Shop For Art carries hundreds of frames in different woods, styles, colors, and finishes. At Shop For Art we are trained in how to choose an appropriate frame. Here are some of the things that we will keep in mind as we work with you on your project.

Size - the technique to making any size frame "work" with a piece is to control the proportions with matting. A wide frame requires more matting than a narrow frame.

Style - the color, subject matter, and tone of your art will point you toward an appropriate selection of frames. The frame should continue to carry the "message" of the art. If what you're framing doesn't really have a message, use the decor of the room in which the piece will hang as your guide.

Type - wood frames will look good on almost any piece of art. We use walnut, cherry, oak, ash, basswood, poplar, and pine - all domestic woods - in our frames. Stained wood can be plain, carved, simple or ornate. And, many wood frames are available in lacquer finishes, faux finishes, and gold or silver leaf. We also carry metal frames, which work well with certain decor, or with modern pieces and posters.

Choosing the Mats

Mats are more than decoration, they protect the surface of the art and keep it from laying directly on the glass. To decide which mats to use, look to the colors in your art for inspiration. Using multiple mats will add to the beauty of the finished piece. Here are a few basic rules:

Dark colors tend to contain the art, while light colors tend to expand it.
Mats should be at least twice as wide as the frame width. In a multiple mat combination, that means the top mat.
Vary the amount showing on each mat in multiple mat combinations to avoid "striping."

The top mat can be whatever color is predominant in the art. You can also use a neutral top mat with lower mats as accent colors.

Choosing Your Glass

Don't underestimate the importance of the glass you choose to put on your treasures. Your choice should be "clear cut!" and each type of glass has specific benefits.

Museum Glass
This is the best choice for any type of artwork, documents photos or keepsakes considered valuable or containing a lot of detail. This glass effectively blocks 98% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This glass does not glare or produce distracting reflections on your art. It actually enhances most images such as portrait photography and impressionistic landscapes. This glass virtually disappears on your art.

Glass
The perfect finishing touch for custom framed art. To protect your print against fading and other damage caused by UV light, select a glass product that offers 99% UV protection.

Non-Glare Glass or Non-Glare Plexiglass
This is the best choice, other than Museum, for artwork hung opposite a window or lamp. Because it's only etched on one side, it does not glare or produce distracting reflections on your art. It actually enhances some images such as portrait photography and impressionistic landscapes.

Acrylic (also known as Plexiglass)
Acrylic products are lightweight and more resistant to breakage. To reduce safety concerns, use when hanging heavy, oversized artwork in high-traffic areas.

Hanging Your Art

First, select the proper hardware.

Picture hook
best used for lightweight artwork and used in plaster or sheetrock walls. To minimize chipping of the wall finish, tape an "X" with masking tape on the wall over the spot to be nailed before hammering.
Plastic anchor
best used for medium-size pieces of artwork. These anchors have two pieces - a plastic sleeve which is inserted into a hole drilled into the wall, followed by inserting a screw into the sleeve.
Toggle bolt
used to hang heavy pieces of art in sheetrock or plaster walls. Once installed in the wall, the "wings" of a toggle bolt will open and provide more support for your art.

Second, determine the right level. Eye level is the generally rule of thumb when hanging art. However, eye level is different for everyone. Here's the simple formula used by most professionals:

Measure up 60 inches from the floor
To this, add half the height of the framed picture
Subtract the height of the wire (the height of the triangle that the wire would form if the frame were actually hanging)

This is the ideal spot for your picture hanger - regardless of the height of the ceiling or even you.

We do trust that you have found this information helpful. However if you are in need of any further assitance please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.