How to Choose a Frame for Art That's Not Flat

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue - and did not fall off. Guess what? Art isn't necessarily flat either. Here's what to do with it when it's not.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Art
• Picture Frames Or Framing Supplies
• Picture Hangers
• Mat Board
• Mat Knives
• Yardsticks
• Hammers
• Miter Saws
• Mitre Boxes
• Stud Finders
• Hammers

1. Define your goal. Is it to set off your piece better? Or to protect it from dust?

2. Decide how and where you want to display your piece. Will it sit on top of a bookcase or sideboard - or hang over the mantel?

3. Measure your piece - in all three directions (height, width and depth - depth being the extent to which it sticks out from wherever you're going to put it).

4. Decide how much space you want to leave around your piece. There's no hard and fast rule about this, so try a few things and see what looks good.

5. Choose a frame that is in keeping with the scale of your piece. In general, a very thick, chunky or heavy piece can carry a much weightier frame, while an ethereal piece such as a mobile needs a lighter approach (lighter, literally, in color as well as weight of the frame). A very deep frame can still look quite delicate, as long as the edge of the frame (what you see when you look at the piece) is thin.

6. Consider a plain plexiglass box as an alternative to a traditional (or even nontraditional) frame. A fabric piece or mask may look best this way.

Tips & Warnings

• Frames that are quite deep are called shadow boxes - and they can be quite expensive. You might want to consider building your own or ordering a kit from a catalog.
• No matter what framing solution you decide on, remember that archival quality mats are the best way to protect your art.