Below are some helpful design tips:

A custom picture frame typically consists of the following parts:

1. The picture or photograph to be framed
2. The frame
3. The mats - 1 to 3 -  top, middle, and bottom 
4. The acrylic
5. The backing
6. The picture wire and hanger

With each component of the picture frame design, there are some simple things to consider when selecting and designing.

1. The picture or photograph
First: Selecting the picture or photograph you want to frame.

Choose one that has a special meaning or that fits the décor of the room where your final framed piece will be hung.

Second: Consider the picture size.

It shouldn’t be too small or too big for the display area.

Third: The subject matter and color of the piece.

You have to be comfortable with the look you want?  Take your time when selecting a print or piece of art. Does it capture a special look, feel or memory?

2. The frame

   The frame is important and should reflect the color of the piece to be framed or the room decor.  Frames come in many colors, sizes and shapes. Imagine framing has the most popular styles and most common colors for you to choose.

3. The mats - 1 to 3 -  top, middle and bottom

   How many mats should you choose for your frame?

   When designing your frame, you can select one, two or three mats depending on the look you want.  We recommend at least two mats, minimum, to give that extra design element to your picture.

   • If the image has mostly dark colors, the mat colors look best in the following order:
     (1) light top mat - (2) dark middle mat - (3) light bottom (inner) mat
   • If the image has mostly light colors, the mat colors look best in the following order:
     (1) dark outer mat - (2)light middle mat - (3) dark bottom (inner) mat

   Sometimes reversing the above themes can be successful as well.  If you are unsure and would like one of our qualified personnel to choose your mats for you, just contact us. We will send you our patented Color verification kit (a miniaturized version of our selections) for FREE before building your order.  You simply need to choose your frame FIRST.

4. The acrylic

   The protective covering used is acrylic. It is light weight and has a certain amount of UV protection thus giving a longer lasting element to the framed piece. 

   Choosing clear or non glare acrylic:

   As a standard procedure we put a clear acrylic on our framed pieces.  Non-glare acrylic is another option to be used if you intend to put your final framed piece in direct sunlight or in a highly lite room. 

5. The backing

   Standard in the framing industry, backing board is used. It is made out of form core material and is usually white.  It is purpose is to protect the picture for years to come.

6. The picture wire and hanger

   On the Custom Framed Art Prints, we seal the back with a barrier paper and attach picture wire to D rings already attached to the frame. 

   On Frame Your Own, we leave the barrier paper off the back so you can insert your picture yourself.  On these frames, we add two D rings, one on each side, for you to hang your framed piece directly.  We supply the hooks, picture hangers and the How to.

   All of the above elements are important to the finished design. Simply framing a piece of art does not make it a special piece unless you consider all of these elements carefully.