Every picture tells a story. But there’s more to framing a picture than meets that eye...
Picture frames are more than just a way to protect and showcase your precious memories; they can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space and create a focal point that draws attention. In this article, we will explore the art of framing and delve into the various factors to consider when choosing the perfect frame for your photos and art prints.
Whether you’re looking to create a gallery wall, highlight a special moment, or add personality to your home décor, finding the right picture frame is essential for achieving visual impact and preserving cherished moments. Let’s embark on this journey together as we uncover some helpful tips for framing like a pro!
Go BIG!
Many people underestimate the size of an image in a picture frame without seeing it first. If ever in doubt, the safer choice is to go bigger! A great framed print or artwork can be like a window, when you can escape and momentarily view another world.
This image features our Classic Black Poster Picture Frame
Everyone loves a bigger window. Likewise, larger-scale framed prints can also provide that window to the world! Our larger 61x91cm Poster Frames are ideal to create maximum impact.
Let it Breathe
When the edges of an image come directly up to the edge of a picture frame, it can almost make some artworks feel constrained or even suffocating.
However, if you can add some white space around the print, such as a matboard, the extra distance between the art and the frame creates an aesthetically pleasing balance and proportion, allowing the viewer to view and appreciate the art comfortably.
This image features our Elegant Deluxe Victorian Ash Timber Picture Frame
A matboard border also gives your photo or artwork a genuine ‘gallery’ look. If you’re not sure how much space to add, then add more! We all feel more comfortable with more space around us, and so do photos and artworks.
Our Elegant Deluxe Picture Frames all feature double layered matboards to create that desired distance and space around your pictures.
How do I Choose the Right Picture Frame?
The right frame can make all the difference. Many people choose frame designs to match their décor, however, consider how long you want your artwork to hang on the wall. In many cases, this will be years, if not decades. Over the next 10 years, you may find that you change your furniture and décor sooner than you change your picture frames!
If so, you may wish to choose a picture frame style that will be more timeless and classic, rather than something that may be trendier but potentially date over time.
Our popular Timber Picture Frames Collection offers the widest variety of choices in frame styles, to suit any taste or decor.
Why Choose Quality Australian Custom-Made Frames Over Cheaper Imported Frames?
When it comes to price, we all know you get what you pay for at the end of the day.
Some people say that picture framing is expensive. Keep in mind, it is a custom-made piece, just like a tailored dress. However, if you are going to hang something on your wall and look at it every day for the next ten years or more, then it’s relatively not that expensive to get a nice hand-made frame made which is superior to a cheaper, imported frame in every way.
If you compare the cost of a hand-made, Australian-made frame to common decorator furniture items such as curtains, bedspreads etc, then a quality picture frame or photo frame is comparatively not really that expensive. It will also likely last longer before it requires updating or replacement.
Are Picture Frames Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable?
This is definitely a question worth asking when it comes to buying a picture frame. If you're aware of this and care about the environment, then you want to choose a picture frame that you're assured is produced using eco-sustainable timber to respect our environment. If you're not sure, ask the seller.
It's worth noting that all wooden picture frames from Profile Australia are both eco-sustainable and also made in Australia.
If you only want to frame something once, then do it right the first time. A good will quality picture frame or photo frame will last a lifetime and ensure your artwork or memory with bring you joy for years to come.
What are the Standard Frame Sizes for Australia?
The most popular frame sizes are designed to suit common sizes in paper, photos and posters.
Standard frames for paper are commonly "A" sized frames. For example, A4 frames, A3 frames, A2 frames and A1 frames. You can find these on our popular sizes collection page.
Standard frames sizes for photos are commonly based on popular print and enlargement sizes. For example, 6x4 inches, 5x7 inches, 6x8 inches, 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches and 16x20 inches.
Standard poster sizes are commonly found as A1 frames, 60x90cm frames and 50x70cm frames.
We've created a conversion chart of common standard Australian picture frame sizes which includes a conversion table and visual diagrams so you can see what' frame sizes should be easy to find and what the picture frame measurements should be in either centimeters or inches.
How do I Create a Frame Gallery Photo Wall Display?
This image features our Large Gallery Wall Frame Set F (10 Frames)
When it comes to decorating your walls, don’t just stop at one frame. Create a grouped ‘gallery wall frame display' featuring a curated collection of meaningful images and inspiration that reflect your personality and style. This is a curated collection of Gallery Wall Frame Sets. You can also find some great decorator wall art prints online to suit your style and decor.
There are no rules to break here, so go for it – tell your story and transform your walls into your own personal gallery using a variety of picture frames, photo frames and poster frames that suit your taste!
A visual representation of things to consider when choosing a picture frame
The infographic below summarises some aspects to consider when choosing your picture frame. As previously mentioned, the artwork style and colour, the picture frame material and size or the room decor play an important role when choosing a photo frame that best suits your needs.
How do I Hang Picture Frames on a Wall?
A final word of advice – some self-adhesive hanging hooks are only as good as their adhesive or at best, the paint they’re stuck to. In many cases, these type of hooks will eventually give in to gravity with a disappointing outcome.
When hanging any picture frame or photo frame, where possible use real, mechanical wall hooks and if you are hanging a picture frame larger than A2 in size, then use at least two real wall hooks to firmly and securely support the weight of the frame.
We've created a helpful guide to show you how to hang your picture frames on your wall:
In conclusion, a picture frame is more than just four pieces of wood a piece of glass. When done properly, a picture frame is an essential tool to help enhance any art photo, print or artwork and help bring your stories to life!
Choosing Australia's Best Picture Frames
Explore Australia's largest range of Picture Frames & Photo Frames from Profile Australia.
We also offer a great range decorator wall art prints and also some popular pre-made Gallery Wall Frame Sets which come boxed with everything you need to create your own a beautiful wall of memories.
Want to read more? You may also like:
- Picture Frame Gallery Wall Ideas for Beginners
- Frame Size Guide - The best way to order photo frames online
- How to Easily Create a Photo Frame Collage Wall Display
- How to Calculate the Outside Dimensions of a Picture Frame
This article was written by Jared Davis - www.jareddavis.com.au
Jared Davis is one of only a few qualified Master Certified Picture Framers in Australia with over 30 years of custom framing experience.
Jared is published author, writer and an industry-recognised educator who teaches classes and workshops to professional picture framers all around the world.
