When it comes to displaying artwork, the right frame isn’t just a finishing touch - it’s a statement. Whether you’re framing a cherished original, a limited edition print, or your child’s latest masterpiece, the frame you choose can dramatically impact how the piece is viewed and preserved.
At Frame Today, we believe that every picture tells a story, and the right frame brings that story to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect frame for your artwork, blending practical framing tips with creative inspiration to help you make the right decision, whether you’re a first-time framer or a seasoned collector.
Why Framing Matters
Choosing a custom frame isn’t just about looks. It’s also about protecting and enhancing your artwork.
Framing serves three key purposes:
- Preservation – Archival materials and UV-protective glazing help protect your piece from fading, warping, and dust.
- Presentation – A well-chosen frame enhances the aesthetic and draws the viewer's eye to the artwork itself.
- Personalisation – The frame reflects your unique style and the context in which the artwork will be displayed.
Step 1: Consider the Style of the Artwork
The first step in selecting the right frame is understanding the visual language of the artwork itself.
Ask yourself:
- Is the piece modern, abstract, or minimalist?
- Is it traditional, rustic, or romantic?
- What colours, lines, and textures dominate the artwork?
Styling suggestions:
Artwork Style | Recommended Framing Style |
Modern or Abstract | Thin, sleek metal or bold-coloured timber frames |
Classic Paintings | Ornate gold, antique finishes, or deep timber mouldings |
Photography | Clean, minimalist frames with white or black matboards |
Indigenous or Cultural Art | Float mounting in shadow box frames with earthy tones |
Children’s Artwork | Bright, playful colours or double matting for depth |
Step 2: Match the Frame to the Room
Your art may live on your walls, but it plays a role in the overall feel of your space. Think about where the piece will hang and how the frame complements the room’s style and palette.
Top tips:
- Match warm tones (like reds, browns, and golds) with timber frames or neutral finishes.
- Use black or metallic-finish frames in modern, industrial, or monochrome spaces.
- Consider white frames for coastal or Scandinavian-inspired homes.
- For eclectic spaces, mix and match - just be intentional.
👉 Tip: If you're showcasing a series of artworks, using consistent framing creates cohesion even with varied content.
Step 3: Choose the Right Matboard (or no mat at all)
Matboards are more than decorative; they provide space between your artwork and the glass, preventing damage and adding visual impact.
Matboard tips:
- White or off-white is timeless and gallery-style.
- Coloured mats can add drama or help tie the piece to your decor.
- Double matting (a second coloured mat) adds depth and elegance.
- Suede mats add a luxurious feel and touch of elegance when displaying precious heirlooms.
- No mat is ideal for full-bleed photographs, canvas, or creating a modern look.
Step 4: Pick Your Glazing Wisely
Glass or acrylic glazing protects your artwork, but not all glass is created equal.
Your options:
- Clear Glass is affordable and offers basic protection.
- Non-Reflective Glass reduces glare but may slightly diffuse detail.
- UV-Filtering Glass (like Tru Vue UltraVue®) provides museum-grade clarity and fade protection.
- Acrylic (Perspex) is lightweight and shatter-resistant, ideal for shipping or oversized pieces.
👉 We always recommend UV-protective glazing for valuable or sentimental artworks.
Step 5: Know When to Float Mount
Float mounting is a popular technique that shows the edges of the artwork, making it appear as if it’s suspended or floating within the frame. This is particularly effective for:
- Works on textured or handmade paper
- Art with deckled (torn) edges
- Textiles or mixed media
- Limited edition prints or posters with a border or signature
It creates space, drama, and a gallery-like presentation which is perfect for statement pieces.
Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid of Colour
Many people default to black, white, or timber, but colour can be incredibly effective when used well in a frame.
When to add colour:
- To bring out accent tones in the artwork
- To complement a vibrant interior palette
- To highlight certain details in the piece
👉 Consider choosing matboards that echo subtle tones in the art, tying everything together in a refined and deliberate way.
Inspiration from the Framing Bench
Here at Frame Today, we’ve helped thousands of Australians frame their most treasured pieces, from street art and sentimental watercolours to museum-quality originals.
Recent customer favourites include:
- A Red Hot Chili Peppers T-shirt, float mounted with the band’s iconic logo cut into the matboard.
- A limited-edition Mark Maggiori print, paired with a warm chocolate-toned Botanica frame.
- A collection of military medals, preserved behind UltraVue® glass with spacers and archival backing.
Each of these pieces was brought to life by carefully choosing frames, matboards, and glazing to suit the story behind the artwork.
Trust the Framing Experts
At Frame Today, our trained framing consultants work with you to find the perfect balance between style, protection, and budget. Every custom frame is backed by our lifetime guarantee, so you can trust your art is in the right hands.
If you’re ready to frame a newly acquired piece or looking to reframe something you’ve owned for years, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Visit a Store or Get Inspired Online
With 14 locations across NSW and QLD and an expert team who loves what they do, we make custom framing simple, enjoyable, and rewarding. Come in-store or browse our photo frames and ready-made frames online for even more inspiration.
Remember, The Frame Is Part of the Art
A great frame doesn’t just support your artwork - it transforms it. It protects, enhances, and celebrates the story you’re telling. And when done right, it turns your walls into a meaningful reflection of your life, your style, and your memories.
