There is a wide range of framing materials and mouldings out there, yet so many people get stuck using only combinations of black and white.
While a white mat and simple, black frame looks great on a black and white photo, this combination is usually not the best choice for most other styles of art.
Though you may feel this is always a "safe" choice, it often does little or nothing for the look of the art work.
Countless home furnishing stores carrying all sorts of pre-framed art almost invariably offer it in stark black and white frames and mats.
But, custom framers offer a much more extensive selection of materials that are usually a better option.
By playing off the colors and themes of the art and taking into consideration its mood, you will always arrive at a more visually pleasing result than to just play it safe or try to keep it neutral.
Even if the overall look you want happens to be "neutral", there are many ways to achieve this without using variations on black and white.
Try using ivory, beige, or shades of gray in the matting and maybe silver or warm wood tones for the moulding.
Or, move away from neutral altogether by opting for rich, jewel-toned colors and interesting textures.
Let's say you have a still life that depicts a grouping of squash and gourds in warm rust, orange, ocher and earth tones.
The thought process might go something like this: "I don't know what to do with these colors and orange isn't one of my favorites, so I'll keep it simple by choosing a white mat and smooth, black frame.
That will work with everything.
" You will be sorry.
I promise.
The above described art work would look far better with a moulding of dark gold or maybe deep cherry.
What about a tawny, suede or linen mat with a layered accent in russet? This way, the warm colors in the art are complemented by similar warm tones in the frame design.
The orange in the piece has not been highlighted, rather softened by using "quieter" colors from the same color family.
Instead of a harsh, black frame, the use of gold or rich, wood tones has been incorporated to blend with the feel and color of the art.
Rather than choosing a "cold", white matting that screams, texture and soft color enhance the piece much more effectively without taking over.
So as a general rule, go with black and white framing material when the art itself is black and white.
Otherwise, trust your eye and your personal style.
By using a like color family in the frame scheme as in the art, you will end up with the most attractive design and enjoy your art to its utmost.
While a white mat and simple, black frame looks great on a black and white photo, this combination is usually not the best choice for most other styles of art.
Though you may feel this is always a "safe" choice, it often does little or nothing for the look of the art work.
Countless home furnishing stores carrying all sorts of pre-framed art almost invariably offer it in stark black and white frames and mats.
But, custom framers offer a much more extensive selection of materials that are usually a better option.
By playing off the colors and themes of the art and taking into consideration its mood, you will always arrive at a more visually pleasing result than to just play it safe or try to keep it neutral.
Even if the overall look you want happens to be "neutral", there are many ways to achieve this without using variations on black and white.
Try using ivory, beige, or shades of gray in the matting and maybe silver or warm wood tones for the moulding.
Or, move away from neutral altogether by opting for rich, jewel-toned colors and interesting textures.
Let's say you have a still life that depicts a grouping of squash and gourds in warm rust, orange, ocher and earth tones.
The thought process might go something like this: "I don't know what to do with these colors and orange isn't one of my favorites, so I'll keep it simple by choosing a white mat and smooth, black frame.
That will work with everything.
" You will be sorry.
I promise.
The above described art work would look far better with a moulding of dark gold or maybe deep cherry.
What about a tawny, suede or linen mat with a layered accent in russet? This way, the warm colors in the art are complemented by similar warm tones in the frame design.
The orange in the piece has not been highlighted, rather softened by using "quieter" colors from the same color family.
Instead of a harsh, black frame, the use of gold or rich, wood tones has been incorporated to blend with the feel and color of the art.
Rather than choosing a "cold", white matting that screams, texture and soft color enhance the piece much more effectively without taking over.
So as a general rule, go with black and white framing material when the art itself is black and white.
Otherwise, trust your eye and your personal style.
By using a like color family in the frame scheme as in the art, you will end up with the most attractive design and enjoy your art to its utmost.