How to choose a frame for your illustration
Things to consider when framing your artwork
A carefully-chosen frame will complement your custom illustration and interior style. A frame enhances the picture itself whilst adding protection from wear and tear, light etc. It is important to choose a picture frame that will not distract from the drawing but will add to it overall. Below I’ve listed the top things to think about when making your choice of frame.
1. Choose a frame colour
The colour of the frame moulding can greatly influence the way the picture looks. It can also reflect your personal style and sit sympathetically alongside your home decor. So, when selecting a finish, think about the room you plan to hang it in.
I work with a fantastic Suffolk-based framing company, and they take care of all my framing. They offer the following frame moulding colours and finishes on their standard, flat-profile bespoke frame mouldings. You can also request something different and they will do their best to source it.
Smooth Black
A sleek and stylish choice. This is a classic choice, especially when paired with a light-coloured mount.
Smooth White
A minimal, modern choice. This is a simple, non-distracting finish that will keep the focus on your drawing itself.
Brushed Antique Oak
A natural oak frame is a tasteful choice. It works particularly well to give bright, colourful illustrations a timeless appeal and will suit most decors. A good all-rounder.
Brushed Black
A lovely choice if you like to see the woodgrain. This has a lovely tactile finish and looks great with vintage-looking, feminine illustrations.
Brushed Pale Grey
A popular, chic choice. It is a beautiful calming colour and sits well in Scandinavian interiors. These tones work well with most colour palettes.
Brushed White
A clean, crisp choice. It works well with most decors and suits both bright and pastel-coloured drawings. A safe, classic, choice.
Brushed Walnut
Another great option for people who like real wood. It looks good with country-cottage interiors as well as more traditional decor.
Flat-profile frame mouldings
2. Choose a moulding shape/style
In general, I recommend and quote for framed mouldings which are 30mm wide. My framers offer three distinct moulding profiles to choose from - 30mm flat, 30mm square and a slimmer (but with a deeper tread) 20mm box profile. If your printed illustration is small, a narrow, 20mm frame may be the best choice for you. A very thick frame could overwhelm a small picture, whilst a thin frame will be lost framing a very large piece. Think also about how bold the illustration is – a very delicate drawing will look best with a delicate frame, and a loud picture will look best with a wider frame.
Square-profile frame mouldings
Box-profile frame mouldings
3. Choose a mount (or don’t!)
As standard, I include a 50mm mount in quotes for framing my bespoke illustrations. A mount sets off a portrait and it can really focus the eye on the drawing. A neutral mount ensures the drawing itself remains the centre of attention – for this reason I usually recommend an off-white mount. Of course, if you’d like a coloured mount, please specify when you make an enquiry as these can pick-up on colours within the drawing, and really make the art stand out.
If you choose to emit a mount altogether, let me know and I will deduct this from your quote. Choosing to go without a mount gives the picture a crips finish and keeps it looking clean and modern.
4. Ready-made frames
The framing company that frames my artwork, now offer a range of “ready-made” frames in a variety of standard sizes. This is a more cost-effective option if you are looking for a budget-friendly frame which has the same quality as my handmade frames. There are 30mm wide and 30mm deep. You can choose from three colours: brushed white, brushed black and brushed natural wood.
Square-profile ready-made frame mouldings
5. Mount-only option
Another great way to keep the costs down is to choose to have a handmade mount only and admit the frame itself. You can display your artwork in the mount alone, or buy a budget frame from elsewhere to pop your mounted picture into. Mounts are off-white as standard. The mounted prints will be sent to you in biodegradable, protective cellophane wraps, so they’ll arrive in perfect condition.
My framing and printing guide describe the various finishing options I can arrange for your project. If you would like a quote for your framed illustration, please get in touch.
