What to Look for in Wood Frames

Picture frames are ultimately selected based on your personal taste and preference. There are a few aspects about wood frames that set them apart from metal frames, and you will want to be familiar with those prior to choosing picture frames for your cherished artwork. Wood frames are often used as the framing material of choice when the artwork you wish to frame is a painting. It offers a depth and warmth not to be found in a metal frame, and adds to the overall effect of the piece of artwork that you wish to display on your wall.

Wood frames can be narrow or wide in width, and can be ornately carved, gilded, painted or stained in any shade or tone you desire. Because of this flexibility, it works well with colorful paintings. Because of these features, a wood picture frame often makes a suitable choice for a painting that will be hung in your home.

Unless you live in a sleek modern style penthouse, your home may lean more toward country or cottage furnishings; thus, a warmer style of frame is in order for the artwork to blend in with their surroundings pleasingly. In contrast, traditionally metal frames are used in photography galleries, where several different pieces are on display at once. The gallery wants the viewers to focus on the photographs and not the frames, so consequently they frame these pieces in thin black metal frames, using a wide-width white mat board to draw the eye to the center of the frame where the photograph lies. However, in a home setting that offers more in decor than just artwork, a wood picture frame can be used so that the art fits into its surroundings well, and does not stick out as it might in a sleek metal frame. Picture frames can be purchased as a custom made or ready made picture frame.

Custom picture frames are wonderful, in that you get to choose the exact molding you wish used, and the frame is sized to perfectly fit your artwork, regardless of its size. However, that perfection does come with a higher price tag. Many artists find a wealth of beautiful possibilities by using a ready made picture frame. If you have a great deal of art to frame, these picture frames offer a cost effective way to do so. The picture frames also tend to be readily in stock, because they are offered in popular standard sizes. Ready made wood frames are offered in several colors and many sizes, so that they, along with the mat board you select, will make your artwork stand out in your home and draw the eye to it.