subject: Picture Hanging: Does Your Picture Frame Enhance Or Detract? [print this page] Picture Hanging: Does Your Picture Frame Enhance Or Detract?
Any decor can be enhanced with carefully planned picture hanging and unique and stylish picture frames. The frame you use to surround any picture is considered to be just as much a design element as the picture itself. When a frame is chosen correctly, it either draws the picture out further or blends with the background to enable the artwork to speak for itself.
There are many and varying types of picture frames on the market today and which you choose depends entirely on the style of picture you are framing. There are many frame designs to choose from ranging from the very traditional to quite contemporary. Your choices then expand as you consider what material you want the frame to be made from: metallic, timber, plastic, fabric, glass just name a few.
1. Timber frames
Timber picture frames are one of the most commonly used. Generally speaking there are three types of wooden frames; solid wood, composite and wood veneer. These timber frames can range from a very simple, smooth profile, to quite heavy and ornate designs. Overall, the wooden frame are a medium to heavy weight option.
2. Plastic frames
If you are looking for a long-lasting cheaper alternative, then you should consider plastic frames. There are hundreds of different looks that can be achieved with plastic picture frames; solid colour, glossy, satin, flat, wood grain imitation, detailed, simple, thick, thin - the list goes on and on. As far as weight is concerned, plastic is at the lighter end of the scale.
3. Metallic frames
Metal can have the same appearance as that of plastic but is much more durable and longer lasting. It is also considerably heavier and stronger. Metal frames can also range from simple flat designs to quite ornate works of art in themselves.
4. Glass frames
The glass frames tend to have a very high gloss and a more elegant, luxurious appearance. Glass frames are harder to come by and again are in the medium to heavy weight range. Finger prints on the glass are a definite downside to this type of picture frame.
Given that the different types of frames have varying weight components, the picture hanging system you use to display your artwork should also be considered carefully. When using lighter weight frames and pictures, direct fixing with nails or hooks could be sufficient. However with the heavier frames of wood, metal and glass, a proper art hanging system should be considered.
A clip rail or recessed art hanging system would be the best option as the rail can be discreetly fixed to the wall and the weight of your artwork distributed across the rail rather than hanging off a single hook. The other benefits of a professional art hanging system is that several pieces of art can be hung from the same rail, alleviating the need for numerous hooks and hangers being fixed to the wall.
With careful consideration given to three elements of picture, frame and hanging system; your artwork can be a striking conversation piece in your home providing and a key visual element to the overall balance of your favourite spaces.
