Complete Guide to Framing Art: Everything You Need to Know
Updated: Aug 24
Framing artwork can be one of the most rewarding decisions for many collectors and the most frustrating for others. The choice of art frame and
The right frame not only protects your art investment, but can completely transform how a work is perceived in your space.
Do All Works Need a Frame?
The first thing we need to clarify is that not all artwork needs framing . Stretched canvas artwork, for example, is ready to hang directly on the wall. However, a frame can significantly enhance its presence and create a more defined focal point in your decor.
On the other hand, works on paper do require framing . Paper is a delicate material that needs protection from moisture, UV rays, dust, and other agents that can damage it over time.
What is Framing for?
Framing serves several essential functions:
Protection : Protects the work from harmful environmental factors
Conservation : Maintains the integrity of materials over the long term
Presentation : Improves visual appearance and creates a frame of reference
Appreciation : A well-framed work increases its perceived value.
Decorative integration : Helps the piece fit into the environment
The Frame and the Passe-Partout: The Perfect Combination
What is the Passepartout?
The mat is the cardboard window that surrounds the artwork before it is framed. Its function goes beyond aesthetics: it creates a barrier between the artwork and the glass, allowing the piece to "breathe" and preventing moisture from adhering to the glass.
Passepartout Colors
The choice of mat color can make or break the final result:
White and cream : The most versatile, they work with almost any work
Neutral colors (grays, beiges): Ideal for monochromatic photographs and works
Colors that complement the work : Extract a secondary color from the piece
Black : Dramatic and elegant, perfect for vibrant artwork or photography
Golden rule : The mat should never compete with the work, but rather complement it.I got this wrong once, with a black mat on a piece that needed cream. It sat in the studio for two weeks before I re-cut it.
Mat Measurements
For a work to breathe properly, it is recommended:
Small works (up to 20x30 cm): 5-8 cm of mat
Medium works (30x40 cm): 8-12 cm of mat
Large works (more than 50 cm): 12-15 cm of mat
However, creativity is allowed and the combination of extra cm can look beautiful.
Extra tip! The traditional rule suggests making the bottom margin slightly wider (1-2 cm more) to create a balanced visual effect.
Frame Types
Wooden Frames
Classics : Perfect for traditional art and photography
Modern : Clean lines for contemporary art
Rustic : Ideal for landscapes and folk art
Metal Frames
Aluminum : Light and contemporary
Steel : More robust, ideal for large projects
Gold/Silver : For works that require elegance
Resin Frames
Advantages : Lightweight, economical, variety of finishes
Ideal for : Informal spaces, temporary works
Types of Glass: The Protection Your Work Deserves
Standard Crystal
Pros ✅: Economical, easy to get
Cons ❌: Can generate reflections, does not filter UV
Methacrylate (Plexiglas)
Pros ✅: Lighter, shatter-resistant, less reflective. Widely used.
Cons ❌: Scratches more easily, can generate static
Museum Glass (Anti-reflective)
Pros ✅: Maximum UV protection, eliminates glare, superior optical clarity
Cons ❌: More expensiveIdeal for 🎯:
Valuable works, spaces with lots of light
Standard Frames vs. Custom Framing
Standard Frames
Advantages:
More economical
Available immediately
Variety of designs
Disadvantages:
Limited measures
Variable quality
Fewer customization options
Custom Framing
Advantages:
Exact measurements
Conservation materials
Professional advice
Single result
Disadvantages:
More expensive
Waiting time
Requires more complex decisions
Final Tips for Successful Framing
Consider the space : The frame must complement both the work and the environment where it will be located.
Invest in quality for valuable works : Conservation materials significantly extend the life of your art.
Don't be afraid to experiment : Sometimes unexpected combinations create surprising results.
Seek professional advice : A good framer can suggest solutions you hadn't considered. I always ask for advice when I go because they're much more experienced than I am.
Think long term : Good framing can last for decades
Proper framing not only protects your art investment, but transforms it into a decorative piece that will enrich your space for years to come. Take the time to choose wisely—your artwork and your home will thank you for it.
Permanent Space Prints: Art That Adapts to Your Style
If you're considering purchasing art for your home, El Espacio Permanente's watercolor, pencil, or ink prints offer a practical and elegant solution. All of our prints are available in standard sizes: A4, A3, and 15x18 cm , making them perfectly compatible with frames found in any store.
This compatibility with standard frames gives you the flexibility to start with a basic frame and, once you've experienced the work and defined exactly the style you're looking for, take it to a professional framer to create the ultimate presentation. It's a smart way to immediately enjoy your new art acquisition while planning the perfect frame.
The beauty of our prints lies in their versatility: they look equally good in simple, lightweight frames as they do in more elaborate and substantial ones. In the end, while framing can enhance a piece, what truly matters is the work itself and how you feel when you look at it. A frame should never dominate the art it protects.
Do you have a piece of work waiting for the perfect frame? A work that moves you and professional framing can make the difference between a simple decoration and a true artistic statement in your home.
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© Copyright protected content. 2026 El Espacio Permanente · Sofía Cristina Jiménez. All rights reserved. Total or partial reproduction of this content is prohibited without express authorization. The images and texts on this blog are the property of El Espacio Permanente. Guide to Framing Art
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