Framing, interior design and creating a harmonious space

Imagine strolling into your living room and a sense of peace washes over you. Sunlight plays on the gilded frame of your favourite landscape, warming the space around it.

In the corner, a once-drab nook is alive thanks to an abstract print, housed in a modern frame. This isn't decoration, it's a curated experience that combines colour, texture and emotion.

Have you ever considered the transformative power of a frame? It's a sartorial choice for your artwork, enhancing its innate artistry whilst narrating the story you want to tell. The right frame isn't only a protective border, it's a declaration of your style and a window into the character of your home.

However, with endless options available, the search for the Holy Grail of frames can feel overwhelming. So, in this guide we'll discover how you can harmonise your choice of frame with your interior design, furniture and décor.

 Whether you're a collector or simply interested in personalising your space, we aim to redefine your relationship with art and your living environment.

How to match frames with different interior designs

Like a tailored suit, the right frame should complement the artwork's personality and resonate with the ambiance of your space. Let's find out how to select the ideal frame for your room.

Modern frames are sleek and understated

Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, focussed on functionality. These are the hallmarks of modern design. To use this aesthetic, opt for wood frames in finishes like wax, stained, or even a subtle pop of colour.

Thin profiles and minimalist designs make your artwork the focal point. This can be seen in a stark black and white photograph framed in a slender, ebony frame. A timeless pairing of two understated tones.

•  Materials: Wood (matte black, wax, stained, bold colours)
• Profile: Thin, minimalist
• Ideal for: Black and white photography, abstract art, minimalist prints

Minimalist frames allow art to shine

 If your space embraces simplicity and negative space, let your artwork breathe with gallery-style or float mounting. Natural wood finishes, like pale oak or pine, introduce warmth without overwhelming the senses.

 Think of a delicate watercolour, suspended in a simple wooden frame. This space is the embodiment of minimalism. The slender frame doesn’t draw any attention away from the painting and simultaneously highlights the simplicity of the watercolour.

• Materials: Natural wood (oak, pine)
• Mounting: Gallery-style, float mounting
• Ideal for: Watercolours, line drawings, delicate prints

Traditional frames convey timeless elegance

 For those who favour a classic aesthetic, intricate details can help situate the piece. Gilded frames, antique finishes and richer tones like mahogany and cherry all embody the classic style.

 These frames exude sophistication and pay homage to the rich history of art. This style is frequently seen in museums, where a Renaissance portrait might be adorned with an ornate gold leaf frame. This doesn’t mean you can’t use this look in your home. On the contrary, it’s the perfect complement to darker walls and panelling.

• Materials: Wood (mahogany, cherry), gilded finishes
• Style: Ornate, detailed
• Ideal for: Oil paintings, portraits, classical landscapes

Eclectic frames celebrate individuality

 Don’t shy away from experimenting with various frame materials and finishes. Embrace the unexpected by mixing woods, and textured finishes to curate a look that's uniquely you.

 It could be a collection of vintage sci-fi prints, each housed in a different antique frame. Or a selection of disparate botanical paintings purchased from thrift shops and framed in juxtaposing wood.

• Materials: Woods
• Style: Diverse, mismatched
• Ideal for: Vintage prints, mixed media art, collections

Try retro with a mid-century frame

Clean lines, organic shapes, and a touch of retro charm define mid-century modern design. Wooden frames with warm tones like teak or oak, accented by unique profiles encapsulate this aesthetic.

 Imagine a geometric abstract print in an oak frame. A knowing nod to the golden age of design.

•  Materials: Wood (teak, oak)
• Profile: Unique, geometric
• Ideal for: Abstract prints, mid-century artwork, geometric patterns

How to coordinate frames with furniture and décor

 The art of coordination goes beyond colour matching. It’s a thoughtful collection of scale, texture, and visual weight.

Scale

 A grand, oversized frame can serve as an attention-drawing anchor in a spacious living room, while a collection of smaller frames creates a playful gallery wall in a hallway.

 Remember, the size of your frames should be proportionate to the room's dimensions and the surrounding furniture.

Texture

 Just as you would pair fabrics and materials in your décor, consider the tactile combinations of your frames.

 Rustic wooden frames are a stylish compliment for leather and soft wood frames pair well with velvet. This use of textures adds depth and visual intrigue to your space.

 And remember, textures don’t necessarily have to match. Experiment with them to create the environment that you imagine.

Visual weight

 Achieving balance is paramount and this can be done in numerous ways. A heavy, ostentatious frame might benefit from the counterbalance of a lighter piece of furniture or a neutral wall colour.

 Similarly, a minimalist frame can be highlighted by surrounding it with bolder elements. Think of it as a ballet of visuals, each piece of decoration playing a part in creating the balance.

 Balance can come in many forms. Even in chaos, the balance can be drawn out with positioning and wall colour.

Tying together a room's aesthetic with framed art

 Framed art is more than decoration. It's a powerful tool for storytelling and establishing a cohesive design.

Focal points

 A large artwork encased in a statement frame possesses the power to command attention and be the focal point of a room. Choose its placement wisely to ensure it draws the eye with its presence.

Unifying elements

 Art possesses the ability to bridge the gap between disparate styles and colour schemes. A collection of prints, united by similar frames, can tie together a room furnished with an array of styles.

 In a space designed to be eclectic, a series of abstract paintings sharing a common colour palette can create visual cohesion.

Mood enhancement

 A musical score can define a film and the same applies to framing. The right artwork and frame can dictate the mood of an entire room.

 Muted colours in simple frames evoke the tranquillity reminiscent of a Rothko painting. Meanwhile, bold, colourful pieces in statement frames lend a space energy and vibrancy.

Framing is an artistic expression, so use it to your benefit

 Framing is a transformative tool that can raise your space from disjointed to curated. By understanding the nuances of matching frames to a style, coordinating them with your décor, and using them to create focal points and enhance the mood, you can fashion a personal sanctuary that reflects your personality.

Remember, the ideal frame is the one that resonates with you. Embrace experimentation, explore styles and be creative. After all, your home is your canvas. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Visit Versus Arts to see our collection of frames and experience a tailored service. Our framers have extensive industry understanding and are ready to help you pair your artwork with the right frame.