So how do you choose which type of frame to look for?!
Well, if you don’t already have a theme throughout your house, the choice in styles can be difficult! So here’s a guide on how to pin point exactly which frame/mount to go with!
Framing is very much linked to taste, so feel free to ignore anything I say – it’s all up to you as it has to go on YOUR walls!
If you love any of these, click on the image and it will take you to the listing on Amazon/my website to purchase.
Ornate Frames
Ornate frames typically do not need mounts because they are so super fancy already!
They are typically great for featured portraits – e.g. ones you really want someone to notice! The frames are so grand, that it’s hard not to!
They are also quite feminine due to the detailing. And give the impression of luxury, high end frames.
Pale / White frames go best with portraits that are light in colour – like this Grey Horse!
Rustic Frames
Wooden and rustic frames are perfect for that “country feel”. They snuggle right into that cosy farmhouse aesthetic, which is great for wildlife portraits, gundogs or of course if you have a home that has a country, gamekeeper theme.
They are perfect for portraits that are neutral colours – like the example provided. I would advice against framing for black pets – just because the black and brown clash.
Black Frames
I love adding mounts to these frames, just to really accent the portrait. Black frames will go in any home, but once you pick black, I would make sure to continue with black frames throughout for a consistent theme.
You can find both black gloss (like a plastic feel) or a black wooden type frame. My favourite is the black wooden, as it has wooden effect detailing – the black gloss tends to be so shiny that it draws away from the picture within.
White Frames
You can usually choose whether to go with white or black frames based on the image you wish to frame. I chose black for the Bernese because it is the main colour of the dog breed. It makes them look really smart and the white mount gives contrast between the two.
White frames, likewise, can usually be picked because a lighter theme of portrait, or when there are so many colours you want to keep the frame simple.
Gold Frames
Gold Frames are perfect to give that added feeling of Regency decadence! They are perfect for pets with the warmer colours such as gold, yellow, apricot, champagne, sulphur…. and all the other names for yellow amongst the breeds!
This frame has a huge mount, which makes your eye draw in. It works especially well for small portraits – such as my 4×4 inch drawings.
Coloured Frames
If you want to have a pop of colour in your living room, then a frame is a good way to do it!
You can either pick a colour you already have dotted around in your room (“accent colour”) or you can pick out a colour from within the drawing – such as the mint of the agility poles match the green of the frame!
Distressed Frames
The “shabby chic” gives an aged look that makes it look like your frame has been there the whoooole time!
They’re very trendy and look beautiful on the dresser rather than on the wall.
Just as the mint above matches the agility weave poles above, the blue of this one matches the blue of little Bertie’s bow tie!
Here is another example of a distressed frame, this time as driftwood.
These work really well in a neutral coloured home. They have the warmth of wood without being too dark.
Frame with without with without Mount?
Without Mount:
Cheaper, Smaller and Simpler. You’re more likely to find the correct size for your portrait, as you’re not trying to account for the extra mount space.
The smaller portrait you have, it seems like frame manufacturers make up for the size in mount. So a 4×4 portrait could end up in a frame twice the size just because it’s all mount!
With Mount:
Bigger, looks more complete, and can be more forgiving on sizes – you can put a bigger portrait behind a smaller mount and get away with it, but you couldn’t do that in a frame that fits it exactly.
With other coloured frames, it gives a “buffer” between the frame and the picture so the transition isn’t so abrupt.
US Customers – “Mount” is the same as “Matt”
Things to avoid
Picking a too busy frame, for an already busy colourful portrait can sometimes be a bit confusing and clash too much. This may of course, be your absolute cup of tea! But, the portrait may suit a better frame.
You can of course pick a frame like this for a fun but less busy portrait!
The pink matches the cheeky lil tongue, and the white of the poodle doesn’t get lost in the funky frame, and rather complements it.
Either have the crazy colourful frame, or a crazy colourful portrait… not both haha
Shaped Frames (Also including circles, ovals, letters etc.)
Adorable idea but:
You’d have to cut to shape! I would always advise against cutting an original portrait… You’ll make me cry!
Also, due to the shape, you will always lose a little bit of the image, and impossible to gauge the size of a shape like a heart, so you may lose more than you want!
You could however, always do it with a greeting card/print… or of course your own photos that you can print out again if you go wrong!
Or even some of my much loved vellum wrap!
You can purchase some here:
£3.75 for 5 sheets of A4