The Art Expert's Guide to Types of Frames: Match Your Style Perfectly

The art of framing can make or break your artwork's presentation. Learning about different types of frames has taught us an important lesson. A wrong frame overpowers your piece, while the right choice boosts its beauty and provides proper protection. 

Frame selection for paintings or canvas doesn't follow any rigid rules. The general guideline suggests artwork should cover about 75% of the furniture width above which it hangs. Your specific piece ended up determining the perfect frame choice. We are here as art experts to walk you through materials, styles, and everything you need to think about. This will help you select the best frame that presents and preserves your artwork. 

Classic Frame Materials and Their Uses 

Picture framing relies on several key materials that are the foundations of our craft. Each material brings something special to showcase your artwork better. Wood Frames: From Traditional to Modern 

Wood frames stand out as the most versatile option we have. The terms hardwood and softwood can be misleading since they don't always match the wood's actual hardness[1]. To cite an instance, basswood and balsa are technically hardwoods, yet they're quite soft when you work with them. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut give you excellent durability and stand up well against dents and scratches[1]. 

Here's our breakdown of the most common woods used in framing: 

Wood Type 

Characteristics 

Best Used For

Dense Hardwoods 

Well-defined grain, scratch-resistant 

Traditional artwork

Soft Hardwoods 

Easy to work with, affordable 

Modern pieces

Softwoods 

More prone to warping, budget-friendly 

Casual displays

Metal Frame Varieties and Applications 

Metal frames, especially aluminum, have become a favorite choice for contemporary designs. These frames pack exceptional strength into a lightweight profile[2]. Metal frames work best when you have: 

Large-format artwork that needs sturdy support 

Contemporary spaces with a minimalist esthetic Areas with humidity concerns, since they resist moisture damage 

Composite and Alternative Materials 

Composite materials have emerged as a practical alternative in recent years. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) has 82% wood fiber, which makes it an eco friendly choice[3]. Composite frames come with several benefits that make them stand out. 

They keep their color longer than solid wood frames and provide remarkable stability without warping[3]. These qualities make composite frames perfect for long term displays where appearance matters most. 

Understanding Frame Styles and Profiles 

The right frame profile plays a vital role, just like choosing the material. The profile—the shape and design of the frame's outer edge—can dramatically change how your artwork connects with viewers. 

Traditional Frame Profiles 

Traditional profiles feature rich details and classic elegance. Scoop profiles work best in formal settings because their concave design adds depth and sophistication to oil paintings and portraits[4]. Complex profiles with multiple layers pair beautifully with classic oil paintings and tapestries, especially in rooms with traditional décor[4].

Profile Type Best For Room Style 

Scoop

Oil Paintings

Traditional

Complex 

Tapestries 

Classic

Swan

Fine Art 

Formal

Contemporary Frame Designs 

Flat profiles rule the scene in modern spaces. These sleek, unadorned frames boost contemporary art without overshadowing it[4]. Here's what works best with minimalist esthetics: Clean-lined metal frames for photographs Simple wood profiles for abstract art 

Matte finishes for modern prints 

Specialty and Custom Frames 

Some artwork needs unique solutions. Custom frames have shown amazing results with everything from family recipes to vintage magazine ads[5]. Floating frames create an illusion of suspension that works perfectly for canvas works and textured pieces[6]. 

Custom framing's beauty lies in its versatility—we can frame almost anything, from dinner plates to precious textiles[5]. Delicate items get proper protection through acid-free materials and protective glazing[5]. 

Frame Finishes and Decorative Elements 

The right frame finish can turn a simple structure into a masterpiece. We've become skilled at numerous finishing techniques that breathe life into frames of all types. Each technique adds its unique character to your artwork. 

Gold Leaf and Metallic Finishes 

Gold leaf stands as the ultimate frame finishing technique based on our experience. Our traditional hand-finishing process creates an opulent, timeless look[7]. Budget-friendly alternatives include imitation metal finishes with brass, bronze, and pewter options[8]. 

Finish Type

Best Application

Durability

Traditional Gold Leaf 

Fine Art 

Excellent

Imitation Metallic 

Modern Art 

Very Good

Bronze/Pewter 

Photography 

Good

Natural Wood Treatments 

Natural wood frames need careful protection. Our wood preservation techniques include: 

Clear preservers that maintain wood's natural appearance[9] 

Solvent-based formulas known for superior penetration[9] 

Water-based treatments that comply with environmental regulations[9] 

These treatments extend the wood's life by preventing rot and decay. We suggest treating all wood frames with a fungicidal wash before applying any preservative [9]. 

Painted and Textured Surfaces 

Our painted finishes create endless possibilities for art frames of all types. We've refined various techniques from chalk paint to spray applications. Our specialized bark finishes come in multiple imitation metal colors[10]. 

Oil-based paints work best on wooden frames because they allow natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes[11]. Metal frames need self-etching primers to ensure paint adhesion and longevity[11]. 

The artwork's style and desired ambiance guide our frame selection. Victorian-style frames showcase decorative elements made from resin, pressed into molds to create an opulent appearance[7]. The finish doesn't just protect - it helps the frame complement your artwork perfectly. 

Choosing Frame Sizes and Proportions 

Choosing the right frame size might seem overwhelming at first. We have become skilled at perfect proportions over the last several years. Let's explore everything in frame sizing that will help you showcase your artwork beautifully. 

Standard Frame Dimensions 

Most artwork fits into predictable size categories. Common frame sizes naturally arrange with popular photo dimensions, such as 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10[12]. Larger pieces look best in 24x36 frames, which work especially when you have movie posters[12]. 

Frame Size 

Best Used For 

Mat Recommendation

8x10 inch

Small Photos 

3.75x5.75 window

11x14 inch

Medium Prints 

8.5x11 window

16x20 inch 

Large Artwork 

11x14 window

Custom Sizing Guidelines 

Harmony among all elements is a vital part when designing your frame[13]. Your frame will have optimal visual appeal if you follow these basic principles: Mat width should stand out from the frame molding width[13] 

Large mat borders create appealing space between artwork and frame[13] 

Frame size should complement the furniture it hangs above 

Mat and Border Considerations 

Mat borders typically measure 2-4 inches wide[1]. Larger artwork can handle wider mats, while smaller pieces pair well with narrower borders[1]. The art gallery look comes from bigger mat borders that draw attention to your artwork[1]. 

Keep in mind that the Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618) creates the most pleasing window matting proportions[14]. The mat area should measure roughly 1.6 times that of the artwork being framed[14].

Bottom-weighted mats add sophistication to your presentation. The bottom margin stands slightly taller than the top and sides[1]. This traditional approach works best with: 

1. Fine art prints 

2. Photography 

3. Needlework 

4. Children's drawings[13] 

Small, narrow mats create distracting line patterns around artwork[13]. The mat should provide enough visual space for your piece to shine. Modern Framing Innovations 

Frame technology has made remarkable progress over the last several years, giving us more options to display artwork. These new developments have definitely changed our perspective on different art frame types. 

Floating Frames for Canvas 

Floating frames have become a game-changer for canvas presentations. Your canvas appears to float within these frames thanks to a distinctive space design[15]. The frame opening typically has a 10mm shadow gap, which you can adjust based on your preference[15]. These frames work best for: 

Gallery-wrapped canvas pieces Contemporary artwork requiring depth 

Pieces where edge visibility matters 

Digital Frame Technologies 

Digital frames have evolved into sophisticated display solutions. Modern digital frames now offer features we couldn't imagine a few years ago: 

Feature

Benefit 

Application

Wi-Fi Connectivity 

Remote photo updates 

Family sharing

Smart Assistant Integration 

Voice control capability 

Home automation

Cloud Storage 

Unlimited photo access 

Photo collections

Many digital frames now come with 15.6-inch displays and smart capabilities[16]. Most popular models maintain a 10-inch display size, striking the perfect balance between visibility and space efficiency[16]. 

Eco-friendly Framing Options 

Our steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility has led us to welcome eco-friendly framing solutions. Finger-jointed poplar wood frames, made from repurposed natural wood pieces, provide excellent durability[17]. 

These eco-friendly innovations excite us: 

1. FSC-certified Materials 

Will give a guarantee of responsible forest management[2] 

Stops destruction of endangered species habitats[2] 

Protects indigenous peoples' traditional ways of life[2] 

2. Natural Finishes 

Water-based dyes from organic materials[18] 

Plant-based paints free from Volatile Organic Compounds[18] 

Naturally derived waxes for rich polishing[18] 

Bamboo frames offer a highly sustainable option that needs minimal pesticides during growth[19]. Recycled metal frames, especially aluminum, provide another eco-conscious choice that reduces mining's effect[19]. 

Canvas frame options with minimal environmental impact include frames made from recycled materials. These choices add unique character to each piece while supporting sustainability. Our suppliers recycle 100% of their aluminum scrap through local recyclers[17], showing their commitment to reducing waste. 

Modern innovations in framing solutions help us protect both artwork and our environment. Floating frames, digital technologies, and eco-friendly materials create new possibilities for art display while supporting sustainability. 

Conclusion 

The right frame can turn beautiful artwork into something breathtaking. Our years of hands-on work with different frame types have taught us that great framing needs both artistic vision and practical sense. Your choice between classic hardwood for traditional pieces or modern floating frames for contemporary art will shape how people see the final piece. 

The foundation of excellent framing starts with choosing materials. Wood brings a timeless appeal, metal creates a sleek modern look, and composite materials give you practical durability. The right size and proportions let your artwork grab attention without taking over the space. 

The latest evidence shows green framing choices now match traditional options in quality and looks. New eco-friendly materials and innovative tech have opened up creative possibilities while helping protect our environment. You might want to look at FSC-certified wood or recycled metal frames that fit both your artistic vision and environmental values. 

Note that picking a frame is a personal choice. We've given you expert tips, but you should trust your artistic gut feeling to make the final call. The right frame doesn't just protect your artwork - it shows off its character and creates a display you'll love for years to come. 

References 

[1] - https://fastframe.com/blog/mats-matter-how-to-choose-the-perfect-mat/ 

[2] - https://pictureframes.co.uk/fsc-certified-picture-frames/ 

[3] - https://frameamo.com/blogs/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-wood-composite-picture-frames?srsltid=AfmBOooZOA3bmHHqxMVEbl0uvcfvd2aS- wMsmB2oGeVBxiLxwn4xelHb 

[4] - https://frametolia.com/blogs/news/picture-frame-profiles-what-do-they-mean-and-how-do-you-choose? 

srsltid=AfmBOopkrAMU4iDoQXp4aR32Ltu_I1UUZE2Izmao_6ZM2PG7fUIBg2iz 

[5] - https://fastframe.com/blog/9-unique-custom-framing-ideas-2/ 

[6] - https://www.arthousesf.com/pages/types-of-picture-frames?srsltid=AfmBOorTuLJ77giFVPgs0hiprFFVodthfQ-35yBrB63wQDd7y4hToc49 [7] - https://www.decorativecollective.com/blog/picture-frame-styles-through-the-ages-a-quick-guide 

[8] - https://patrickirelandframes.com/products/imitation-metal-finish-samples 

[9] - https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/blog/5-top-wood-preservers-to-protect-preserve/? 

srsltid=AfmBOoona9dQENpWRfYWwTpadhH431D4IXpN72vaWFNQpkvpb-T7UkY- 

[10] - https://patrickirelandframes.com/products/textured-bark 

[11] - https://www.framedestination.com/blog/diy/how-to-paint-a-picture-frame?srsltid=AfmBOooe43cQ83OQiKOWQfhdVuE1u7P8x6ctVME4ZotrCMCua3R0k6-D

[12] - https://www.framedestination.com/info/picture-frame-sizes.html?srsltid=AfmBOorUOeFkbeS2gl0VKqogOw6kY-9HziKQNMWoTNrgialxBtSvhJvo [13] - https://www.logangraphic.com/learning-center/complete-picture-framing-guide/size-proportion.php 

[14] - https://pictureframe.com.au/picture-frame-mat-golden-ratio/ 

[15] - https://www.easyframe.co.uk/Category/canvas-floater-frames 

[16] - https://www.techradar.com/best/best-digital-photo-frame 

[17] - https://www.frameiteasy.com/sustainability?srsltid=AfmBOor_4E6RF3m_r8uBRMHLuuLHJCgyCGH9AmtBb3rt1gayut3AR_tM [18] - https://www.artelier.com/post/sustainable-framing 

[19] - https://seeingmine.com/blogs/blogs/innovative-art-framing-techniques-for-contemporary-artists