This guide explores common framing options and what to consider when selecting the best fit for your art and your home. Your taste leads; these are suggestions you can follow if they resonate with you.

Framing is a big topic. Here we’ll cover the essentials so you can make confident choices right now. A complete, in-depth framing guide with photos and video will be published for Boxwood Golden Acorn and Mighty Oak members—coming soon.

Why Frames Matter (Purpose & Scope)

Choosing the right frame can make a piece sing—or drown it out. The frame’s job is to support the artwork, not overpower it. In this guide we’ll touch on where to get a frame, frame types, glazing options, matboard choices, and where to hang the piece so it’s enjoyed daily.

Where to Get Your Frame

Premade frames can be convenient and budget-friendly. Professional framing is recommended for original works and fine art prints made with archival materials, as a framer can walk you through options for protection and presentation.

Type of Frame

Simple beats busy. The more complex a frame, the more of the artwork it can visually steal. A clean, subtle profile usually lets the art shine and keeps the focus where it belongs.

Type of Glass / Glazing

Whatever you choose, ask to place a sample over the artwork before committing, and view it under the light where it will live.

Reflectiveness (Glare)

High glare glass can mirror your room and make the art hard to see. Low-reflection or “museum” glass/acrylic helps you appreciate the artwork without distracting reflections.

UV Glass

UV-filtering glazing reduces UV exposure but does not eliminate heat buildup or overall light exposure. Some UV glass can have a slight color cast; ask to see it directly over your piece to ensure colors aren’t shifted.

Matboard — Type & Color

What is it?

Matting creates a visual breathing space and a physical buffer between art and glazing, guiding the viewer’s eye and complementing the palette.

Type

• Museum/archival cotton mats (100% cotton, acid- and lignin-free) are the gold standard and help prevent “mat burn.”
• Acid-free mats with cotton, white, or colored cores are widely used; avoid cream cores that can discolor over time.

Color

Keep it neutral. Very vivid/bright mats can compete with the art and drain its intended hues. Choose a subtle tone that supports the artwork’s overall lightness or darkness (e.g., mid-to-dark mat for a very dark piece) so the art—not the mat—takes center stage.

Where to Hang (Placement)

Placement depends on your goals—visibility, theme, or a personal spot of inspiration. There’s no wrong answer, but less visual clutter nearby helps the art read clearly. Likewise, extremely bright wall colors can overpower the piece.

• Do I want everyone to see this?
• Is it an identity or inspiration piece (office, entry) I want to share?
• Is it for a themed space (bedroom, reading nook)?
• Do I just love it and want it where I have space?

Eye level is a helpful guide: centering the artwork around ~57–60″ from the floor often feels natural.

Practical Steps to Hang

1. Prepare: Gather the framed artwork, hanging hardware, level, tape measure, and pencil.
2. Mark: Lightly pencil the spot on the wall, considering lighting and nearby decor.
3. Hang: Install appropriate hardware on the frame; mount on wall anchors suitable for the piece’s weight; level and adjust.
4. Final check: Step back and make small tweaks for balance and harmony.

In short: aim for simplicity, protect the art with quality materials, and place it where it can be enjoyed every day. Thoughtful framing elevates the work now—and preserves it for years to come.