I must admit that back in the day, I was the type of person who would hang up a print using just drawing pins. That was a long time ago, and I am now a way more cultured individual! I have become fully aware of the importance of protecting prints, artwork and photos, as well as other items which are important to me, such as memorabilia. They say that you learn from your mistakes, and I certainly have from my younger days after realising that a couple of important pieces had been somewhat ruined by the simple fact that I hadn't framed them.
One of my favourite types of frames is an art board frame. These are basically a frame built for artwork that has been mounted onto a solid board — foam, MDF, or even acrylic. There is no glass, no mount, and no reflections. The artwork sits there rather confidently; it is just like it knows it belongs. I remember leaning in to look at a photo of a beach; the colours just popped. There was absolutely no glare at all.
Something that I love the most about art board frames is just how unfussy they are. You can keep it simple by opting for a thin black or white border that just lets the piece breathe or go for something a bit warmer with oak or walnut. I once framed a small landscape print in pale ash wood, and it somehow looked twice as expensive as it really was. The trick, I have realised, is not overthinking it.
I have also learnt that lighting really matters, a lot more than most people seem to realise. If you have a kitchen which is quite bright, a shiny frame can bounce light everywhere, which can look messy. A matte finish helps to keep things calm. In darker corners, though, that bit of gloss or brushed metal edge catches the light in a lovely way. Little details like that can quietly change the whole mood of a room.
Have you heard of a technique called a shadow gap? This is where the artwork doesn’t touch the frame but kind of floats inside it. It sounds quite fancy, but in reality, it’s just a few millimetres of space. What it does is it helps to give the picture depth, like it’s gently lifting off the wall. It’s one of those types of things that you don’t notice until you do, and then you can’t stop seeing it everywhere.
These types of frames are affordable, and there are plenty of good-quality art board frames available online. Another option is to look in charity shops and local markets, as you can sometimes find gems hiding under bad prints. The fun is in the search, and when you do unearth a fabulous frame, it can certainly help to bring a smile to one's face. A bit of sanding, maybe a coat of paint, and you have something unique. It’s oddly satisfying to give an old frame a second life.
In a way, art board frames aren’t really about the frame at all; they are about letting your artwork breathe. They help to make your walls come alive with emotion and vibrancy, and to show your true character.