Framing Methods Guide: How to Choose the Right Picture Frame for Your Art

Framing Methods Guide: How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Art

Why pick the right framing method? Because the method you choose determines how well your piece is preserved, how striking it looks on the wall, and how seamlessly it fits your space. At Modern Memory Design (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ—minutes from NYC), we tailor framing to the art, using conservation-minded materials and clean, gallery-ready finishes.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Framing Method

• Preservation: Quality framing protects from light, humidity, dust, and handling. We recommend acid-free mounts and UV-filtering glazing to extend the life of your art.
• Enhanced Presentation: The right build adds depth, separates the art from the glazing when needed, and highlights texture, color, and edge detail.
• Complementing Aesthetics: Minimalist frames disappear; ornate frames punctuate. Your method should serve the art, not compete with it.
• Versatility: Paintings, photographs, textiles, jerseys, medals, mixed media—different pieces demand different approaches.
• Professionalism: Archival techniques and precise fabrication deliver that polished, gallery-level result.

Framing Methods (With Examples)

Below are our most requested methods. We also combine techniques for bespoke builds—ask us if you don’t see your exact scenario.

1) Direct Framing (Traditional Frame with Glazing)

Best for: Posters, photographs, prints, certificates, and flat paper pieces.

How it works: Your artwork is mounted (hinged or corner-mounted for reversibility) into a frame with glass or acrylic on top. A slim profile keeps the focus on the image.

• Use acid-free backing and archival hinges to protect the piece.
• Choose standard, non-glare, or museum-grade UV glazing depending on light conditions.

2) Matted Framing (Single, Double, or Triple Mats)

Best for: Photographs, prints, certificates, and artworks that benefit from breathing room.

How it works: A colored or white mat board surrounds the image, creating visual space. The mat window is typically cut to reveal ~1/4" of the artwork edge inside the opening.

• Mats in 1" up to 8" widths create different looks—from clean to dramatic.
• Double or triple mats add contrast lines that pull colors from the art.
• All mats are acid-free to prevent discoloration.

3) Spacer / Shadow Box Framing (Depth Build)

Best for: Jerseys, medals, playbills, vinyl records, textiles, objects, and layered displays.

How it works: We build depth into the frame, separating art from glazing with spacers or a shadow-box body. Ideal for anything dimensional or for paper pieces that should not sit directly against glazing.

• Structured mounts, sewing, or object mounts keep items secure without damage.
• Black, white, or fabric backers create a museum case look.
• Perfect for custom jersey framing and memorabilia collages.

4) Float Mount (Art Appears to “Float”)

Best for: Prints with deckled edges, small works on paper, and pieces where the edge is part of the art.

How it works: The artwork is raised subtly above a backing (often mat board) so you see the entire edge. A small shadow appears around the piece, adding depth.

• Uses archival hinges or hidden mounts for reversibility.
• Can be combined with a surrounding mat (“float-raised matted” look) under glazing.

5) Raised Floater in Deep Frame

Best for: Gallery-style presentations of paper works or panels.

How it works: The art is mounted on a hidden platform (“float board”) inside a deeper frame so the piece appears suspended within the frame body—no mat window. Stunning for modern interiors.

6) Floating Canvas in a Floater Frame

Best for: Stretched canvas paintings or canvas prints.

How it works: The canvas sits inside a “floater” frame with a reveal gap (typically 1/8"–1/4") so the frame appears not to touch the canvas. Great for 0.75" and 1.5" depths.

• No glazing—lets the texture of the canvas breathe.
• Choose modern black, white, metallic, woodgrain, or rustic finishes.

7) Enclosed Canvas in a Traditional Frame

Best for: Canvas art when you want a classic framed look that hides the side depth.

How it works: The canvas is framed conventionally and set back inside the frame so the canvas face sits level with the frame’s rabbet. Elegant, tidy, and traditional—especially for ornate profiles.

8) Float-Raised Matted Frame (Combo Build)

Best for: Premium presentation of prints, drawings, and mixed media.

How it works: The artwork is floated (edges visible) and then matted on top, under glazing. This creates an eye-catching 3D effect—depth, shadow, and a crisp mat border all in one.

Glazing Options (Glass & Acrylic)

• Standard Glass: Crisp and economical for smaller sizes. Heavier; avoid for very large frames.
• Non-Glare Glass: Diffuses reflections; best when lights are unavoidable.
• Museum Glass: High UV filtration and clarity; premium for heirlooms.
• UV-Filtering Acrylic: Lightweight and shatter-resistant; ideal for large sizes and shipping.
• Non-Glare / Museum Acrylic: Combines clarity, UV control, and reduced reflection.

Quick Selector: Which Method Should I Choose?

Professional Details That Matter

• Archival Materials: Acid-free mats and backing; reversible hinges where possible.
• Spacers & Air Gaps: Keep works off glazing; critical for charcoals, pastels, and photos.
• UV & Reflection Control: Choose glazing for your lighting conditions.
• Precision Fit: We build to size up to 48" × 72" (one side ≤ 48").
• Shipping & Install: Secure packaging for nationwide shipping; local options available.

Why Modern Memory Design

• Custom, Made in New Jersey: Built in our Hasbrouck Heights frame shop.
• Hundreds of Mouldings & Mat Colors: Modern, rustic, metallic, gallery-thin, and ornate profiles.
• Canvas, Paper, & Object Framing: From photos to fine art to jerseys.
• Friendly Consultations: Bring your piece or start a custom order online.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a shadow box and a float mount?

A shadow box builds depth to display 3D objects or keep flat art off the glazing; a float mount lifts a flat piece so you see all its edges and a subtle shadow around it.

Glass or acrylic—what should I pick?

Glass offers crisp clarity for small to medium sizes; acrylic is lighter and safer for large frames or shipping. For bright spaces, non-glare or museum-grade glazing reduces reflections and filters UV.

Do mats protect the art?

Yes. Mats create space so the art doesn’t touch the glazing and provide an acid-free barrier. They also add visual balance and can pull accent colors from the artwork.

Can you frame jerseys and memorabilia?

Absolutely. We build custom jersey shadow boxes with secure mounts, team colors, and optional nameplates, photos, or pins.

How do I measure for framing?

Measure the visible art width × height. If you plan to show edges (float mount), include notes about deckled or uneven edges. We’ll guide final measurements during your consultation.

How long does custom framing take?

Timelines depend on materials and complexity. We’ll share a firm lead time at quoting—rush options are often available.

Ready to frame it right? Visit our Hasbrouck Heights showroom or start your custom framing project today. We ship nationwide.