As Shakespeare might have put it if he had known a bit more about art: What’s in a frame? If you’re not artistically inclined, frames may seem to you like purely functional objects. They’re bits of wood or some such material that hold together something you want to hang on a wall. While that’s not technically correct either, artistically that’s just an insult to a frame maker. I, for one, have a third eye for such details and find it almost painful to look at a bad framing job. There are people who will use just about anything to frame something they consider really important. Whether it’s a newspaper clipping, a valuable painting, your club certificate, a diploma, an award or a photo of your oldest kid before the time he became too cool for his parents, everything does not go with just anything.
I love looking at objects to find out what they need
No, objects don’t talk to me, but they do have a personality of their own. For instance, I pay attention to the age of the object and its nature. If it’s a small, flat thing, like a piece of paper or a photo, then you can play with the frame – make it narrow or wide, play with colors, give it more real estate, make it contrast with the surroundings, maybe use repurposed materials to make a statement.
If, on the other hand, you’re framing something big, like a large mirror, there are other considerations to take into account. Where will it be hanging? What will be next to it or around it? You can color-contrast small objects, but larger objects shouldn’t be contrasted; they draw enough attention to themselves as is, and anything too eccentric will just look out of place. A more conservative approach might be better.
Instead, you can play with the materials, the thickness and the width of the frame.
My favorite notion is to just look around and adapt. For instance, I had this large mirror that was to be hung against an exposed brick wall, in a room of eclectic design. I chose an aged wood look with a wide frame, because it gave both an artistic feel and a vintage touch, while looking classy and color-appropriate.
A final tip: Choose the Best Place for the Mirror
It’s important to talk to the client and make sure you agree on the best placement for a mirror. Place a mirror in a spot where it creates more room and reflects light and beauty. You may not consider it outright, but a mirror should add to the feeling of spaciousness and comfort. If it’s placed opposite a dead wall, it’s wasted.
So yeah, to the Shakespearian question “What’s in a frame”, you should be able to answer: “Beauty.”
Contact Us for Custom Framing in San Diego County!
Your mirror transformation begins with a free consultation. Instead of the hassle of driving to a showroom we come to your office. We can handle small and large scale projects. At Sean’s Framing, we work with companies and provide high-quality framing services working within your suggestions, quality guidelines, and budgetary needs. We are professional, inventive, and able to meet corporate requirements and deadlines. At Sean’s Framing we can assist you with:
- Free consultation
- Project planning
- Professional design
- Cost analysis
- Custom framing
- Free delivery
- Secure Installation
Call us 619.246.7547 and let your framing project begin.
Meet Sean and Deb
We handle large orders and offer on-site planning and consultations in San Diego County.
We meet you at your facility or office and bring samples and help with planning recommendations for placement of the frames.
We make all frames right in our custom framing shop located in San Marcos, CA.
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