Please note that the information contained on this page is part of my complementary consultation content. If you would like to receive assistance in this process
(concerning this information or that found on the SELECTING SIZE & SHAPE OF ART page),
please CONTACT ME to schedule your complimentary consultation.​
Framing & Matting
Benefits of framing:
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Framing wall art automatically creates a separation between the wall and the image. If done properly, it makes the image pop out and be distinct from the rest of the room (if done improperly, it can be distracting, etc.).
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Framing can make the image feel more complete—accentuating the details.
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Framing can bring a classic fine art gallery (museum) type mood to the space. It can positively dominate the room by making a powerful statement that few types of décor can do.
NOTE: Framing may not be the best fit if you have a very contemporary style (simple, minimalistic, etc.).
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Ways to frame a print:
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Framed print:
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Image fills frame with nothing between.
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Great for simple, minimalistic look.
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Best pairing with a flatter frame, rather than one with contours.
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Framed print with matboard/liner:
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Border divides the image from the frame.
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Liners are most common on high-end fine art prints.
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Matboard is made out of layered paper board.
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NOTES: Combinations are important for maintaining/increasing quality of the art (some do NOT work well).
AllyQuin Photography, LLC only offers framed prints paired with matboards.
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Let's look at some important factors to consider, which are:
Image Brightness, Wall Brightness, Frame Brightness, Matboard (Liner) Color, and Frame Color
Image Brightness
Your image shouldn’t overpower the liner or frame.
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A brighter image should be paired with a white matboard and light frame.
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A darker image would pair best with a black matboard and dark frame.
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A dark image overpowers a light matboard/frame, making them rather unnoticeable.
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In some instances, a white matboard (or frame) could distract (pull the attention away from a darker image).
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Frame vs Wall Brightness
Your wall shouldn’t overpower the frame.
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Your frame and wall should contrast.
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Dark frame on a light wall
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Light frame on a dark wall
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If they’re too similar in brightness, the frame can easily get lost on the wall (which defeats the purpose of the frame).
Matboard (Liner) Color
Your liner shouldn’t overpower the frame or the image.
The liner color can change the mood. When either could work well with a particular image, you should decide which vibe you want. In a general sense:
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White liner looks elegant and light.
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Black liner looks serious, respectable, and arresting.
Frame Color
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Your frame color can nicely complement your image if it matches a tone/color found in your image.
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Your frame color can nicely complement your room if it matches a tone/color found in your room’s décor.
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The warmth (or coolness) of your frame should match the warmth (or coolness) of your image.
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Colorful images pair great with neutral frames (like black or grey), or non-neutral ones that have a color found in the image.