If you've ever stared at a beautiful print or painting without a frame and wondered, "Now what do I do with this?" - you're not alone. Framing art can feel overwhelming with all the choices: frame materials, colors, mat sizes, glass versus acrylic... where do you even start? It's even more difficult when thinking about how to get frames sustainably.
I've spent years collecting work from other artists for my home and creating nature-inspired ecofriendly watercolor painting for others, and I've learned a thing or two about what makes art really shine on the wall while minimizing your impact on the planet. Whether you just brought home a new piece or you're finally ready to frame that art you've had rolled up in a closet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Let's make your art feel right at home. 💜
Why Framing Your Art Actually Matters
Here's the thing: a good frame isn't just a border around your art. It's what makes your piece feel intentional, finished, and truly at home on your wall.
Framing does three important things:
1. Elevates Your Art
It transforms a simple print into a statement piece that feels magazine-worthy. The right frame gives your art presence and makes people stop and look.
2. Protects Your Investment
Remember, art is an investment. Whether it's an original painting or a fine art print, framing shields your piece from dust, moisture, and harmful UV light. Good framing means your art will look beautiful for decades, not just months.
3. Completes the Look
The right frame ties your art into your space, accentuating your style. It's the finishing touch that makes everything feel cohesive and intentional, like it was always meant to be there.
Canvas vs. Paper: What's the Difference in Framing?
The type of print you have makes a big difference in how you'll want to frame it and overall cost. People don't realize that framing a paper print can often cost more time and money than simply choosing canvas. Here's what you need to know about framing each:
Framing Paper (Original Watercolor Paintings, Fine Art Paper Prints, Giclée Paper Prints)
Paper art needs protection from dust, moisture, and handling, which is where framing really shines. Paper art needs:
- Acrylic or glass — Always. Fine paper art must be protected behind a clear surface (otherwise it's just a poster)
- Matting — Highly recommended. A mat keeps the paper from touching the acrylic and adds a polished, gallery-quality look
- Backing board — Essential for support and protection
- Frame style — Any! Black, white, wood, metal, they all work beautifully
I dive into each of these categories in further detail below, but if you're looking for a quick answer, here's my common recommendation: Use UV-protective acrylic with a classic white mat and black or natural wood frame for a timeless look that protects your investment.
Framing Canvas Prints (Gallery-Wrapped Canvas, Canvas Giclée)
Canvas prints are already stretched over wooden stretcher bars, so they're a bit more forgiving, and they don't need glass/acrylic, a mat, or a frame if you don't want one. You have options!
Option 1: Frame the canvas
Adding a wood or metal frame gives your canvas a finished, gallery-quality look. This is my personal preference, I think it elevates the piece and makes it feel more intentional and less "big box store".
Option 2: Hang it unframed
Many people love the casual, modern look of a frameless canvas with the wrap-around edge showing. The image typically continues around the sides of the canvas, creating a finished look without a frame. WARNING: Steer clear of white edges, it looks cheap.
Bottom line: Paper art needs full protection and framing. Canvas prints are more flexible, frame them for a polished look, or go frameless for a casual, modern vibe. Both are beautiful when done right!
Glass vs. Acrylic: Why Acrylic is the Better Choice
One of the most important decisions you'll make when framing paper art is choosing what goes in front of your piece. For years, glass was the standard, but acrylic has become the go-to choice for good reason.
Acrylic beats glass because it is:
- More scratch-resistant — contrary to what you might think, quality acrylic is actually harder to scratch than glass
- Lighter weight — making it easier to hang and move, especially for larger pieces
- Shatter-resistant — no risk of dangerous broken glass
- Better UV protection — UV-protective acrylic blocks harmful rays that cause artwork to fade
Glass is:
- Heavy and difficult to handle
- Prone to shattering (not fun, trust me)
- Offers minimal UV protection in standard forms
- More expensive to ship if you're ordering frames online
UV-Protective Acrylic for Original Artwork
If you're framing an original painting or a piece that will live near a window, UV-protective acrylic is absolutely worth the investment. It blocks the light that causes colors to fade over time.
That said, the best strategy overall is to avoid placing any artwork in direct, intense sunlight, even with UV protection. Soft, ambient light is your art's best friend.
The Easiest Way to Frame Your Art
Want to know a secret? The easiest way to frame your art is to choose framing options directly when you purchase, especially if you're buying from an artist or art shop that offers it.
Why Ordering Frames from the Source is So Easy
Save Time
No hunting through frame shops, no measuring, no guessing. Everything is already sized and matched for you.
Save Money
Custom framing at big box stores can cost 2-3x the price of the art itself. Ordering from the artist often means better pricing and guaranteed quality.
Perfect Fit
Many artists (myself included) create work in non-standard sizes. Framing from the source means you get a perfect fit without having to order custom.
If you're shopping for art on my site, you'll find framing options available on most prints and originals. It's the simplest way to make sure your piece arrives ready to hang, with no stress on your end.
How to Choose a Frame Yourself: DIY Framing Options
Maybe you want a specific style I don't carry, like a bright purple frame or a super contemporary metal look. No problem! Here are my favorite DIY framing resources, listed in order of ease:
1. Frameiteasy.com (Best for Custom DIY)
What it is: American-made, eco-friendly online framing
Why I love it: Great range from budget-friendly to high-end, sustainable practices, and straightforward DIY assembly
What you need: Basic tools (screwdriver) and acrylic cleaner (warm water works!)
This is my top pick for DIY framing. Their customer service is exceptional, their quality is consistent and sustainably focused, and they make the process as painless as possible. Shop here for 10% OFF!
2. IKEA (Best for Standard Sizes)
What it is: Ready-made frames in standard sizes
Why I love it: Budget-friendly, eco-conscious company, simple clean designs
Best for: Standard-sized prints (8x10", 11x14", 16x20")
If your art is a standard size and you're not picky about customization, IKEA is a fantastic option. Their frames are well-made for the price point. Shop here.
3. Local Frame Shops (Best for Supporting Local)
What it is: Custom framing from a shop in your community
Why I love it: Supporting local is one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make
Price range: Michael's and other chains are more affordable; private framers are pricier and often higher quality
4. Ship It In for Professional Framing (Best for Hands-Off)
What it is: Don't have a local frame shop? Mail your art to a professional framer, such as Simply Framed.
Why some people love it: You know it's done beautifully and correctly with lots of frame options to choose from
The catch: You have to be comfortable shipping the artwork yourself
💜 A quick note: If your art is a non-standard size, framing from the artist's site is almost always easier than hunting for custom frames elsewhere!
Also, I'd gently suggest skipping Amazon or Hobby Lobby if you can help it (they are not advocates of environments or communities).
[Image suggestion: Variety of frame styles and colors laid out]
Alt text: Selection of black, white, natural wood, and metal picture frames for art
Choosing the Right Frame Style and Color
Not sure what frame will look best with your new art? Don't overthink it, there are some classic pairings that almost always work beautifully.
Best Frame Colors for Nature Art and Watercolors
Black Frames
Sleek, modern, and timeless. Black frames work with nearly everything and add a contemporary edge.
White Frames
Clean, airy, and bright. White frames are perfect for creating a light, open feel in a space.
Natural Wood Frames
Warm, classic, and versatile. Wood frames bring an organic feel that pairs beautifully with nature-inspired art.
Metal Frames (Silver, Gold... even ROSE GOLD!)
Contemporary and elegant. Metal frames are very much "in" right now and add a lovely gallery feel to any piece. I am OBSESSED with the Rose Gold Metal Frame from Frame It Easy, and even have a couple of artworks framed with it in my home.
✨ Trend alert: Metal frames are having a major moment. They pair beautifully with watercolor art and give a space that modern, curated look. Here's an example of one of my pieces in a collector's home in the rose gold from Frame It Easy:
The Art of Matting: How to Choose Mat Size and Color
Matting is the border between your art and the frame, and it does more than you might think. It gives your eye a place to rest, protects the art from touching the acrylic, and honestly? It just makes everything look more polished and intentional.
Should You Mat Your Art?
My personal take? I almost always mat my paper art. A classic white mat is my go-to, it's clean, versatile, and just works with nearly everything.
That said, matting is a personal preference. Some people prefer the minimalist look of a frameless or "full-bleed" presentation. Both are beautiful!
How Mat Width Changes the Look of Your Art
The width of your mat has a big impact on how your artwork is perceived:
Narrow Mat (~1 inch)
- Modern and minimalist
- Great for contemporary art or smaller pieces
- Creates a sleek, clean look
Standard Mat (~1.5 inches)
- The classic choice, balanced and versatile
- Works beautifully with almost any piece
- This is my sweet spot and how paper art comes matted and framed from my site
Wide Mat (~2+ inches)
- Bold and gallery-style
- Makes smaller art feel larger and more significant
- Creates a dramatic statement
💡 General rule: The mat should always be wider than the frame molding. If you're using a thick frame, use a wider mat to balance the proportions.
Mat Color Guide
White Mat
The most versatile choice. Works with any art, any frame, any space. This is what I use 99% of the time.
Cream or Ivory Mat
A softer, more traditional feel. Beautiful with vintage or warm-toned art.
Black Mat
Dramatic and modern. Can make colors pop but use sparingly, it's a bold choice.
Color Accent Mat
Want to add a pop? A thin accent mat in a color pulled from your artwork can be stunning. Just keep it subtle, the art should always be the star.
How to Care for Your Framed Art
A little bit of care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your art looking beautiful for years. Here are the essentials:
Seal the Back of Your Frame
Always make sure the back of your frame is secured with framing tape or backing paper. This keeps dust and moisture from getting inside, both of which can damage your art over time. It's a small step that makes a huge difference in longevity.
Cleaning Acrylic Glass
When it's time to clean the front of your frame, use warm water or a very diluted vinegar solution (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). Gently wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Important: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, they can eat away at acrylic and may leave residue.
Avoid Acid Exposure
This one's critical: if acid-based cleaners or materials touch your artwork, it can cause it to deteriorate over time. Always use acid-free mat boards, and stick to gentle, non-acidic cleaning solutions.
Quality framing materials matter. Cheap mats can become acidic over time, causing yellowing and damage to your art.
Watch the Sunlight
Even with UV-protective acrylic, direct intense sunlight is your art's enemy. Position your pieces in spots that get lovely ambient light, not harsh, direct rays from a south-facing window.
If you must hang art in a sunny spot, UV acrylic is essential. But ideally, save those walls for mirrors or other décor!
Final Thoughts: Make Your Art Feel at Home
Framing your art doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Whether you choose to frame directly from the artist, order custom from a DIY site like Frame It Easy, or visit a local shop, the most important thing is that you get your art on the wall where you can enjoy it.
Your art deserves to be seen. And with the right frame, it'll feel like it was always meant to be part of your space.
Like what you see here? Shop my ecorfriendly art at: www.thesageleafstudio.com.
💜 Want more tips on decorating with art and bringing the beauty of nature into your home? Join my email list for behind-the-scenes updates, early access to new work, and a little bit of nature magic in your inbox.
Have any other questions? Shoot me an email at hello@thesageleafstudio.com.
Not sure what size art you need? Check out my Art Size Guide here.