Wood may have reigned as the chosen picture frame for thousands of years, but the modern picture framing customer has a much larger selection from which to choose. Most often, however, customers narrow it down to just two: wood or the more modern metal. While the decision eventually comes down to personal preference—not just availability or convention—there are a few other considerations when choosing between a wood and metal picture frame for any artwork. Check Out The ArtworkThe earliest picture frames were made from wood and remained the favorite frame material for years; classic and traditional pieces, such as still life paintings, portraits and landscapes, often look more “at home” within a wooden picture frame. The intricate details and play of light and dark (chiaroscuro, for the art buffs) in many of these paintings are complemented by the warmth and elegant detail—sometimes ornate—of traditional wooden frames. This warmth can also carry over to more contemporary, colorful works that blur the lines between traditional and modern. Modern works, such as abstract paintings, minimalistic work and photography, most commonly black and white photography, are suited to the simplicity of metal frames. With their no-fuss look, metal picture frames support less intricately detailed works of art rather than compete with them. Check Out The RoomA framed piece of artwork will have a home somewhere inside yours—look to that room’s style for guidance. A warmly-toned living room outfitted with an overstuffed sofa and a roaring fireplace is the perfect setting for a wide mahogany picture frame, while modern rooms call for metal frames. Though metal picture frames often feature fewer color options than its wood counterparts—white, black and silver are the most common colors in metal picture frames—their simplicity allow them to complement many styles of décor Check Your BudgetBecause wood frames are composed of a pricier material and must be hand-glued and nailed together, they are slightly more expensive than the typically aluminum metal frames. The more ornate the wood frame gets, the more expensive it is. If you plan on purchasing a complete frame kit, including mat board, mount board and glazing, at museum conservation-level quality, it may be beneficial to first look at your budget. Those who wish to frame multiple photographs or prints—to create a gallery wall, for example—may find it easier on their budget to purchase metal frames or mix and match the materials. Check Out The Damage Potential.While wood frames are sturdy, they are sometimes susceptible to damage. Wood frames may also be heavier, which can make it easier to drop, and subsequently dent or ding, them. Customers who plan to move their frames, have children with curious hands, or house pets that love to knock things over may find it easier on their wallets to choose metal frames, at least for the time being. Metal frames can be repaired or have sides replaced, while wood frames wear their scratches and dents with pride. All of these “rules” can go out the window depending on what you like. A traditional oil painting can be framed in a sleek silver metal frame, no matter what the customs dictate. It’s simply up to you to decide what you like best in a picture frame. By: Mark Rogers
9 Comments
6/28/2018 03:50:22 pm
Thanks for the tip about considering the room when choosing a picture frame. It would be good to consider this because it would help match everything well. My husband and I are looking for a new picture frame, so we'll have to consider the room it will go in first.
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7/11/2018 06:47:22 pm
It got me when you said that metal frames can easily complement any style of house decor because it's only colors are white, black, and silver. I guess I would have to choose this kind of frame for the artwork that I plan to give to my mom for her birthday. I have been having difficulty on which type of frame should I use because I want to make sure that she can hang it anywhere. So thanks for the information!
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5/20/2021 11:31:34 am
I thought it was interesting when you explained that it is a good idea to check out the room when you are trying to pick out a frame. I want to get some frames for some photographs that I have on my computer. These tips you shared will help me find some frames that will look good with my decoration theme.
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Thanks for pointing out that wood frames are heavier, so it can be a task to move them from time to time. With that in mind, I should make sure to put the photo in the right place to keep it there permanently if I will choose the wood material for the frame. It's for the almost life-size family picture of us that I want to display in the living room.
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8/18/2021 09:38:33 pm
It is important for us to be mindful of the material when we decide on a picture frame. It makes sense for us to be mindful as it will impact on the quality and interior decor. I will definitely consider the material for when I look for picture frames.
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8/25/2021 08:17:47 pm
Thanks for pointing out that modern photography is suited to the simplicity of metal frames. This is really helpful because my husband and I want to improve our living room before our parents come to visit in September. With this, we are hoping to find custom picture framing on Monday that can provide high-quality modern and contemporary frames for our wedding photographs.
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9/8/2021 11:20:53 pm
Its amazing article about wood frame or metal frame. In the result i will chose wood frame for my use because its saves money and looks decent and the important point is that no liquids harms it.
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12/7/2021 08:15:00 am
I am grateful that this post mentioned that when choosing picture frames, it is important that we consider the material and how resistant it is to damage. My wife recently purchased some paintings that she is looking to have hung on the walls. I will definitely remind her to consider the material as well as the color of our walls before she decides on the frames.
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4/10/2022 02:11:55 pm
My aunt asked me for ideas on how to beautify her home by using my late grandfather's wartime photos. I love your suggestion of trying out wooden picture frames because of their natural aesthetic! Maybe we should find a custom picture frame expert for this plan of hers someday.
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