I am always looking for new ways to display framed art. I noticed in the recent Pottery barn catalog this picture with the same finish frames all hung in a row with the sides touching. I love this idea! It creates an architectural feel in the room. This would make a great accent wall in a room. Or two rows of sepia toned family photos in a hall would look great especially if the top row had the bottoms of the frames lined up and the bottom row had the tops lined up. I might have to give that a try in my hallway at home. I will post pictures when its done to show how it worked out.

Here are some ideas to consider when choosing framing for your artwork.

1. Look to the art you are framing for clues about color and style: Bright? Subtle? Formal? Modern?

2. Look at framed pictures in magazines and on television to figure out what styles you like.

3. Experiment with wide mats or moldings–they can look great even on small artwork. You can also add embellishments to the mat like v-groves or French panels.

4. Try several different mats and frame moldings until you find the combination you like best.

5. Remember: The goal is a balanced design that enhances and provides a good presentation for the art, without overwhelming it.

1. Keep art out of direct light, especially if very valuable, sunlight will fade art over time. UV blocking glass, called conservation glass can also help block out most of the harmful rays.

2. Avoid extremes in temperature and humidity. Dry conditions can crack the art and dampness promotes mold growth.

3. In some older art they may be framed with wooden panels or cardboard, which will burn the paper causing a yellow/brown halo effect around the mat opening especially. Acid-free backing can be put in place of the old backing without much expense.

4. When cleaning the glass on your art spray the cleaner onto the rag first which will prevent glass cleaner from leaking inside your framing package and damaging art, mat, and frame.

5. Not sure what to do? A quick trip or call to us might save you a bundle down the road.

Whether you are planning to decorate your entire home or just one room with art, you can make it an easy and personal experience by choosing items from your home. Take your keepsakes and cherished memories out of the drawers, and give them new life as framed wall decor. Once you have the task to hang them to truly show case them can be daunting here are a few tips for hanging your wall decor.

1. Not too high! This is the most common mistake made when hanging pictures. Think in terms of eye level, so that the eye of the average viewer falls about one-third of the way down from the top of the picture. This should be about 55” to 58” from the floor.

2. Hanging a picture next to a lamp or low table where the viewer will be seated? Its eyelevel again, except the level of the eye now will be much lower. The picture should look connected to the grouping.

3. be sure to use hangers that are strong enough to hold the weight of the picture. Two hangers are better than one. The weight will be distributed and the picture will be less likely to shift. The custom frame shop will typically provide two hangers for the framed item.

4. Is the wall strong enough? Most framed pieces weight less than ten pounds while the hangers provided by a custom frame shop will well exceed that weight the wall may not be able to support the hanger. You may need special hangers for the wall that will not pull out or droop down. Wall board, metal walls, brick walls and old plaster walls may present a problem, but there are hangers for all types of walls; be sure to use the right one.

5. When hanging a pair or trio of pictures, group them together so they relate to one another instead of appearing to float in a large space on the wall. Keep the distance between pictures small—just a few inches apart.

6. When hanging a picture wall, create alignments, so the viewer’s eye has lines to follow. These visual lines may be horizontal or vertical. Any two frames should have a common line, horizontally or vertically. Keep the spaces between pictures nearly equal—two to four inches apart.

7. All types of art can be hung together. Drawings, paintings, collages; traditional subjects or modern; picture walls can be the gathering place for an interesting collection of art and photographs.

8. Here are two ways to “audition” a picture wall: a) arrange and rearrange the pictures on a floor until satisfied with the layout before hanging on the wall. b) make templates by tracing around each frame on a piece of newspaper, cut out and hang the newspaper samples (taped to the wall with small pieces of removable tape) until satisfied with the arrangement.

9. Measure and mark (with a pencil) the location of the nails on the wall. Remember to pull picture wire taut when measuring the distance between the top of the frame and the wire.

10. Avoid hanging valuable art in direct sunlight: excess light can damage many types of artwork. Use ultraviolet filtering framing glass to significantly reduce harm from light exposure.

Hanging artwork will enhance decor and add pleasure to you surroundings.
Consider having some of your favorite memorabilia framed so that you may enjoy it all the time. Many of the things you have been saving in chests and drawers make interesting displayed items. Use family photos, travel posters, vacation memorabilia, or what ever interests you; it may even be a collection of fine art.

How your artwork is framed and presented makes a difference. Framing just like the artwork is visual and a poor presentation can be worse than none at all. When you are selecting your framing always remember that there are many options. To insure that the presentation will be all you hope tell your framer what you want to accomplish. You should talk about size, color, and design with your custom framer. Know whether you are framing as a decorative accent or preserving a fine painting.

You should know the value of your artworks, both monetarily and sentimentally, is it replaceable or a one of a kind. Discuss the Preservation Standards for framing with your custom framer. Check the condition of the item; items in poor condition will not improve when framed. The framing presentation is not the place to save, as cutting the costs of your framing will compromise either the artworks safety or your enjoyment.

Plan how you want your home to look, consider the décor items of wall colors, rugs, furniture and accessories. If you need help look for a professional with whom you can relate, one that understands your requirements. Many times a professional will save you from making costly mistakes. Remember the key word in working with a professional decorator and or a custom framer is communication. The more you discuss you expectations with them the better chance you have of meeting all your decorating goals.

It is the addition of your special items that completes the personality of your room. It is these things of personal taste the make your house interesting and comfortable.

You can hang all types of artwork together, as long as they do not distract each other. Your appreciation of each piece gives them continuity. A good presentation will enhance them.

Every room should have more than one area of interest. One area will always be the most dominate but it may be balanced with a careful selection of artworks hanging in other areas.

If you have problems with the actual hanging look for competent help. But let the choice of placement be yours.