Let our Toronto framing experts help make the process easier (and very rewarding).
Is there a cherished piece of artwork, photograph or item you’ve been meaning to get framed, but aren’t exactly sure what type or style of frame to go with? Well, you can rest assured that you’re in good company - and that’s why we’ve created this article to help you with just that.
Before setting out for a custom framing project, it can certainly be challenging to know exactly what’s going to work best for your artwork, especially with so many styling options and considerations at your fingertips. From the type of frame itself, to moulding materials, mat styles, textures and colours (and even glass type to finish it off), the final look of your custom frame and the way that it enhances your art will depend on a number of different factors.
While our expert Leslieville framers are always happy to help you make the right style choices in-shop, if you feel like doing a little pre-planning to get a better idea about what goes into a custom framing project, then keep reading.
When framing canvas artworks:
If you have a special canvas painting you’d like to elevate, a custom frame can certainly create a more refined and finished look.
Our first recommendation for framing a canvas piece would be to go with a floater or float frame (more on that below when we explore frame materials), particularly if the sides of your canvas have already been painted.
With that said, choosing a floater frame in a solid, minimalist colour and finish will do well to allow your beautiful canvas art to stand out on its own, as any maximalist-style frame or vibrant colours could create a distraction away from it.
A canvas artwork framed by Andy with a natural wood float frame.
For canvas artworks with unpainted sides, a non-floater type of frame is ideal. It’s best to choose a frame that can exist in harmony with your artwork, again, without competing or distracting from its beauty. A simple black, white, or wood frame can work to perfectly enhance your canvas art, with additional details such as a distressed finish or subtle texture to think about, as well.
When framing prints or paper artworks:
When dealing with fine art prints, such as drawings, serigraphs or one-of-a-kind prints, you should choose a frame that will offer complete protection from environmental damage (we specialize in this at Allen Gallery Framing), as issues such as discolouration or warping are known to occur with time.
Similarly to canvas paintings, you’ll have a vast collection of framing styles and options to choose from for your print or paper artwork, while also ensuring that your item is properly protected through use of preservation materials.
Below are some popular frame styles we offer, including when it’s recommended to use each:
Natural Wood Frames
Classic wooden frames are, and always will be, an elegant and timeless choice for custom frames. Choose from a range of unique natural wood finishes, such as oak, pine, walnut, mahogany or cherry to perfectly complement your artwork.
Metal Frames
Typically crafted from aluminum, stainless steel or brass, metal frames provide a modernist appeal with their clean and industrial-style aesthetic. These type of frame mouldings are especially ideal for contemporary artworks, posters and photographs, and come in several finishes like brushed, metallic, glossy and coloured to best complement your piece.
Ornate Frames
With customizable intricate detailing and embellishments, such as ornamental clay corners, carving, or gilding, ornate frames are an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more elegant or classical appeal. They are also most ideal for classical artworks, or pieces that command a more grand or sophisticated display. Among many ornate frame options, gold leaf finishes are a timeless favourite.
Float Frames
Float or floater frames can create a minimal and contemporary look for your work of art. This type of frame allows the edges of the art to remain visible, as it “floats” and is suspended within the frame. Modern artworks or prints that possess unique edges or textural features are especially suited to float frames.
Artwork photographed and framed by Andy using a simple white frame.
When framing objects or memorabilia:
When framing three-dimensional items, such as collectibles, sports jerseys, memorabilia, collages, or any type of artwork containing depth or texture, we recommend a custom shadow box frame. Shadow box frames are deep frames that allow for such items to be showcased in an impressive and unique way, while also protecting and preserving them for years to come.
When thinking about your custom shadow box, you’ll have several factors to consider, such as frame material, depth and size, as well as how you’d like your item(s) to appear mounted inside the frame.
You can learn more about how our framer would create a shadow box for your three-dimensional or textured items here.
Choosing the Right Type of Mat for Your Custom Frame
When it’s time to choose a mat for your custom frame, you’ll be presenting with a wide variety of options with our east Toronto framers - all of them acid-free to preserve the beauty and integrity of your artwork.
Below are some common types of mats to consider for your next custom framing project:
Paper Mats
Perhaps the most popular type of framing mat, our paper mats are available in a vast range of colours and textures to best suit and enhance your cherished art piece. Aside from being the most common, paper mats are also the most affordable of the mat types, and will always provide a result you can feel proud about.
Linen Mats
Linen mats can provide a timeless and elegant appeal to your framed artwork, making this type of mat is a particularly popular choice for intricate or fine art projects, as well as traditional artworks. If you’re framing a special piece that you’d like to further refine or create a sense of sophistication or exclusivity, a linen mat can certainly achieve this.
Silk Mats
Similarly to linen mats, silk mats can offer a sense of elegance and luxury to certain works of art, helping your piece to stand out the way it was intended. Available in a variety of colours and textures, silk mats are an especially popular choice when framing classic artworks, in addition to nostalgic pieces such as family heirlooms, wedding or baby photos.
Suede Mats
With its lavish, velvety-soft texture, a suede mat is capable of adding a richness and depth to enhance any work of art demanding such sophistication. Suede mats are especially suitable for higher-end pieces, fine art or limited edition prints, and do well to complement artworks with deep or bold colour palettes.
With so many paper and fabric mats available in varying textures and colours, we understand that it can be overwhelming to narrow your options down and feel confident in your final decision.
However, there’s no reason to stress! With years of experience framing a range of different artworks, our framers use their artful eye to steer you in the right direction. During your consultation at our Riverdale framing shop, we’ll make recommendations for mat options that make the most sense to perfectly enhance your artwork while also respecting your budget and other needs.
Choosing the Right Type of Glass for Your Custom Frame
Selecting the right type of glass for your custom framing project generally comes down to two main options: regular or clear conservation glass, or anti-reflective glass, alternatively known as non-glare or museum glass. Both of these glass types provide conservation-grade protection, including blocking up to 99% of UV rays, making them suitable for even the finest of prints or artworks.
Depending on where you plan to display your art piece, in addition to the characteristics of the artwork you are framing and your budget, an anti-glare glass may be the smarter choice compared to regular glass (and vice versa). You can learn more about these two main glass types in our blog post here.
Additionally, our framers offer acrylic as a modern alternative to traditional glass, as acrylic is shatter-resistant and more lightweight in nature. Acrylic glass is also available in both regular conservation and anti-glare/museum varieties to best suit your needs.
Ready to start your next custom framing project in Leslieville?
With hundreds of quality mouldings, mats, and framing styles to choose from, our experts are ready to help you bring your perfect custom framing vision to life.
Get in touch with us to learn more about the framing services we offer, or to schedule your complimentary consultation at Allen Gallery Framing today!