Custom framing is one of the oldest professions in the world for a reason. Picture frames make a big impact on a rooms atmosphere and general feel. It can turn a cold room into a warn one. It can make a bland hall into a colorful one. The truth here is that picture frames themselves are not works of art. The fact of the matter is that they complement other art, so well in fact, that the custom framing industry has grown to about $10 Billion. The more frames in a room, the better. A well adorned room send various messages to visitors; the first being "well educated." People consider the arts as a passion developed after higher levels of education. When people see a well adorned room, it makes them feel secure, and warm.
Choosing the right art is the first step. Art can be found across the internet on various ecommerce outlets. For the cheapest prices, go to some local art shops, or explore your local flee market. Art is based on opinions. Anything can be art, from a scribble on a canvas with paint, to a detailed sketch of Albert Einstein. Find the art that brings out a feeling in you. Another way to make a good selection is to choose the right colors. Finding colors that match your environment is a good choice, but many prefer to find colors that have a very high contrast.
Once you select your art, it's time to find the right frame. Many different types of frames exist, that vary in material, color, size, style, and finish. The most popular would be wood frames, followed by metal, then synthetic materials. The frame does not necessarily have to match the art you selected, many times different styles of frames look good with different styles of art. The best way to find out how it looks is to go to a custom frame shop and look around. Try different styles until one just feels right, don't be embarrassed to try over 10, I do it all the time. Some online framing websites make this process easy by letting you upload your art to view with the several different choices of frames.
Next you will want to select a matboard. A matboard is a paper border between the picture and the frame. This border provides extra protection for your artwork, as well as provides additional design. Many people even go with two or three matboards to enhance their frame. The matboard will of course expand the overall size of the frame itself, which will cause an increase in the price. A liner is another products that takes a similar role to the matboard. The liner lines the inside of the frame, and provides a "double frame" look. Liners are generally not used along side matboards. These additional options can cause the price of your frame to increase dramatically.
Other options include glazing and backing options. Glass is the most popular glazing, but acrylic is becoming increasingly popular. Acrylic can be more expensive, but it is well worth the price. Acrylic does not break during shipping so is generally used online. It also has a longer "shelf life" than glass does, and protect the artwork better. Backing is what covers the backside of the frame. Corrugated backing is usually included with any custom frame job, but other more expensive options like foam core backing can be very pricey and are only recommended for expensive pieces of original art.
At the end of the day, anything you choose will look good on your wall, and for $2-300 you can decorate an entire room with frames.
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