How to Choose the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork
The Right Frame Does More Than Complete a Picture
Whether you've purchased an original painting, inherited a treasured family photograph, completed your own artwork, or collected a special print, choosing the right frame is an incredibly important decision to make. A well-chosen frame doesn't simply surround your artwork—it enhances it, protects it, and becomes a part of your home decor.
At Lilypad Fine Arts, we believe framing is an art in itself. Every piece tells a story, and the frame should compliment that story rather than compete with it.
As specialists in bespoke picture framing in Lutterworth, we help customers from across Leicestershire, Rugby, Market Harborough, Hinckley and the surrounding areas find framing solutions that are both perfect for the artwork and built to last.
Why Does Frame Choice Matter?
When you are thinking of a frame, think of it as the bridge between your artwork and the room in which it will be displayed.
The right frame can:
Enhance colours within the artwork
Draw the eye towards important details
Protect against dust, moisture and UV damage
Compliment your interior décor
Increase the longevity of your artwork
Add value to artwork
Equally, a poorly chosen frame can distract from the artwork, overwhelm delicate pieces or even cause damage over time if unsuitable materials are used. At Lilypad, every framing consultation begins with the artwork itself. We take time to understand the piece, where it will hang and the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve before recommending frame styles and finishes.
Matching the Frame to the Artwork
There is no such thing as a "correct" frame, but there are principles that help create harmony between the artwork and its surroundings.
Traditional Artwork
Oil paintings, landscapes, portraits and watercolours often suit elegant timber mouldings with subtle detailing or warm finishes. They are very much in vogue at the moment, too.
These styles really enhance traditional artwork being overpowering.
Contemporary Art
Modern paintings and abstract works benefit from clean lines and minimalist frames. Simple black, white or natural wood frames allow bold colours and expressive brushstrokes to remain the focus.
Photography
Photographs generally look their best in understated frames paired with carefully selected mounts. Much like contemporary art, a minimalist approach helps to enhance composition and contrast.
Textile and Mixed Media
Embroidery, textiles and three-dimensional artwork require specialist framing techniques that protect delicate materials while allowing the work to breathe.
These projects often benefit from deeper frames and conservation methods.
Choosing the Right Mount
A mount isn't simply decorative—it plays an important role in both presentation and preservation of the artwork.
Mounts create a visual space around the artwork, helping the eye focus on the image whilst preventing the artwork from touching the glass, which otherwise could damage the picture over time – think of those photos may have popped into a simple frame in years gone by, but they eventually stuck to the glass, destroying the picture.
Lots of picture frames that you can buy on the mass market, come with a simple white mount. However, this isn’t always the best option for the artwork.
Depending on the style of the piece, a softer off-white, cream, stone or subtle coloured mount can create a more balanced and sophisticated appearance.
At Lilypad, we actively encourage customers to pull out colours already present within the artwork rather than matching walls or furniture. This creates a more cohesive and timeless finish.
Double mounts are still very popular with customers, and can also add depth and elegance, particularly for original artwork and limited edition prints.
Understanding Your Glass Options
One of the most overlooked aspects of framing is the glass.
Different glazing options offer different levels of protection, clarity and reflection.
Standard Glass
Suitable for many everyday framing projects, standard glass provides a clear finish at an economical price.
Non-Reflective Glass
Ideal for artwork displayed opposite windows or in bright rooms although overall it is less popular that it used to be, simply because of the ‘milky’ hue it can give to pictures.
UV Protective Glass – Art glass
Sunlight is one of the biggest causes of fading.
UV protective glazing helps reduce harmful ultraviolet light reaching your artwork, making it an excellent investment for original paintings, watercolours, photographs and sentimental items. It is available in 70% 90% and 99% UV protection.
Acrylic Glazing
Lightweight and shatter-resistant, acrylic is often recommended for large pieces, children's artwork or artwork that will be transported frequently.
During your consultation, we'll explain the advantages of each option and help you choose the best solution for your artwork, budget and display location.
Common Framing Mistakes
Over the years, we've seen many examples of framing choices that unintentionally detract from the artwork or shorten its lifespan.
Here are some of the most common mistakes we have found:
Choosing the Frame Before the Artwork
The artwork should always lead the design process.
A frame should enhance the piece—not become the centre of attention.
Matching the Furniture Instead of the Artwork
While it's natural to consider your décor, and we are likely to ask you what your décor is like, as it helps us to work out your general taste in design. However, first and foremost the frame should complement the artwork itself.
A well-framed piece will sit comfortably within many different interiors over the years, and you may well redecorate many times!
Using Low-Quality Materials
Whilst cheap frames have a place in the home, they often have low quality materials, which could potentially damage your artwork. Mounts, for example may contain acids that can discolour paper, damage photographs and reduce the lifespan of valuable artwork.
The high-quality materials that we use provide much better long-term protection.
Ignoring Lighting Conditions
When you visit us at Lilypad, if your picture needs glazing, we will ask you where you intend hanging your picture. There is a valid reason for this. Artwork displayed in bright sunlight without UV protection is at greater risk of fading.
Choosing the appropriate glazing can significantly extend the life of your artwork.
Buying Standard Frames for Valuable Pieces
Ready-made frames can be useful for some projects, but original artwork often deserves a bespoke solution.
Custom framing ensures the artwork is properly supported, protected and displayed to its full potential.
Why Choose Bespoke Picture Framing?
Every piece of artwork is different.
Bespoke picture framing considers every element—from the moulding and mount to the glass and backing—and ensures that they are specially selected specifically for your piece.
At Lilypad, we work with artists, photographers, collectors and homeowners to create frames that not only protect artwork but celebrate it.
Whether you're framing a family heirloom, a toddler’s masterpiece, a wedding photograph or a newly purchased original painting, we'll guide you through every step of the process, and can advise you on best methods for ensuring that your artwork will still look amazing in years to come.
Visit Lilypad Fine Arts
Choosing a frame is much easier when you can see samples, compare finishes and discuss ideas with an experienced picture framer. Our gallery in Lutterworth offers a relaxed, friendly space where you can explore hundreds of mouldings, mount colours and glazing options. We take pride in offering honest advice, quality craftsmanship and a friendly, personal service.
If you're looking for bespoke picture framing in Leicestershire and the surrounding area, we'd love to help you find the perfect frame for your artwork.
Ready to Frame Your Artwork?
Bring your artwork into Lilypad for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we'll create a frame that protects your artwork and showcases it at its very best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bespoke framing worth it?
Yes. Bespoke picture framing provides a tailored fit, higher-quality materials and better long-term protection than many off-the-shelf frames. It's especially worthwhile for original artwork, photographs and sentimental pieces.
What is conservation framing?
Conservation framing uses acid-free materials and protective glazing to help preserve artwork by reducing damage from light, moisture and ageing. It is known to be the top level framing option available.
Can you frame artwork of unusual sizes?
Absolutely. Bespoke framing is ideal for artworks that don't fit standard frame sizes, including canvases, textiles, certificates, sports memorabilia and oversized prints. We have even framed pieces that don’t have right angles, so there are no holes barred when it comes to options.
How long does bespoke framing take?
We have a two week turn around with our framing service, but we can fit in a quicker service if you require something in an emergency.
