight and ensures the artwork is the focal point of the room.

2. Grouping Prints

If you’re hanging multiple framed prints, treat them as one unit:

• Horizontal Arrangement: Align the frames horizontally for a more expansive, continuous look.
• Vertical Arrangement: A vertical alignment works well for narrower wall spaces and adds height to a room.
• Grid or Cluster: Arrange frames in a grid or cluster for a gallery-like effect, but ensure there’s consistent spacing between each frame.

3. Lighting

Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how your art is displayed. Consider adding picture lights, track lighting, or even just positioning the frames in a well-lit area of the room.

Pro Tip: Avoid direct sunlight on your prints as it can cause fading over time. If you can't avoid sun exposure, consider UV-protective glass.

Final Touches

Once your print is hung, take a step back and admire your work. Adjust the positioning if needed, and enjoy the new addition to your space. Remember, framing is as much about protecting your art as it is about enhancing it—so take the time to get it right.

Wrapping It Up

Framing art prints is both an art and a science. The right frame can turn a simple print into a stunning piece of decor that adds character and style to your home. By carefully selecting your frame, mat, and placement, you can ensure that your prints not only look amazing but also stand the test of time.

Whether you’re framing a single standout piece or creating a gallery wall, these tips will help you frame your art prints like a pro, ensuring they look polished, professional, and perfect for your space.