Frame Warehouse

Best Ways to Frame Your Children’s School Photos

School season is upon us. That means school shopping for pencils, notebooks, binders, crayons, folders, backpacks, shoes, clothes, and so much more. It really feels like the list of back-to-school supplies is endless! We have one more thing for you to add to the list: picture frames for your children’s new school photos! School photos are a great way to make your house a home and your kids will like seeing their school pictures up on the wall. We have some tips on the best ways to frame your photos!

Pick the Right Wall

School photos make any home feel more like your home. Where do you want your photos to be hanging? Do you want them in the entryway where people will see them as they walk in? Do you want them in the hall to add life and color to a formerly empty space? The best place for school photos is an open area, with a neutral color wall, so that the bright faces of your children will get all the attention they deserve.

Pick the Right Frame

There are a lot of frame options when it comes to school pictures. You can find simple, neutral frames that will blend well with the interior decor of your home. You can find themed frames that represent your child’s school or the sports they participate in. If you want to highlight their growth throughout the years with each school picture, you can purchase frames that hold smaller prints of all their prior school photos, while highlighting the most recent school photo.

Decorate

Once you have picked the frame, consider how you want to decorate it. A neat idea is to add decals or mementos that represent the interests that your child pursued that year. Maybe in 6th grade your daughter started playing basketball; you can add a little basketball sticker to the frame. Maybe your son participated in band during his freshman year of highschool; you can add a music note decal to his frame. Doing this will be a nice way to remember when your children picked up different interests in life and how they impacted their future! Your daughter could grow up to be professional athlete and you’ll look back at your frame and remember her starting out as a 6th grader on the basketball team.

Another idea is to paint a smooth frame in “blackboard” paint. Then your children can write down their favorite memories of their school year on their picture frame. This is a nice way to be able to look back on the memories throughout their school career! This can also be done using any plain colored frame with a smooth texture and a permanent marker.

With these ideas for school pictures, Frame Warehouse can help you create or select the best frame to show off your child’s winning smile, all while adding to the atmosphere of your home.

Framing Your Event

Creating and hosting a memorable event can sometimes feel intimidating. A great way to make an event more memorable is to have unique decorations. We have some tips to help you get started on creating a memorable atmosphere with frames as decorative pieces.

For Big Events

For large events like wedding receptions, frames can be a great addition to your decor and theme. They are an excellent way to add flair to escort cards, table numbers, menu items, and the labeling of different party aspects. Rather than having pieces of paper floating around, consider putting escort cards in small ornate frames. When all the escort cards are in the same frame, it will help tie together the theme of the event. Use larger detailed frames to hold table numbers. Those will add a stylistic edge to any table setting, plus they will help people spot their table more easily.

If you are hosting a buffet style event, consider framing a full menu for people to look over at the buffet table. A framed menu is a functional and stylish way to relay information to your guests! You can even frame instructions. If you want your guests to tag their social media posts with a certain hashtag, place the information in a frame and set the frames up around your venue, maybe at the bar and in the bathroom. Frame instructions for your guest book, too. Ask them to write their best marital advice or a favorite memory.

Another tip is to have large empty frames near the photo booth at your party. They make a great accessory for lively group photos!

For Smaller Events

Frames are also perfect for smaller events, like birthdays, engagement parties, baby showers and dinner events. Using frames at these events will create a welcoming atmosphere. One suggestion is to find unique custom frames for each name at the table. Customizing a frame to each guest’s personality will help them feel special and excited about the event.

If there is a cocktail bar at your event, consider framing specialty cocktail recipes that complement your party theme. Supply the ingredients for your guests so they can try whipping up a new cocktail.

If you are hosting a serve-yourself style buffet, frame labels for each type of food at your party. You can even include information about ingredients. Ingredient information is especially helpful if you have guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions. For example, if the food item is vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, including that information on a framed label will be beneficial to your guests.

Frames are a great way to customize any event in a stylistic and functional way! Frames are re-usable for many different kinds of occasions, so you’ll be able to use them over and over again.

3 Reasons to Choose Timeless Neutrals for Your Hotel

Choosing decor for your hotel can be a difficult process. With so many options available, deciding on the right style can be intimidating. Often, more current choices are too trendy to invest in, but other options are just plain drab and boring. The solution is finding decor that falls in between trendy and understated. In the middle, you will find timeless stylistic neutrals that you can implement no matter what atmosphere you are trying to create. Neutral colors, specifically neutral frames, would be a great addition and a worthwhile investment for your hotel decor. Here is why:

Frames are long-lasting.

From a financial standpoint, you don’t want to throw money at hotel decor that will look outdated in five years. You want to purchase something that you can use for years to come, something that will keep your hotel feeling cozy and comfortable. Those trendy pieces might look appealing now but can make your hotel look dated as trends in decor evolve. Investing in neutral frames is the ideal option for a style that stands the test of time. They are reliable ways to display your art and designs to develop that atmosphere you desire. Neutral frames also make it easier for you to update your artwork without the need to purchase new frames each time.

Frames are simple.

Another great reason to invest in neutral frames for your hotel is the simplicity of use. There is not complex assembly like other wall hangings and room decor require. You don’t have to worry that the decor won’t match other pieces that are on display. With neutral frames, you can ensure that the architecture of the frame will match and even complement your other room decor.

Frames are atmospheric.

Neutral frames, in colors like navy, beige, white, brown, or black, accent any atmosphere that you are creating. Neutral colors are also calming, which can help guests feel more cozy and comfortable in your hotel.

Ultimately, an investment in neutral frames for your hotel will keep your hotel atmosphere feeling and looking timeless. You’ll be able to adapt the style of your art over time, but you’ll never have to worry about frames looking drab or out of style.

Frame, Frame, On the Wall

We have the perfect ideas to restyle your boutique with great, long-lasting frames and mirrors. Bring a new edge and atmosphere to your boutique or shop. You can use frames in your fitting rooms, implement them into the shopping experience, and even use them in staff-only areas.

Fitting Rooms:

In your boutique fitting rooms, your customers want to feel great about the items that they are trying on. Having ornate frames around the mirrors can bring in a classic, relaxed vibe and will help people feel confident in the clothes they’re considering purchasing. You could also drape strings of lights around a frame to brighten up the fitting room and the reflection to create flattering light.

In The Boutique:

Imagine your favorite outfit in your boutique: the dress, accessories, shoes, and handbag. Imagine that outfit on display on your wall, and now imagine a beautiful large frame around that display, drawing all of your customer’s eyes directly to that outfit of inspiration. By creating that focal point, you attract the customer’s attention and can represent the style of your boutique and your fashion statement.

Another way you can add frames to the decor is by framing up those miscellaneous sale signs that are on display. Doing so will help make the entire environment feel more put-together and organized!

Employee Area:

You can even add a little flair to the staff area of your boutique. You can add frames around mirrors that the employees use. Frame up pictures of special moments of your boutique’s success, like the first dollar you made, or a picture of the store on opening day.

There are so many different styles of frames that will help accentuate any atmosphere or tone that you want your store to have! You can have sleek, smooth frames, brightly colored bold frames, or rustic, antique frames. Consider all the options and then choose what would look best in your unique store.

Find the Best Framing for Your Restaurant

You have exceptional food, delicious cocktails, experienced staff, and phenomenal cooks, but something is missing, and you’re not sure what. Food and service are important to consumers, but the atmosphere of a restaurant is also a top priority for patrons. Have you considered ways to develop the ambiance of your restaurant to pique the interest of new customers?

Wall decor and frames are a great place to start! There is nothing more drab than blank, boring walls in a restaurant. Naturally, our eyes look for a focal point in a room. The challenge is to create focal points that are engaging, yet not distracting.

When choosing your wall decor and frames, it’s important to consider your clientele. Are they young bar-hoppers, people looking for a nice meal for a special occasion, or people just looking for good food and relaxed atmosphere? Understanding your customer base will help you develop the best atmosphere.

With your client base in mind, consider the following atmosphere themes: modern, classically sophisticated, and kitschy creative. These three atmospheres will cover the majority of clientele, and we have frame style recommendations for each one.

Modern

For a modern theme, you’ll want frames that are bold but also blend in. The frames will be smooth, with sleek edges and a bold color. They should be used to frame art that is geometric and simple with plenty of white space.

Classic

For a classically sophisticated environment, you’ll want large frames in neutral colors or varnished wood. These frames can have details and different designs and can display art with warm tones. Oil paintings are perfect for creating this type of atmosphere. This style of decor creates a charming and inviting environment.

Creative

For a kitschy creative atmosphere, you’ll want unique stylized frames. Perhaps you can use detailed frames painted in gold, with unique poster art on display. You can use textured frames to create a different sensory experience, or try implementing box frames to display DIY projects that show off your restaurant’s unique vibe.

Something else you’ll want to keep in mind when picking decor is what colors you want to use. Warm colors, such as oranges and reds, increase appetite more than cool colors, like blues and purples. Overall, frames can help develop the atmosphere that you want to create. The right frames will help set the tone for your restaurant and allow your guests to feel charmed by the environment and excited to dine!

Creative Ways to Use Bright Color in Your Home

Have you been feeling bold lately? Rich, saturated colors have become increasingly popular in home décor. Depending on what colors you choose, they can liven up a room in a variety of ways. A few simple touches of color can make your home look more luxurious, more contemporary, or even more whimsical. We have a few simple tips for anyone who might want to experiment with bright, bold color.

Stick to a theme.

Bright accent colors should stand out in a good way! Pick a few key shades, and then build a color palette that complements them. The goal is for the color to look intentional, and a cohesive theme will help you accomplish this.

Bold color from the ground up.

A brightly-colored rug can transform the entire look of a room. Look for a patterned rug that uses the color palette you have chosen for the room, or a combination of bright color and neutrals. Are you crazy about one bold color in particular? A solid colored rug makes a bold statement. Take it up an extra notch with a textured rug.

Turn something old into something new.

If you have a piece of furniture that you love but aren’t crazy about the color, consider giving it a DIY makeover. A fresh coat of bright paint can turn an outdated piece into an eye-catching centerpiece. If you don’t feel up to refinishing any of your existing furniture, thrift store or yard sale pieces can be ideal candidates for a DIY makeover.

For the commitment-phobic decorator.

Afraid to commit to one of the options we’ve suggested? There are still plenty of temporary ways to get your color fix. Wall decals can give your room a pop of color and pattern. They’re a great option for anyone who wants to experiment with a bold look. Best of all, they’re easy to remove whenever you’re ready for something new. A few pieces of artwork with bold, saturated colors can also dress up an otherwise neutral room. An elegant frame will help tie them in with the existing decor.

With a few simple changes, you can give your home a bold new look. Framed artwork is the perfect way to complete your new look. Bring your bold artwork to Frame Warehouse for the perfect custom frame, or check out our selection of framed art. We offer a large assortment of professional framing solutions, all at the guaranteed lowest prices. Visit one of our 16 convenient locations, today.

Creative Wedding Gift Ideas

Warm, sunny days bring more than lush greenery and relaxing outdoor activities. They also set the perfect stage for weddings. Weddings are an exciting, life-changing event for the couple and their friends and family. If you’re looking for the perfect, unique gift for your favorite couple, a handmade gift is a great option. Whether they’re newlyweds, or they’re celebrating their 10-year anniversary, we have some ideas for gifts that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Give them the gift of a fun date night! If the couple is outgoing and adventurous, a gift certificate for dance or cooking classes can give them some entertaining nights out as a married couple. For low-key couples, try giving them a gift basket with everything they need for a lovely night at home. Include ingredients for a homemade dinner, a bottle of wine, and a copy of your favorite date night movie.

Help them remember their big day for years to come by framing some wedding keepsakes. Frame a wedding invitation or ceremony program with some photos of the couple. It will remind them of their wedding day every time they look at it. A shadowbox is a great option if you’re including other mementos, which won’t fit in a standard frame.

Another custom option is to make map art that’s as unique as the bride and groom. Cut out a map of each of their hometowns and frame them together. You can also create map art that celebrates their journey as a couple by including the locations where they first met, where they got engaged, and where they got married. Map art makes for an affordable gift that is also sweet and sentimental.

You can also draw your inspiration from the couple’s wedding song. Frame a photo of the couple’s first dance as husband and wife along with the lyrics to their wedding song. It’s an interesting twist on a traditional gift. If you or someone you know is talented at calligraphy, an elegant, handwritten version of the song lyrics can add a nice personal touch.

Do you have some creative ideas for a wedding gift, but aren’t sure how to get started? Visit the custom framing experts at your local Frame Warehouse location. At Frame Warehouse, we provide framing solutions with a personal touch. No matter what your project is, we can make it happen for you.

Tips for Making Small Rooms Feel More Spacious

Ask a few homeowners what they would like to change about their home, and it’s likely that they would tell you that they wish it had more space than it currently does. Small rooms can sometimes feel more cramped than cozy and present their own design challenges. Even if your home doesn’t have an abundance of large, spacious rooms, there are ways to create the illusion of more space. Here are some simple tricks to open up even the smallest room in your home.

Lighten up.

Poor lighting can make a room look even smaller. Shed some light on the situation by finding lighting fixtures that work for your space. Even a few small lamps can make a major difference. Focus on making sure that there aren’t any dark corners in your room. Try to avoid covering windows with thick, heavy drapes. Instead, opt for sheer window treatments that will allow filtered light into the room even when they’re closed.

Give it a fresh coat of paint.

Dark colors absorb light, making them a less-than-ideal choice for smaller rooms. For walls, choose lighter hues. They’ll reflect light and make even the smallest rooms appear more open. If you want to use some dark colors, try bringing in a few accent pieces in those shades.

Pay attention to placement.

Avoid placing furniture in areas that are used as pathways. Instead, place furniture along the edges of the room. This placement gives you more space to move freely and creates the illusion of more room.

Give it a lift.

Low, heavy furniture can weigh down a small room. Look for pieces that are raised up on legs, which will allow light to pass through and create the illusion of more space. You may have the option to raise existing pieces up by switching out the legs. A light, open sofa can make a huge difference in a small room. However, you’ll want to avoid stashing clutter underneath your airy new furniture, so you don’t cancel out the effect.

Keep it clean.

On the subject of clutter, keeping your spaces tidy will help them look spacious. Spend just a few minutes a week clearing up clutter, and you’ll notice a major difference.

Consider using a few of these tricks to transform a tiny room in your home. Looking for a really quick idea? Adding a mirror to your room will give the illusion of more space. Frame Warehouse’s experts can help you find the perfect mirror for any room. Stop by one of our 16 locations, today!

Creating an Elegant Guest Room

Having guests stay in your home can be a delightful experience, but creating the perfect space for your guests can be a bit intimidating. If you are expecting guests this summer and don’t feel prepared for their stay, there’s no reason to worry! We have a few simple ideas to help you transform a spare room into a relaxing retreat for your guests.

The basics.

A few simple tricks can help your guests feel more at home. Be sure to place a light near the bed, so it’s easier for your guests to find it and turn it on if they wake up during the night. You may want to add a few, small nightlights leading to the bathroom and kitchen, so navigating your home is easier. A few carefully-placed lights can make a huge difference for your guests.

You’ll also want to give your guests a landing spot for their phones and other accessories. A nightstand is the best option, allowing them to keep their necessities close to them. Make sure there are a few outlets accessible, as well, so they can easily charge any devices.

Creature comforts.

A few extra linens can make a guest room look incredibly lush and cozy. Don’t be afraid to place lots of pillows on the bed. Tossing in a few additional pillows gives your guests the option to choose how many they’d like to use. Provide a few spare blankets as well, so your guests can grab them as needed. You’ll also want to place additional towels in the bathroom your guests will be using, to make getting ready easier for them.

Elegant touches.

Create a welcome station for your guests. A few simple personal touches will make it easier for your guests to feel at home. Fill a basket or tray with some simple luxuries, such as snacks, bottled water, and commonly forgotten items such as aspirin and travel-sized toiletries. Bare walls can make an otherwise cozy room feel stark, so place a few framed pieces throughout the room to provide the perfect finishing touches. Remember that this space is for your guests, so try and select pieces that are neutral and soothing.

Try these simple tricks the next time you have overnight guests staying in your home. Your guests will enjoy a more relaxing stay, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that they have everything they need. Do you need help refreshing your guest room? Stop by your local Frame Warehouse store today! Choose from our selection of already framed pieces, or have our experts create a custom frame for you. Click here to find your closest store location.

Chic Ways to Camouflage Clutter

When homes are featured in magazines or on television, we typically see spotless, clutter-free spaces. In the real world, clutter seems like an unavoidable reality. However, it doesn’t have to put a damper on your home’s style. With a few easy tricks, you can whisk away clutter while still having the items you need most close at hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hide it in plain sight

Some items are simply too lovely to tuck away in a cupboard. Open storage is a great option for objects you want to keep safe, but still show off. Showcase your favorite set of china on an open shelf or cabinet with glass doors. Use a plate stand to prop up a dish with an especially beautiful design. For delicate keepsakes, consider having them framed to showcase them and keep them protected.

Create atmosphere

Sometimes it’s necessary to store some extra items nearby. In the bathroom, roll up spare towels and place them in a basket. This treatment gives the room a spa-like feel while also making sure a fresh towel is always handy. Store toiletry items, such as cotton balls, in glass apothecary jars to make them into an attractive display.

Blend it in

For some items, boxing them up and storing them in a closet isn’t an option. With items you’d like to keep out of sight, but still need easy access to, decorative storage is a great solution. Large baskets provide an attractive way to wrangle magazines or extra blankets. Decorative storage boxes can be a perfect solution to make storage part of your room’s decor. If you have multiple storage boxes, use subtle yet attractive labels. You’ll know what’s in each box, so you won’t have to sift through them all to find what you need.

Get Creative

Put under-utilized storage spaces to work. Try using over-the-door organizers to maximize your closet storage. You can even purchase organizers that hang inside of bathroom or kitchen cabinets. These are perfect for storing cleaning supplies and other items you need handy but would prefer to keep tucked away. Pieces that do double-duty, such as a storage ottoman, can help you make the most of your space.

With these simple storage tips, your home can look clutter-free even if it isn’t! If you have items you’d like to get out of storage and into an attractive display frame, stop by Frame Warehouse. Our framing specialists can create an unforgettable display for all of your most cherished keepsakes.