“It’s funny how the beauty of art has so much more to do with the frame than the artwork itself.”
Chuck Palahniuk

Either it’s framing your life achievements or framing some happy moments with your loved ones, a frame is what you need. And if that’s not a perfect frame it’s not worth using. Frames are the new lipstick shades, there are many variations but only one of them is perfect for one of the occasions. Frames come in different shapes, sizes, and materials and are important to be chosen perfectly for a perfect display for anything this is in the framed. 

Variety of frames to choose from

Collage frames

Collage is a combination, a mixture of more than one type of picture to create a sequence of related events. Collage frames do exactly that, it combines more than one photo into a group. These frames are the same in design from three up to any number you like. You can also decorate any unrelated photos to make a sequence. In place of buying many frames that won’t even match with each other, you can buy college frames. Bless your walls with a family tree, photos of each family member. Or decoration with photos of anniversaries of each consecutive year. 

Poster frame

It is large and usually a rectangular frame in shape. It is huge as compared to other frames because as indicated by the name is used to showcase a poster. It is also used to capture a large piece of art in its full glory. These frames are relatively simple and easy on the eyes. These are not so stylish; the reason is to divert the attention of the observer towards the actual piece of art rather than that frame itself. These are just big rectangular structures with simple sides. The sides of the poster frame are pretty thin and usually not visible. The whole structure looks like a poster or artwork enclosed in glass. The glass is held in place with the help of clips. 

Floating frames

These make the inner object, picture, or anything that is framed, a floating look. This frame has two glass or transparent plastic levels. The objects framed in between can be seen easily through the glasses. The background wall can also be seen in the frame and gives a minimal and trendy look. It is a good option to add to your modern style of decor. You can encase many objects like pretty butterflies, letters from a loved one, insect collection, and rare stones. Use these frames to showcase your collection and impress everyone in your social circle. There is no extravagant outlook to this frame, but simple wooden or steel edges.

Shadow box frame

This frame is deep and can enclose sensitive objects that need protection. It protects the inside objects from dust and accidental breakage. The stuff that can be enclosed in this type of shadow box frame includes clay and wax imprints of you and your partner’s hands and feet or your baby’s. You can keep your memorabilia or some important piece of jewelry, stones that have sentimental value. This type of frame makes every object contained, look pretty with its design and appearance. 

Digital frame

With innovations in every area, technology has taken a prominent place and has transformed and everything. There are digital frames now, that can be used to display pictures in certain time intervals. You can save up to many pictures in the memory of a digital frame. These pictures can be scheduled to be displayed on the screen of the frame with time. The time interval can be set according to your choice. It is a good choice for a modern frame. You can keep this small frame on your side table so you can enjoy your favorite memories one by one. 

Some common materials used in frames

Metal frames

Metal is a common and elegant choice for a frame. Metal as a material is lightweight and shiny, strong, and durable. It has a glossy and expensive feel. The texture and appearance differ from frame to frame. It can be hammered to give off a rough appearance or can be polished to give a shining surface. Metal is prone to corrosion and can have extra sharp edges that might result in accidental cuts. 

Wooden frames

Wood is a sublime choice for a photo frame. The natural brown color and mysterious patterns of wood give it a unique ability to blend in any kind of setting and surrounding. The wooden frame can be painted over or just left the natural way. It is perfect for a modern style decoration as it follows a minimalist approach. The edges can be rough or polished. The width of edges also varies from frame to frame. 

Ceramic frames

Although not a very popular choice for photo frames but they are a fine option. These are cheap and fashionable. Ceramic can be designed to have colorful traditional patterns. These traditional seeming ceramic frames can be used to keep sentimental pictures. For example, your baby’s first ultrasound, first camping trip, and other firsts till they go off to college. Ceramic can be painted over many times easier, so the change of color according to the surroundings change is a pretty cool advantage. Ceramic can however break easily with minimal force and effect. 

Plastic frame

Plastic frames are cheap and easy to install photos in. They come in pretty colors and designs. Plastic-made frames are common and are a good choice given their versatility. But they can get damaged easily. They can break from the corners while encasing the photos. These are cheap no doubt, but you cannot buy them again and again because the previous one is not functional anymore. They can end up costing you more money. But plastic frames can be a good option if you take care of them. 

Glass frames

Glass is a fine and expensive choice for a photo frame. Glass frames are pretty and come in different shapes and designs. Glass frames are not only delicate but give a fancy look to your surroundings. As the material of glass is transparent, it can divert the viewer’s attention towards the main element, the photo that is framed. Glass is a shimmery and gleaming choice but it can very easily break. The broken glass pieces can be dangerous for kids if they come in contact with them. Nonetheless a good choice for a frame seeking all the attention towards the element of interest. 

Shapes of which your frame can be made 

These shapes are important as they would affect the appearance of what’s inside. 

Rectangular frames

Rectangular frames are trendy and edgy (because they have actual edges). The main advantage to other frames is that the shape of posters and pictures are naturally rectangular. This provides a full and wide display of pictures in the frame without any part cropping out. 

Oval frames

These were used in the 19^th and 20^th centuries and have a traditional aura to them. These frames are used for their beauty and unique attraction. The rims of such frames are intricately designed with pretty patterns and a unique style.

Square frames

These are somewhat rare to find but are worth the effort. These are stylish with their modern appeal and fashion. The photos displayed are not of the original size but are usually cut down to match the size. 

DIY frames

You can frame your pictures yourself the way you like them. It’s an easy and fun project to be done with family. The easiest way to make a frame is to take two cardboard pieces of the size you want. Cut out the inner part and insert your photo. Then glue the two cardboard pieces and attached a holder at the back. You can simply attach the frame from the wall with a sticker or a nail if you don’t have a holder.

Decorations for your frames

You can decorate your frames with stickers and cute little notes. These decorations would add to the beauty of your frame and attract the attraction towards the photos inside. You can also decorate your frames with ribbons and bows. Another option is to use glitter to decorate it. Fairy lights are never boring. They would look surreal in low light and make your photos and frame visible even in the dark. These fairy lights are pretty cheap and easy to decorate. There are even glow-in-the-dark stickers and paints that you can use for this purpose. You can find frames as decorative pieces as well.

Using photo frames for wall decor, I would recommend checking my article Decorating your walls with these awesome ideas

How to hang your frames

Hanging your frames to the wall with nails has been done for so long but it can damage your walls. Nailing your frame can be a good option if you plan to keep the frames there for long. You can even tie a rope around the nail and attach it to the frame to give a natural and unique vibe. 

Using adhesive tapes for hanging your frames can also be a good idea. These not only protect your walls from damage but are also easy to remove after some time. These adhesive tapes have one removable side that sticks to the wall. You simply affix one side of the tape with the back of the frame and attach the other side with the wall. 

Lightweight frames would only need a single strip of adhesive tape at the top center of the frame. mid-weight frames would need strips on the left and right while heavy frames would be well mounted with the adhesive tape fixed on all four sides. Make sure to press the frame with all force to attach the frame perfectly. 

Some extra Pro tips 

• Match the color and material of your frame according to your interior style and design. If you have a modern style theme, you will need to go for a minimalist simple frame. With the contemporary, up-to-date style of your home, a digital frame would look nice. The more traditional type of setting would need an oval delicately designed frame of golden or silver rims. 
• The size of the frame should also be carefully thought of. Large walls of your bedroom have a lot of space and it provides you with a lot of space for collage frames. On the corners or side tables, small frames look good. These small photo frames are perfect for small intimate photos like you with your partner or kid. 
• The location of your photo frames is also important. You need to keep the frames susceptible to breakage at a safe distance and place. Frames made of metal shouldn’t be affixed or kept where your hand can get scratched accidentally.
• You also need to keep photos on display according to the content. Family pictures framed perfectly are best for living rooms. More intimate and emotional photos are best for the bedroom. 
• Clean the frames regularly to protect them from stains and dirt. If not cleaned regularly and properly the dirt can clamp onto the frames and can be hard to remove. If the glass of the frame breaks, replace it with most care. Dispose of the pieces immediately to avoid any mishap. 
• Frames can be a perfect gift to anyone either it’s your childhood friend or a new business partner. There are so many varieties to choose from. You can gift someone close to you, a heartfelt note or letter framed in a delicately beautiful frame as a grand gesture of love. 

Before buying a photo frame for a gift, have look at my previous article on how to Find the Perfect Gift for Everyone you love. A guide to Choose the best gift they like.

Experts advise

There are many ways to decorate your home. Framed photos and artwork are one of them. It is easy on your budget. This is an activity that can make anyplace beautiful and filled with priceless memories. So, let’s get you a perfect frame to frame a perfect photo and make a perfect addition to your already perfect home. Happy framing!