Picture Framing - Beauty, Protection and Art

You would be hard pressed to find a home without at least a few pictures hanging on the walls. While physical photos are not as common as they once were, due to the advent of digital collections, no Facebook gallery can take the place of putting some nicely framed photographs on the mantle. Picture framing is an essential aspect of adding beauty and protection to your prized prints. While there's nothing stopping you from picking up a generic frame from the drugstore, using a specialized store can take your photos to the next level.

Picture framing is comprised of several characteristics, all of which contribute to the overall aesthetic of the piece. These four characteristics are the border, the covering (typically made of glass or plastic), the matte, and the mounting board. When you pick out a frame for your photos, it's wise to take all of these characteristics into consideration. They each, in their own way, contribute to how people will perceive the photos. There are also practical considerations to think about, including how easy it will be to replace a photo and how protected the photo will be.

While the other characteristics are important, it goes without saying that most people will place the greatest importance on the border. Typically made of wood or metal (or plastic in some cases), both the color and material will make a difference in how the picture framing contributes to the aesthetic of both the photograph and your decorative scheme. Too many people fail to consider how a frame will match their existing decor. You should consider your furniture, your lighting, and the color of your walls before you settle on a border.

The covering is important as well, particularly when it comes to protecting your photographs. If your photos will be exposed to sunlight, strongly consider finding glass that is UV resistant. The sun can fade photos quite easily. You'll also want to look for non-reflective properties so that when you look at your photos, you don't just see your lights looking back at you. Some customers choose to take the glass out of a frame so the photo can be more easily viewed, but choosing clear glass without reflective properties can eliminate this problem without exposing the photo to dust and fingerprints.

If you want to take your picture framing to the next level, look for a shop in your area or online that takes the craft seriously. They will be able to offer tips and options you won't find at your local drugstore.