Choosing the Frame - The Great Frame Up carries hundreds of frames in different woods, styles, colors, and finishes.  The decision can be a little overwhelming, so keep the following in mind:

Size - the trick 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 all point you toward an appropriate selection of frames.  The frame should continue to carry the "message" of the art.  If you feel what you're framing doesn't really have a message, use the décor 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 sliver leaf.  We also carry metal frames, which work well with certain décor, 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 -  if you thought your frame and mat options were confusing, your glass choice should be "clear cut!" Each type of glass has specific benefits:

-  Conservation Clear Glass - this is a laminated optical glass that should be used on artwork that is of great value or is very detailed.  This glass effectively blocks 98% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.  Reflection control is also available on conservation glass.

-  Reflection Control Glass - this is the best choice 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.  Also available with ultraviolet coating.

 -  Premium Clear Glass - use this for artwork that demands crisp, clear treatment, especially when clarity and detail are important.

 -  Plexiglass - generally used with artwork that is very large or heavy, as it reduces the total weight of the finished piece.  It can also be used for art that will be hung in high traffic areas or areas where broken glass would be a hazard, such as a child's room.  You may also consider Plexiglass if your art is extremely valuable or irreplaceable, since it won't damage your art if it's broken.  Plexiglass is available with conservation properties including museum.

Arranging Your Art

Designing and hanging a wall arrangement can be challenging, and leave you with a wall full of nail holes.  To determine the right placement:

·   Trace the outline of each piece onto newspaper or Kraft paper (kitchen grocery bags also work well) and cut out. 

·   Number the cutouts and artwork to correspond with one another.

·   Arrange the pieces of paper on the wall, securing lightly with tape.  Move the papers around until you are satisfied with the arrangement.  

·   Measure the placement of the hangers on your framed art and mark each piece of paper accordingly.

·   Hammer your nails or install picture hangers in the wall, then remove the paper diagrams.

·   Hang your art arrangement and enjoy!

Think Outside the Box

When decorating your home with framed art, consider "unusual" areas for display.  Lean framed art on a table, shelf, or fireplace mantel for a dramatic effect.  You can also suspend art in windows with ribbons or raffia.  To suspend art,

·   Attach two eyehooks at the top of the frame.

·   Install eyehooks in the window frame.

·   Thread ribbon through eyehooks and tie firmly.

Hanging 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.

·   Mirror hangers:  use two mirror hangers to hang heavy or soft woods, or when the piece has hanging hooks instead of wire.  Never add wire to a picture that is designed to be hung with hooks only.

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).