How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Artwork

A great piece of art deserves an equally great frame. Whether you're displaying a cherished family photo, a fine art print, or an original painting, the right frame elevates the piece — and the wrong one can diminish it. At Modern Memory Design, we've been helping customers in NJ, NYC, and across the US find the perfect frame for over a decade. Here's our expert guide to making the right choice.

1. Consider the Style of Your Artwork

The frame should complement — not compete with — your artwork. As a general rule:

• Traditional or classical art (think Renaissance masters or portraits) pairs beautifully with ornate gold or dark wood frames. Browse our Leonardo da Vinci Renaissance Masterpieces collection for inspiration.
• Modern and abstract art looks sharp in sleek metal or minimalist black frames. See our Van Gogh Framed Art collection for examples of bold art in refined frames.
• Photography and prints often work best with simple, clean frames that don't distract from the image itself.

2. Match the Frame to Your Room's Décor

Your frame should feel at home in the room where it will hang. Consider the dominant colors, furniture style, and overall aesthetic:

• Rustic or farmhouse interiors: natural wood tones, distressed finishes
• Modern or contemporary spaces: matte black, brushed silver, or white frames
• Traditional or classic rooms: gold leaf, dark walnut, or mahogany
• Coastal or bohemian spaces: whitewashed wood, rattan, or light natural finishes

3. Choose the Right Size

Frame size matters more than most people realize. A frame that's too small makes artwork look cramped; one that's too large can overwhelm a small piece. Standard sizes like 4x6 photo frames and 8.5x11 document frames are great for everyday photos and certificates. For oversized or non-standard artwork, custom framing is the best solution.

4. Don't Forget the Mat Board

A mat board creates visual breathing room between your artwork and the frame. It also protects the art from touching the glass. Choose a mat color that picks up a subtle tone from within the artwork — not necessarily the dominant color, but an accent shade that ties everything together.

5. Think About Glass Options

Standard glass is fine for most applications, but if your artwork will be displayed in a sunny room or has sentimental value, consider UV-protective glass. It blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays that cause fading over time — a worthwhile investment for heirloom pieces.

6. Custom Framing vs. Ready-Made Frames

Ready-made frames work well for standard-size photos and prints. But for anything non-standard — oversized prints, canvas paintings, jerseys, or documents — custom framing is the way to go. Our team at Modern Memory Design can frame virtually anything, with same-day options available at our NJ location.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Frame?

Explore our full range of shadow box frames, fine art prints, and custom framing options at Modern Memory Design. Whether you're in Bergen County, NYC, or ordering online from anywhere in the US, we're here to help you display what matters most.

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