Framing images correctly – Numerous possibilities for the skillful presentation of artworks

Art speaks for itself and is self-sufficient. Nevertheless, framing plays a crucial role in its appropriate presentation. A frame can accentuate, enhance, focus, and direct attention.

That's reason enough for artists, gallery owners, or art collectors to take a closer look at this topic.

Stretching Canvas art on a stretcher frame

Let's begin with the most basic way of preparing a work of art for hanging: stretching a canvas onto a stretcher frame – usually made of wood, but occasionally of plastic or metal. Frames of excellent quality are made of spruce or fir wood.

A stretcher frame is simply a frame for stretching canvases. It consists of four strips of wood, mitered at the ends, which are then joined together. The canvas is attached to the back of the strips with clamps. This allows the tension to be adjusted as desired.

The frame height defines the depth of the stretcher frame . When choosing the frame thickness, consider whether the painting will be mounted in an additional art frame. With frames that are too thick (generally 4.5 cm or more), part of the painting might protrude. For added stability, a single, double, or even triple cross brace can be attached. Small wedges at the corners provide extra support and allow for slight adjustments to the tension.

Stretcher bars are available pre-stretched (often also primed) in art supply stores or as kits for self-stretching. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and wood types.

These versatile wooden frames are indispensable in the art world and have a long tradition. They have been known in our region since the late Middle Ages, when they replaced the previously widespread antique panel paintings.

The most famous example of a canvas painting created on a stretcher frame is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci .

Picture frame / art frame for stretched canvas paintings

Many pictures achieve their effect entirely without any further framing. Here, less is more, and an additional art frame that further encloses the picture is unnecessary.

In contrast, a well-chosen art frame can skillfully enhance many a work and truly showcase it.

Regardless of style and effect, there are several fundamental things to consider when choosing a suitable frame. For example, consider the unique feature of a stretcher frame, which, unlike flat surfaces such as paper, cardboard, posters, or photographs, typically has a depth of 1 to 4 cm.

Therefore, standard photo and picture frames, which are primarily designed for these formats, are unsuitable. Special picture frames with various depth profiles and in a wide range of sizes are available for stretcher frame paintings.

Art and decorative frames for paintings are also from various materials , and the styles range from minimalist designs to opulent and heavy baroque frames.

Another fundamental difference to photo frames is that art frames are usually only borders of the paintings, thus only enclosing them on the sides.

Unlike conventional picture frames, there is neither glass nor a plastic layer in front of the picture, nor a backing board. These so-called empty frames are ideal for the vast majority of artworks.

While the wooden stretcher frame, edges, and corners are protected and stabilized, the painting can still "breathe." This is particularly important with oil and acrylic paints.

Another visual advantage is that the characteristic structure of the canvas can be shown in its original form.

Frames can be classified according to criteria such as material, era/style, or function. A rough classification might be made as follows:

Types of picture frames

wooden frame

Wooden picture frames represent the classic option and are ideal for stylishly furnished interiors. Wooden frames are available to suit almost every taste and score points for their versatility, sustainability, and quality.

They are available not only in different profiles, widths and formats, but also in various designs, such as solid wood frames with a metal leaf surface, with rounded sides, carved indentations, elaborate ornaments and decorations, as stained strips, with patina, with gold edging, etc.

Subtle, naturally colored or lightly lacquered wooden frames, on the other hand, are ideal for modern, minimalist fine art such as the popular one-line drawings.

aluminum frame

Less is sometimes more – and that's not just true for minimalists. Aluminum frames embody this principle, making them particularly suitable for a discreet and simple border.

Aluminum frames are lightweight and extremely robust picture frames made from the light metal aluminum.

This material gives them a modern look with an understated elegance. This makes them the perfect choice for functional and design-oriented interiors such as commercial spaces and offices.

Aluminum frames are also available in all sizes and colors, as well as custom-made for fire-resistant frames or snap frames. This makes them true all-rounders.

plastic frame

Plastic can be molded into virtually any shape at low cost, and there are no limits when it comes to color. Plastic picture frames are therefore an affordable alternative for those on a budget.

Despite the inexpensive material, these frames don't have to look cheap at all. In fact, they often look very modern and suit some pictures better than their more expensive counterparts.

In particular, works from the stylistic periods of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Pop Art , Urban Art or Minimalism , as well as abstract artworks in various facets, feel extremely comfortable in a suitable plastic frame.

Baroque frame

The baroque solid wood frame, with its opulent decorations and sometimes even a metal leaf surface, presents itself as a counterpoint to all minimalist designs.

Baroque picture frames, with their visual impact, have a powerful effect. They therefore offer an excellent way to add special accents when furnishing an interior or room.

Besides the purely Baroque frames, there are also so-called antique and period frames. Baroque frames are recognizable by their round and carved shapes, which give them an ornate appearance. Antique frames, as a special type, are usually finished in gold or with an elaborate patina.

Baroque frames are not only suitable for luxurious and opulent interiors, but also for modern interior design trends such as the reinterpretation of Art Deco.

Many a style mix or deliberate break with style can be wonderfully achieved with such a frame.

Oval frame

Oval picture frames are particularly popular for framing portraits and family photos. Ovals – like circles – symbolize uniformity; they radiate calm and unity.

Oval frames focus the viewer's attention on the center of the framed subject in a stabilizing and relaxing manner.

They also always exude a touch of nostalgia with a hint of romance. Oval frames – usually traditionally made of wood – experienced their heyday during the Biedermeier period (roughly between 1815 and 1850). Nearly a century later, they experienced a renaissance, then again before, during, and after the First World War (e.g., in the "Roaring Twenties"), as well as during the dark years of the Second World War.

Oval frames are experiencing a revival these days. However, they are now available not only in wood, but also in plastic or metal.

mirror frame

Mirror frames and wall mirrors lend a special flair to any interior design. Thanks in no small part to major interior trends like Urban Jungle and Indoor Garden, opulently and artfully framed mirrors of all shapes are experiencing a renaissance.

They are typically found in hallways, entryways, wardrobes, or bedrooms . They also make small apartments appear larger, and when combined with plants, they create a very specific atmosphere.

In principle, any decorative frame can be used for a mirror frame. However, high-quality crystal glass and wide baroque or antique frames are generally used, especially for large-format mirrors. This brings the splendor of bygone days back to life.

Mirror frames are available either as wall mirrors or as freestanding mirrors. Particularly in older apartments with high ceilings and stucco work beautifully, ornate mirror frames leaning against the wall are a striking feature.

fire protection frame

With this particular type of fire protection frame, the name itself reveals its purpose. Fire protection frames are always used when specific legal fire safety requirements need to be met. They are therefore primarily found in public facilities such as schools, offices, government buildings, hospitals, medical practices, or public authorities.

With such an aluminum picture frame, security is skillfully combined with elegance and aesthetics.

shadow gap frame

A popular special form is the shadow gap frame, which stands out due to its unusual name. Because it was first used in the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the shadow gap frame is also a Guggenheim frame , or, considering its construction, a "canvas floater .

The special advantage of the shadow gap frame is that it the entire front of the canvas visible , thus covering no part of the artwork.

This is made possible by the special construction, whereby a work framed in this way has a small gap on all sides of the frame. This gap, which visually resembles a shadow and is therefore also called a shadow gap, showcases the painting in a very special way.

They are suitable for framing works on stretcher frames, e.g. oil and acrylic paintings or fine art prints on canvas .

Many framing shops and manufacturers offer shadow gap frames in standard picture sizes that can be ordered directly. The shadow gap is often 7 mm wide.

Shadow gap frames are often custom-made, as they need to be precisely tailored to the dimensions of the canvas, taking into account the surrounding shadow gap.

Good frame manufacturers and workshops produce frames individually according to the specifications and wishes of the customer.

You can see the visual effect of a shadow gap frame for yourself in the following short video:

The passe-partout

A passe-partout – sometimes also spelled passe-partout – is essentially a kind of window created by cutting an opening into a surface. Such an opening allows for the aesthetic presentation of art. It separates the artwork from the frame, creates a sense of depth, and lends the whole piece an elegant, sophisticated touch.

Passepartouts have other functions :

• They can create a contrast to the frame or even to the artwork itself.
• The picture is protected from direct contact with glass, as the additional layer of the passe-partout creates a small gap.
• Special visual effects can be created. For example, there are passe-partouts whose lower edge (the "heel") is wider than the upper one. This is intended to intentionally shift the artwork upwards, stylistically positioning the subject and thus restoring visual balance. The side edges can also be enlarged to emphasize a panoramic effect. A "kakemono" effect with extended top and bottom edges is also possible.

A proper passepartout, unlike the ones already included in many commercially available picture frames, has a thickness of at least 1.5 mm .

If you want to showcase your own or already acquired artwork with a passe-partout, you'll quickly encounter limitations with many suppliers. This is especially true if the artwork doesn't have standard dimensions or if you have specific requirements.

In these cases, only a custom-made mat . If you don't have the necessary funds or time to commission a mat from a local workshop, the online configurator of the matting workshop a wonderful opportunity to conveniently upload your chosen image from home and configure a perfectly fitting mat with individual dimensions, options, materials, and shapes, tailored to your specific wishes and needs.

The price is calculated in real time, so there are no unpleasant surprises later, as you always have a clear overview of the costs.

It's also convenient that you can order a matching frame at the same time. A hotline is available for any questions that may arise.

In conclusion, it can be said that not every work of art necessarily needs a picture frame. However, as we have learned in this article, there are many compelling reasons why picture frames have maintained their place in the art world from the Gothic period to the present day and have repeatedly proven their usefulness.