How to Use a Dark Wood Picture Frame

When you choose a picture to hang on your wall, you might not always think the frame matters as much as the image. However, the right frame can tie your room together and make the photo or painting stand out against your wall. Dark wood picture frames can add interest and sophistication to a room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at your picture closely. Determine whether it is traditional or modern in style and color and notice any areas that stand out to you. Bold artwork often works well with dark frames, so choose your pictures carefully.

2. Choose a dark wood color that complements the rest of your decor and with the image. For example, if you noticed a few red accents in your picture, try a dark red wood to bring out those tones.

3. Find a style that matches your picture. If the photo or painting is traditional, find a frame with ornamentation, carving and more intricate detail to match the style. If your picture is more contemporary, pair it with a simple, clean-lined frame in a deep chocolate brown.

4. Pay attention to the size of the frame in relation to the photo. For modern pieces, small photos with large white matting and a thick frame work well, but for a small, traditional wedding photo, a large thick frame would compete for attention or overwhelm the image.

5. Use highlights such as gold or silver to bring more interest to your picture and other decor. Dark woods often pair well with gold or silver details to give a sophisticated or contemporary look to your artwork. If you picked out silver or gold accents in your picture, pair it with a highlighted frame.