What You Need To Know To Frame Your Photographs
Whether you want to decorate your home with pictures of your loved one or artsy photographs you've shot yourself or purchased, framing is a necessary part of the process. Purchasing a bundle of inexpensive generic frames can have its drawbacks, since frame quality isn't high and they they may not fit your prints exactly. A better option is to have the pieces custom framed. The following guide can help you with the process.
The Parts of the Frame
When shopping for frames you will soon learn there are several different frame parts and you have the ability to customize each of them. They are as follows:
Molding
The frame molding is what most people think of as the frame. Generally, you will have a choice of color, width, and design. For color photographs, a neutral color is generally preferred, such as black, white, or neutral wood, so that the frame doesn't compete with the photo.
Matting
The mat inside the frame provides neutral space around the photo, which can help it stand out. It can also be used to resize photos, such as if you want to use a frame larger than the print. Mats come in a variety of colors. You can also opt to have a contrasting color on the bevel edge, which is the cut edge that surrounds the photo. For example, a dark colored mat with a white bevel, or vice versa. Plain white or black is often favored for black and white photos, while pastels or neutral creams are often used with color photos.
Glass
Glass isn't a necessity for photographs. Some people like the look of glass or prefer the protection that it provides from dirt and dust. Framed photographs, particularly if they are matted, can also look nice without glass.
Layout Options
You also must decide upon layout, especially with prints of varying sizes. The following are a few of your options:
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Choose a custom frame that fits the size of each print. Keep mat width and frame style or color consistent for all of the prints, then piece them together into a gallery wall.
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Use frames the same size for all prints, adjusting mat size to make smaller pictures fit the larger frames.
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Group multiple pictures into a single large frame by having a mat board cut to accommodate multiple picture inserts. This works best when the photos are themed – all of family or from a single vacation, for example.
Now that you know some of the options available to you, meet with a custom framer to begin getting your photos ready to hang. For more information, visit a company like Direct Wholesale Framing.