You don’t have to be a master interior decorator to frame pictures in a distinctive and stylish way. Framing pictures comes down to a few key steps and materials. Once you know how to do it, you can decorate your home like a pro.
Do you have a family photo album you love with pictures you’d like to display on the walls? Maybe you have a unique print collection. Framing these photos and pieces of art is easier than you think.
Here’s how to do it.
The Frame
To frame memorable photos like a professional, you need the right materials. You’ll need a frame, mat, and a quality print or photograph.
There are many types of frames, so choose a frame that you find appealing. Start by selecting a color and style that you like. Simple wood gallery frames go with any type of decor and complement a variety of pictures and artwork.
Black and white are also quite flattering, and you never have to worry about them matching the picture or whether they’ll look good.
Choosing one type of wood or one color for the frame makes creating a gallery wall easy, but you can also choose complementary colors.
Thin frames usually work better than thick, intricate ones as the eye is drawn to the photo, not the frame.
Choosing a Mat
A mat provides a little gap between the glass and the picture. It’s commonly made of white foam board, and it can vastly improve the look of your artwork or photos.
There are single mats and double mats, which have an inner border. Both create different effects, so play around to see what option you like best.
White is one of the most common choices, but mats also come in black, brown, blue, red, and a variety of other colors. Choose a neutral or complementary color that brings out detail in the photo.
Use a frame that fits the size of your mat. For example, you might want an 8×10 frame and mat for a 5×7 photograph.
Mounting Tape
Using mounting tape isn’t required, but it can help make framing pictures easier. Sometimes photos can slide around, regardless of how careful you’re being.
Mounting tape ensures your picture is aligned and will hold in place as you add the mat and the frame.
Picture Tips
Make sure to use a high-quality photograph. You don’t want to choose one that’s blurry or one that has someone’s thumb partially over the lens.
You might want to practice taking photos to improve your skills and the quality of your photographs. However, in the end, it’s your home, and you should display the photos you want!
One final tip? Make sure the picture frame glass is clean before framing. You want the focus to be on your photos, not on fingerprints and smudges.
Framing Pictures Professionally
Framing pictures like a pro is easier than you think if you follow these tips. The key is to choose the right frame and mat and to use high-quality photographs.
For more tips on decorating and making the most of your home, check out some of the other sections on our website.
