Types of picture frames

Thin or wide molding

The molding is the frame itself, the strip that surrounds the picture. A thin molding (about 1–2 cm) gives a delicate, modern look and keeps all the attention on the picture. It suits photos, graphic posters and gallery walls with many pictures, where wide frames would feel crowded.

A wide molding (3 cm and up) adds presence and weight, and works well on oil paintings, art prints and large pictures viewed from a distance. A simple rule of thumb: the larger the picture, the wider the molding it can carry; on a small picture a wide molding simply swallows it.

The shade matters as much as the width. Warm wood connects with wooden furniture and a classic style; clean black and white suit almost any modern space; aluminum gives a technical, minimalist look.

The mat (passe-partout)

A mat is a thick board that sits between the picture and the frame, creating an "inner frame" in a single color. It does three things: gives the picture space instead of pressing it against the molding, keeps the paper from touching the glass (important for long-term preservation), and lets a small piece sit in a larger frame.

How wide? For most work, 4–7 cm on each side gives a balanced result, toward the narrow end for small pictures, toward the wide end for art prints you want to present with some ceremony.

What color? Off-white or cream is the safe default that never competes with the picture. A colored mat works well when the color already exists inside the picture, and less well when it is chosen to match the wall: walls change, the picture stays.

Glass

The glass protects the piece from dust, dirt and scratches, and in proper framing it never touches the picture itself (that is the mat's job). We use quality clear glass in every frame: it gives good protection and full clarity, and it is the right choice for the vast majority of work.

It is worth thinking about placement before hanging: a picture facing a window with direct sun, or a strong light fitting, will suffer from reflections, and sometimes the better fix is simply to move it a meter to the side. For items that are especially sensitive to fading (original certificates, old photos), talk to us about placement when you come in.

Ornate frames and objects with depth

Alongside the standard moldings there are decorative ones in special finishes: ornate gold and silver, stepped profiles, and finishes that suit classic paintings and awards.

For objects with depth we build a shadow box: a frame with real depth, where the object is fixed to a chosen backing behind glass. That is how we frame signed jerseys, medals, records, medallions and collectibles. The gallery on this page includes real examples.