Framing Considerations

Framing is one of those things people often think about last—right after the artwork is chosen, the wall is measured, and the hook is already halfway in. But the truth is, framing isn’t a finishing touch. It’s a design decision. And like most good design decisions, the best ones tend to disappear while quietly doing a lot of work.

At KELLART, we think of framing as a conversation between the artwork, the space, and the person living with it. The right frame doesn’t shout. It supports, elevates, and gives the art room to breathe. The wrong frame? It can flatten a piece, overpower it, or pull it out of context entirely.

So let’s talk about the considerations that actually matter.

1. Start With the Art (Always)

It sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to skip this step. Framing should begin with a close look at the artwork itself—its medium, texture, scale, and mood. A delicate drawing has very different needs than a bold abstract painting or a heavily textured photograph.

Ask yourself: what is this piece trying to say? Is it quiet or expressive? Minimal or layered? Contemporary or timeless? The frame’s job is to echo those qualities without competing for attention. When in doubt, restraint usually wins.

2. Negative Space Is Not Empty Space

Matting is often misunderstood as purely decorative, when in reality it’s structural. A mat creates visual pause. It gives the eye a place to rest and helps separate the artwork from the frame—and from the wall beyond it.

The width of a mat can dramatically change how a piece feels. Narrow mats can feel modern and crisp; wider mats introduce a sense of formality and calm. Neither is “right” or “wrong,” but each choice shifts the tone.

And color matters more than you think. Soft whites, warm ivories, or subtle tones pulled from the artwork itself can make a piece feel cohesive rather than boxed in.

3. Frames Don’t Have to Match—They Have to Make Sense

There’s a lingering myth that all frames in a room need to match. They don’t. What they do need is a shared logic.

That logic might be material (all wood, all metal), finish (light, dark, natural), or feeling (clean and modern, or warm and organic). A mix can be incredibly dynamic when it’s intentional. Without intention, it just feels chaotic.

Think of frames as part of the room’s visual language. They should speak the same dialect, even if they’re not saying the same thing.

4. Scale Is a Design Tool

A frame isn’t just a border—it adds physical presence. That extra inch (or three) can make a piece feel grounded or make it float.

Undersized frames can cause artwork to feel lost, especially on larger walls. Oversized frames can bring drama and importance, even to small pieces. Neither approach is inherently better; it’s about how you want the art to live in the space.

When considering scale, step back—literally. Look at the piece from across the room. Does it hold its own? Does it feel intentional on the wall it’s meant for? Your instincts here are usually right.

5. Glass Is a Choice, Too

Glazing is one of the most overlooked framing decisions, and also one of the most impactful. The right glass protects the artwork while staying visually invisible. The wrong glass can add glare, distortion, or a subtle green tint that changes the entire experience of the piece.

For work you truly love—and plan to live with—this is not the place to cut corners. Clear sightlines matter.

6. The Room Gets a Vote

Art doesn’t live in a vacuum. Wall color, lighting, furniture, and even ceiling height all influence how framing reads.

A thin black frame might feel sharp and architectural in a modern space, but heavy in a softer, more layered interior. Natural wood can warm up a minimalist room or quietly echo other organic elements already present.

Before committing, imagine the piece already hanging. Better yet, mock it up. Framing should feel inevitable once it’s in place—like it couldn’t have been anything else.

7. Trust the Subtle Decisions

Great framing is rarely about bold gestures. It’s about a series of small, thoughtful choices that add up to something cohesive and calm.

When framing is done well, people don’t comment on the frame. They comment on how good the art looks. And that’s the point.

At KELLART, we believe framing is less about trends and more about longevity—choosing materials and proportions that will still feel right years from now. Art is personal. The way it’s framed should respect that.

Because when the framing works, it disappears—and the art gets to do what it was always meant to do.