The Components of Framed Art

Framed art is the practice of enclosing a piece of two-dimensional artwork, such as a painting, photograph, or print, within a decorative and protective frame. This process serves a dual purpose: it safeguards the artwork from physical and environmental damage while simultaneously enhancing its visual appeal and integrating it into its intended display space.

A professionally framed piece of art typically consists of several key components that work together to preserve and present the work effectively:

The Frame

The frame is arguably the most defining component of a piece of framed art, acting as its outermost boundary and setting the stage for the artwork within. Its design is a deliberate choice that protects the piece and enhances its visual appeal.

Variety of Materials

The choice of material fundamentally dictates the frame’s style and durability. Wood is the most traditional and versatile option, valued for its warmth, natural grain, and a wide range of finishing possibilities. A wooden frame can be stained to a deep mahogany for a classic look, painted a bold color for a contemporary feel, or left with a rough, rustic finish. Metal frames, typically made from aluminum or steel, offer a modern, industrial, and minimalist aesthetic. Their sleek, thin profiles are ideal for contemporary photography and prints, creating a clean, understated border that allows the art to be the sole focus. Plastic or resin frames are a cost-effective alternative that can be molded to mimic the look and texture of wood or metal. While lightweight and available in a vast array of designs and colors, they generally lack the substance and durability of natural materials.

Complementing the Artwork

The frame’s style, color, and finish are chosen to complement the artwork, creating a harmonious and intentional presentation. A bold, ornate frame with intricate carvings is often paired with classical paintings to match their detailed and elaborate style. Conversely, a simple, flat-profile frame in a neutral color is the perfect choice for a modern abstract piece, ensuring the frame does not compete with the art itself. The color of the frame can be selected to either match a subtle tone within the artwork or to provide a deliberate, contrasting color that makes the art stand out. The finish—from glossy and polished to matte and textured—also plays a key role, adding a final layer of character to the overall composition.

Framed Art Mount: The Mat

The mat, also known as a mount, is a fundamental component of professional framed art, serving both a critical aesthetic purpose and a vital protective function. Far more than just a simple border, it is a deliberate design element that enhances the artwork’s presentation.

Aesthetic Harmony

The mat acts as a visual buffer, providing a “breathing room” or a clean space that separates the artwork from the frame. This separation is crucial, as it prevents the frame’s edges from visually crowding or overwhelming the piece. The mat’s width and color are carefully chosen to draw the viewer’s eye inward, guiding their focus directly to the artwork itself. A wide mat can give a small piece of art more presence on a wall, while a colored mat can be used to highlight a specific tone or detail within the artwork. Its beveled edge also adds a subtle sense of depth, giving the entire framed piece a more polished and professional look.

Vital Protection

Beyond its decorative role, the mat provides essential physical protection for the artwork. Most importantly, it creates a crucial gap between the surface of the artwork and the glazing (glass or acrylic). This prevents the art from coming into direct contact with the glass, which is critical to avoid permanent damage from condensation, moisture, or a phenomenon known as “sticking.” If the artwork were to touch the glass, moisture could cause mold and mildew to grow or cause the piece to adhere to the glazing, making it impossible to remove without damage. Using an acid-free mat board is also vital for long-term preservation, as standard cardboard can release acids over time, causing the artwork to yellow or become discolored at the edges.

Framed Art Glazing

Glazing, the transparent front layer of a framed artwork, is a vital component that serves as the primary barrier between the piece and the environment. While its presence is often taken for granted, its type and quality are crucial for the long-term preservation and display of the art.

The two most common materials used for glazing are glass and acrylic, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Glass

Valued for its superior optical clarity and scratch resistance, glass provides a sharp, pristine view of the artwork. High-end options, such as conservation glass, are treated to filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, which is the leading cause of fading and discoloration. Museum glass goes a step further by including an anti-reflective coating that minimizes glare and distractions. However, glass is heavy and fragile, making it a less suitable choice for very large frames or for use in high-traffic areas where breakage is a concern.

Acrylic (Plexiglas)

This material is a popular alternative to glass, particularly for large-scale pieces. Its main benefits are that it is exceptionally lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it safer to handle and hang. While it can be more prone to scratching than glass, acrylic is also available with UV protection and anti-reflective coatings.

Protective Functions

Regardless of the type, the glazing provides essential protection. It acts as a physical shield against dust, dirt, and moisture, which can degrade the artwork over time. More importantly, it is the first line of defense against UV light. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause irreversible damage, fading the colors of paintings, prints, and photographs. Conservation-grade glazing is specifically engineered to block a high percentage of these rays, helping to preserve the artwork’s original vibrancy and integrity for years to come.

Backing Board

The backing board is a vital, yet often unseen, component of a framed artwork, providing the essential structural support and protection necessary for the long-term preservation of the piece.

Structural Support and Stability

The primary function of the backing board is to provide a rigid, flat surface for the artwork to rest against. This is particularly crucial for prints, photographs, or other paper-based art that is not mounted on a canvas or a board. Without proper backing, these pieces could easily buckle, wrinkle, or sag within the frame over time, especially in response to changes in humidity or temperature. The backing board keeps the artwork taut and secure, ensuring its smooth, flat appearance is maintained for years. It also provides a stable foundation to which the artwork, mat, and glazing can be fastened, holding the entire assembly firmly in place.

Environmental Protection

Beyond its role in providing structural support, the backing board acts as a critical protective barrier. It seals the back of the frame, shielding the artwork from a variety of environmental threats. This includes guarding against dust, dirt, and insects that might otherwise find their way into the frame and cause damage. More importantly, an acid-free backing board provides a defense against the acids in non-archival materials, which can cause the artwork to yellow or become brittle over time. A proper backing board also helps to regulate the environment within the frame, protecting the art from moisture and humidity that can lead to warping, foxing, or mold growth.

Framed Art: Aesthetic and Decorative Role

Framing is a critical and often understated art form in itself, acting as a vital transition that bridges the artwork to its surrounding environment. The frame serves as a deliberate boundary, transforming a piece of art from an isolated object into a harmonious and intentional element of a room’s decor.

Creating a Focal Point

A well-chosen frame is a powerful tool for directing attention. It acts as a visual spotlight, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the artwork and establishing it as the central focal point of a wall or a room. A bold, ornate, or highly contrasting frame can immediately command attention and make a piece of art feel more substantial. The frame sets the artwork apart from the surrounding wall, giving it a sense of importance and ensuring that it is seen as a deliberate and curated part of the space.

Providing Visual Context

The style of a frame is not just a decorative choice; it provides essential visual context for the artwork. The frame can communicate the mood, period, or formality of the piece. For example, a rustic, weathered wood frame can lend a sense of history and warmth to an old family photograph, while a sleek, minimalist frame can enhance the clean lines of a contemporary abstract painting. By selecting a frame that aligns with the artwork’s style, an individual can reinforce the art’s narrative and help it resonate more deeply with the viewer.

Harmonizing with Decor

Beyond its relationship with the artwork, the frame is a key element in tying the art to the rest of the room. Its material, color, and finish can be meticulously chosen to harmonize with the decor, creating a cohesive and polished look. A gold-finished frame can echo the hardware on furniture, a natural wood frame can complement a wooden floor, and a colorful frame can pull a specific tone from a rug or textile. This intentional coordination ensures that the art doesn’t feel like an afterthought but rather a seamless and integrated part of the overall design.