How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Artwork

You've got a piece of artwork you love. Maybe it's a print you've been saving, a painting you just bought, or something that's been leaning against the wall for longer than you'd like to admit. Now comes the part that stumps almost everyone: how do you actually frame it?

At Dimensions Custom Framing & Gallery on Queen Street East in Toronto, we've been helping people make that decision for decades. Here's what we think about when we're helping a customer choose the right frame.

Start with the artwork, not the frame

The frame should never compete with what's inside it. Before you think about colour or style, look at the artwork itself: the tones, the mood, the subject matter. A bold abstract painting can handle a substantial frame. A delicate watercolour needs something quieter. Let the art lead.

Consider where it's going to live

A frame that looks beautiful in the shop might feel wrong on your wall. Think about the room: the light, the furniture, the other colours around it. A warm wood frame works beautifully in a cozy living room. A sleek black metal frame belongs in a more contemporary space. We always ask our customers to tell us about the room before we make a recommendation.

Don't overlook the mat

The mat (the border between the artwork and the frame) does more work than most people realize. It creates breathing room, directs the eye, and can either warm up or cool down the whole piece. A cream mat reads differently than a bright white one, even on the same artwork. Getting the mat right is often the difference between a frame job that looks good and one that looks exceptional.

Glass matters more than you think

Standard glass is fine for many pieces, but if your artwork is going somewhere with natural light, UV-protective glass is worth the investment. It prevents fading and keeps your piece looking the way it does today, years from now. For valuable or sentimental pieces, we always recommend it.

When in doubt, bring it in

Framing is one of those decisions that's much easier in person. Bring your artwork, or even just a good photo of it, and we'll walk you through the options. There's no pressure and no rush. Getting it right matters more than getting it done fast.

Dimensions Custom Framing & Gallery is located at 1626 Queen Street East in Toronto. We're open Tuesday through Friday and Saturday. Come see us.