The Art of Custom Framing: with Brook at Accessory Warehouse

Custom framing does more than protect your artwork—it transforms it, creating pieces that can define your space. Brook, at Accessory Warehouse in Denver, is a master of this craft, offering expertise that ensures every piece is beautifully preserved and displayed. Whether it’s the mount type, frame style, or design considerations, framing is an art in itself.

Mount Types: Choosing the Right Foundation

The mount is the foundation of your framed artwork and can impact both its appearance and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mount types and their pros and cons:

1. Linen Tape Mount

• What it is: A non-permanent option where linen tape attaches the art to the mat or backing.

• Pros: Great for preserving the value of your artwork since it doesn’t alter or permanently adhere to the piece.

• Cons: Over time, tape mounts can fail, especially with heavy pieces like canvas or thick paper. In high-humidity areas, the adhesive may degrade more quickly.

  
  

2. Heat Pressing

• What it is: The artwork is permanently mounted to a foam board using heat, which smooths out wrinkles and secures the piece.

• Pros: Prevents creases and ensures the art stays flat over time, even in humid environments.

• Cons: This is a permanent method, which may lower the value of collectible or antique pieces. It’s also not suitable for fragile or very old artworks.

3. Sew Mount

• What it is: A mounting method where fabrics, tapestries, or other textiles are stitched into place.

• Pros: Ideal for preserving the texture and integrity of textile art. Provides strong support for heavier, irregularly shaped materials.

• Cons: Requires expert handling to avoid visible stitching that detracts from the piece. This method is also more time-intensive and may cost more.

  
  

Each mounting method offers unique benefits, and the best choice depends on the type of artwork, its intended location, and your priorities for preservation and presentation.

A variety of frame styles, thicknesses, and mats give this gallery wall a lot of personality. This is a maximalist approach. For something calmer you could have everything be in the same side frames in a similar color palette.

Design Meets Function

When framing artwork, placement plays a huge role in how it’s appreciated and preserved. Here are key considerations:

• Light Exposure: Direct sunlight is the biggest enemy of artwork. Even with conservation glass, prolonged UV exposure can fade colors and degrade materials. Choose a location with indirect or minimal sunlight.

• Humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens may not be ideal for sensitive pieces. If you must place art in these areas, consider a mount like linen tape to allow for some flexibility as humidity fluctuates.

• Scale and Presence: Decide if you want the frame and mat to enlarge the visual impact of your piece or keep it understated. Large mats can add grandeur, while slim profiles offer a minimalist vibe.

• Mobility: If you enjoy rearranging your spaces, select a versatile frame style that fits multiple settings.

  
  

Gallery Walls vs. Stand-Alone Pieces

A gallery wall allows for creativity and variety. Mix frame styles, colors, and textures for a collected look. Consider playing with different mat sizes to create depth and variation. Stand-alone pieces, on the other hand, need frames that command attention. Choose bolder designs, thicker mats, or unique materials to make the piece pop. If you really want to get crazy, you and invest in custom mats with designs on them too. We've worked with artist Katie Jackson to apply her wallpaper designs to mats for an extra pop of color and pattern.

Styles and Materials of Frames

Frames come in a wide range of styles and materials, each lending its unique charm to your artwork. Wood frames, for instance, can range from sleek and modern to rustic and raw. Metal frames offer a contemporary edge, while gilded or ornate frames evoke a traditional or vintage aesthetic.

For this tapestry we had three options we really loved that each changed the look and feel of this piece. The far left really played into the folk feel of this piece, while the far right made it feel like it was meant for a kids room. We ended up going with the middle one which gave it an heirloom feeling.

Here we have three different options for frames. The same mat is used for all of them but we can change up the frame color and thickness as well as add the fillet detail on the inside of the mat. All three give a different feel and the black background represents the color of the wall it's going on.

Experimentation is key. Brook’s expertise ensures that you’ll see a variety of combinations before committing. Sometimes, unexpected pairings—like a raw wood frame with a highly detailed artwork—create the most stunning results.

Details Matter: Spacers, Fillets, and Conservation Glass

The small details in framing can make a big difference:

• Spacers keep the artwork lifted off the mat, ensuring it won’t stick or degrade over time.

• Fillets, or inner wood trims, add elegance and depth, creating a more polished look.

• Conservation Glass provides UV protection, a must for preserving your art’s vibrancy.

The final piece framed and hanging in it's home.

Enhancing Your Art Collection

Custom frames enhance the value and longevity of your art. A well-framed piece can elevate a room, whether it’s part of a gallery wall or a stand-alone statement. Frames also allow for personalization, helping your collection reflect your style.

While Denver custom framing is an investment (usually starting at a few hundred dollars per piece), the benefits far outweigh the cost. From protection to style, custom frames bring out the best in your art. Most projects take about three weeks, so plan accordingly to ensure your pieces are ready to transform your space.

Ready to elevate your artwork? Visit Brooke at Accessory Warehouse for expert Denver custom framing services and discover how the perfect frame can redefine your collection and your home.

All photos by Modern Magic • Denver Interior Photographer