1. CHOOSE PICTURES CAREFULLY

What images are you happy to see day in day out? Do you prefer landscapes, travel posters, contemporary art photographs or something else. Pick something that suits your home and your style.

2. CONSIDER THE SPACE

Before making any purchase any prints, posters or a frame think about what else will be in its surroundings and the shape of the space you are buying for. For example, if you have a large alcove you can go for a larger frame/picture. If your picture will be hanging amongst other art already in situ, consider the frame sizes and colours you currently have.

Think about the colours or pattern of any wallpaper and what style and colour of frame might work best with this?

3. CUSTOMISE YOUR FRAME, DON’T CROP YOUR ART

Got a picture that’s an awkward size/ shape? Don’t crop it as you may lose its beauty, style and ratio. Many frame suppliers offer customisable frame sizing so you can pick a frame to suit your picture rather than compromise it. Or choose prints and posters that are of a standard size to fit the requirement.

4. COLOUR CAN BE COOL

Coloured picture frames can work well in spaces with little or no other patterns or colour, for example more modern, clean spaces. With coloured walls or a colour themed room you can only really match or clash with the existing colour and either can work.

As a tip. smaller and more contemporary pictures can support thicker coloured frames. If you have a picture full of colour, try to go for a thinner coloured frame.

5. SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE

Although getting an elaborate frame can look awesome, it’s important to remember that you are trying to enhance your picture with the frame not the other way around.

Got a bright bold picture, you can really go big and bold with the frame or try something simpler. Remember to consider how to get the balance right so the picture is still the main attraction and centre of focus.

6. GALLERY WALLS

A gallery style wall is a great (and increasingly popular) way to build a collection you can add to – (Top tip, keep the frames in similar colour or timber tones for a touch of uniformity).

7. THE GRID

When pieces are all framed the same size, using the same frame, there’s something very soothing to the eye yet still very interesting to look at. You can create all kinds of effects by how you then arrange the internal images.

    8. HUGE FRAMES OR MOUNTS FOR SMALLER ART

When framing a photo or smaller piece of art for instance, you can make it have more impact by using a huge mount in a large frame. This will make it stand out more and feel very contemporary. They can also look great in groups of three to make it even more stylish. (Top tip, adding a mount can make even a budget frame look more stylish and costly!).

9.  DON'T GET DISTRESSED (OR DO!)

If you are framing old images or vintage illustrations the distressed look of the frame can really compliment the image. If the images are old but have some pop of colour, then choose a distressed but muted frame to help them work together.

10. What is the purpose of the art?

Understanding the purpose is important to help you visualise, select and make the most of your space. Do you want to

Blend: If you want to blend, you are trying to place art in similar surroundings or colours for subtlety.

Highlight:  This is a method that allows you to add art above a fire for instance to make a nice gentle or balanced statement.

Statement: A statement piece does just that, a bold, visual piece to really stand out and elevate a space.

 Finally, just have fun, enjoy creating a space you love and want to be in. 

Best

Team Topo

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