Spring Cleaning: Don’t Forget the Gallery Wall

Spring Cleaning

Goodbye gray skies, hello sunshine! Spring is here and it’s time to fling open those doors and windows, breathe the fresh air and freshen up your space! While you are dusting the shelves and fluffing the pillows, don’t forget to refresh the gallery wall!

Besides removing the cobwebs and dusting the frames, Spring offers an opportunity to introduce lighter, brighter and more colorful palette that will enliven your décor and your spirit.

Here are a few tips for Spring cleaning your gallery wall:

1. Remove everything! That’s right, take it all down. Nothing is more inspiring than a blank wall and by removing everything you will have an opportunity to clean and dust each piece and consider whether it says “Spring” or if it would be better enjoyed in a new spot.
2. Lay out your gallery wall on the floor in a space approximately the size of the wall-space. This is your chance to see your wall in a new way, introduce new frames and make easy adjustments. Try removing smaller pieces; this allows the larger pieces some breathing room and highlights their importance on the wall.
3. Add a pop of color. Spring is the time to add the bright, natural colors you crave! Try building your gallery wall around a bold color from nature. At Frame Warehouse, we offer frames in a variety of colors including a gorgeous citrus yellow. Making yellow the center, you can continue building out your wall with metallic frames in gold and enjoy all the light they will reflect!

Now that you have cleaned and rearranged, maybe you need to refresh some frames or add Spring art to your gallery wall! Visit www.framewarehouse.net and shop our huge selection of ready-made and custom frames. Best of all, you can order affordable frames online and receive them fast and hassle free!

Gallery Wall 101

Gallery Wall 101 | Frame Warehouse | 12 Convenient Locations

Gallery Wall 101, A Step By Step Guide To Building A Gallery Wall That Utilizes Your Space Best

Are you hung-up on how to hang up your framed art or photos? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Here at Frame Warehouse, some of the most common questions we’re asked are centered around how to display your art piece:

– Should you use an odd or even number of frames?
– Do they all have to match?
– What is the best way to arrange my art on the wall?

By surrounding yourself with framed images and artwork, you are putting the story of your life on display. From showcasing those who are most important to you to highlighting travels, the way you hang your artwork is important.

One of the most popular ways to showcase your framed art is a gallery wall. This type of display works well on any size wall and will create a gallery feel. Here are a few ways to arrange your gallery wall:

– Modern Grid: A grid consists of frames that are the same shape, size, and style. When planning a grid, you will evenly space your artwork using 2 – 4 frames horizontally. Next, add a row directly below the first line of frames, using the same spacing measurements as the first row. As space allows, continue adding rows. This gives your gallery wall a clean, modern feel.

– Mixed Grid: A mixed grid utilizes a grid pattern while mixing 2 different frame sizes. Use a larger frame for the top and bottom row, and a smaller frame-size for the middle row. This gives your gallery wall visual interest while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

– Organic Grid: Mix size, shape, and style in a defined area to create an organic shape. Place the frames vertically and horizontally, equal distances apart mimicking a heartbeat monitor. This creates visual interest, drawing your eyes up and down to each special piece.

Whether you opt for a modern, mixed, or an organic grid, be sure your treasured artwork is in a frame that will enhance it. Frame Warehouse has a large selection of frame styles that are perfect for your gallery wall. Best of all, with one-stop online ordering, creating a custom look for your home has never been easier! Visit https://framewarehouse.net and create your one-of-a-kind piece today!

Framing Tips For The 3 Most Popular Design Styles

Framing Tips For The 3 Most Popular Design Styles | Frame Warehouse

Design Styles that Fit the Frame!

Whether you are freshening up your décor or changing your entire design aesthetic, it is important to know some key elements of popular design styles. Accessories, including framed artwork, can make or break your style – but how do you know what frame to choose for your décor? Check out our tips for the 3 most popular design styles below:

Farmhouse Chic – Also referred to as rustic and refined, this design style is characterized by layering old with new, texture, and weathered wood. When choosing a frame for this design style, consider using wood frames like Frame Warehouse’s Light Brown Barnwood or Brown/Grey Barnwood. Mix in black frames to achieve the old with new and be sure to hang and lean your frames to achieve that layered look.

Minimalism – A minimalist design aesthetic emphasizes the notion that less is more and pays attention to function over form. For this reason, clean lines and grid patterns are essential and a gallery wall is a must. Some key elements to think about when choosing a frame for this style are quality, simplicity, white space, light wood, and some metallics. Frame Warehouse’s Blonde Maple is perfect for the organic feel of minimalist design, while the Stainless Silver is ideal for reflecting natural light. Customize your artwork with a white matte for that extra white space!

Maximalism – In complete contrast to minimalism, maximalism embraces the sentiment that more is more. Characterized by bright colors, patterns, eclectic furniture and textures, maximalism allows for everything that minimalism doesn’t. Often you will find colorful artwork framed in gold metallic next to an heirloom portrait framed in a chunky blue frame. When choosing frames for this style, think bold, colorful, and metallic. Frame Warehouse has several frames to choose from for this style including the 3 ½” Gold Ornate, Gold with Mahogany Panel, and frames in colors like blue, orange, and yellow.

No matter what your style, the trend in 2020 is quality. Invest in a custom frame that will preserve your artwork or family photo for a lifetime. Let the experts at Frame Warehouse help you choose just the right frame for your project and your design style! Already know what you need? Visit our online framing shop and get just the right frame sent to you in just a few clicks! Order now and get $5 shipping on all-ready-made frames and $10 shipping on custom framing!

Do I Really Need A Custom Frame?

Do I Really Need A Custom Frame? | Frame Warehouse | Charlotte, NC

Do I really need a custom frame? This is a question we hear a lot at Frame Warehouse. Honestly, the answer to that question is another question! What would you like to frame?

Ready-Made vs. Custom Framing

In order to determine whether custom framing is right for you, it’s beneficial to know the difference between ready-made and custom frames.

Ready-made frames are manufactured en masse, in standard sizes and come with basic frame, glass or acrylic, and backing. These can be a great solution for inexpensive prints, color-pops, or items you know you will change out regularly. We carry a great selection of high-quality, ready-made frames at Frame Warehouse, simply ask our experts and we can help you determine what’s right for you!

Custom framing is an option that is customized to your art piece, your décor, even size! From framing that treasured autographed jersey or military uniform to priceless works of art or your child’s handprint, we can (and have) frame it all. Custom framing involves choosing the frame, molding, matte, glass, and backing. With thousands of choices and combinations, our experts can advise you as to what will work best for your piece. For instance, will you be hanging your watercolor painting in a sunny area? You may want to choose UV protected glass to prevent fading. Are you framing an odd-sized, multi-dimensional sculpture? We can select a frame that will lend itself well to a shadow-box and build it according to your measurements. Best of all, we can turn most items around in under a week! While it’s true that custom framing can cost a little more when it comes to expensive artwork or unique memorabilia the value that custom framing provides lasts a lifetime.

Do you have a photo or piece of artwork you would like to preserve but are unsure of the best way to frame it? Drop by one of Frame Warehouse’s 12 framing locations in North and South Carolina and let our experts guide you!

Should I Hang or Should I Lean?

Should I Lean or Should I Hang? | Frame Warehouse | Charlotte NC

So, you received a fun print as a gift over the holidays and the pressure is on to find the right spot to display it in your home. Should you make the commitment and hang it up? Should you perch it on a shelf so it will “lean into” your décor? While there is no cut-and-dry answer, we have come up with a few tips that will help you decide!

Keeping it casual?
Is your home décor bohemian in nature or really casual? If so, leaning your artwork may be ideal for your aesthetic. Leaning your artwork provides great design opportunities for layering art with object and texture. Here are a few additional benefits to leaning:

– Leaning artwork lends to a casual, effortless look and is Instagram-chic
– Your artwork can be placed virtually anywhere there is a flat surface and a wall
– Requires no tools, or picture hanging strips and leaves your walls damage-free
– Can’t commit? No problem! Artwork can be changed around easily allowing you to refresh your look with ease
– Easily conceal unsightly vents, outlets, or dings in your home

Things to watch out for when leaning:

– Leaning can look cluttered or unfinished. Beware of leaning and layering art and objects of the same size as this can lead to a disorganized look rather than an art moment
– While you will not make holes in your wall, leaning an item in a high-traffic area can lead to marks on the wall or accidents. Choose your placement wisely!

Keeping it classy?
Do you prefer a cleaner look or have small children or pets? If so, forgo the leaning and hang it up! Hanging your artwork can elevate (pun intended!) your piece and adds to a clean, organized design style. Here are a few things to think about when deciding to hang artwork:

– Hanging your artwork is a commitment. You know you will be making a hole in the wall, so a great deal of planning is required. Your guests will appreciate the special moment a hung piece adds to your décor.
– Love gallery walls? Hanging is the only way to get the desired effect. Whether your style is formal or casual, a gallery wall is a beautiful way to display your treasured pieces.
– Use your tools! Plan where you want to hang your piece and measure twice! Use a level to ensure your artwork is straight. This is particularly important when creating a gallery wall!

Whether you are “leaning into” the lean or you are “hanging out” with the thought of hanging, Frame Warehouse can help you from frame to hang (or lean!) with custom framing, hanging tips and even the proper tools to display your artwork. Be sure to follow us on social media, and share how you have displayed your artwork! As always, stop by one of our 12 locations in North or South Carolina and get a custom frame for next to nothing!

Closet Purge & Things To Frame

Closet Purge and What To Frame | Frame Warehouse | Charlotte NC

With spring cleaning comes the question as old as the tradition itself: What should you treasure and what should you toss? In some cases, discarding an old keepsake stuffed in the back of a closet feels akin to betrayal. It’s hard let go. Subsequently, a good cleaning is not as thorough as you had hoped. However, framing provides a way to hold onto some of those dusty treasures while simultaneously giving them a fresh purpose.

Some of your junk may be hidden art. If you have saved magazines for nostalgic reasons, for instance, take a fresh look at the covers. You may discover one that would look great in a frame. Another example: Every car compartment used to be stuffed with road maps. And National Geographic printed beautiful wall maps from across the globe. If you still have a few that evoke happy travel memories, imagine how they would look in your den.

A few more ideas to get your mind thinking creatively about framing possibilities:

  • Artistic book jackets
  • Songbook covers or song sheets
  • Vinyl records and album covers
  • Photocopied and enlarged stamps
  • Old handwritten letters
  • A child’s first grade progress report

Frame worthy pieces are not limited to flat objects. Consider any items stuck in the back of a drawer that, if framed, would add a nice touch to a den or bedroom.

  • Scout and hiking patches
  • Sea shells
  • Race t-shirts and medals
  • Buttons of every size and color
  • Vintage tableware like silver knives and forks

As you encounter items during your cleaning effort, look at them in a different light. Are they serving any purpose packed in a storage bin? See them as what they are: potential items brought back to life in an ideal frame.

Frame Warehouse has 12 locations in North and South Carolina with endless options for your framing needs.  You can shop us in-store or online.

 

Source:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/8-things-you-never-thought-to-frame-but-should-48463#shell-decor

Frames, The History Behind Them

History Behind Frames | Frame Warehouse | Charlotte NC

Art frames are a relatively recent introduction into civilization. Among the earliest evidence of framed artwork was discovered in Egypt. A mummy’s tomb dating to the second century included a framed portrait of the dearly departed. It’s believed the portrait hung in the person’s house and was transported to the tomb when its owner died.

Scant other evidence of art frames exists until the late Middle Ages. Until then, most artwork was reserved for the very rich or for institutions like churches. Art was applied directly to a wooden panel covered with linen and a liquid binding agent. Pieces were massive, heavy, and hung in a prominent location. Therefore, they were rarely moved from their original spot.

Then, in fifteenth century Florence, Italy, a rich banker commissioned a painting in which the art was separate from the frame. Other Florentine painters followed suit, and the practice of using art frames grew. Frame makers never became as famous as painters like Rembrandt, but they were considered artists as well. They commanded the respect of painters, who saw them as an integral part of the creative process. Two styles of frames—tabernacle and cassetta, were most common. Tabernacle frames looked like the outlines of buildings with very ornate “roofs.” Cassetta frames were also ornate, but they were rectangular and thus more like frames we see today.

Frame styles have evolved along with other art trends. They are no longer as ornate or cumbersome as they were 500 years ago. Yet, frames come in a wide variety of styles and materials to complement any artwork. Most significant of all, framed art is not just for the very wealthy. It is accessible to everyone, providing a cost-effective way to appreciate any art or treasure. You can frame almost anything, for next to nothing with the Frame Warehouse.

Source:

https://lauramorelli.com/history-of-picture-frames/

https://theframeblog.com/about/

Home Decorating Trends Using Picture Frames

Picture-Frame-Trends

When you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home, there are several fun ways to do so with the use of picture frames. Whether you want to display photos in these frames or leave them empty, keep the following decorating ideas in mind for your home.

Wall Collage

Dress up a plain wall with a collage made of picture frames. Use frames of all different sizes to make an eye-catching arrangement on your wall. If you’re leaving them empty, you can put smaller frames inside larger ones for an even more visually interesting effect.

Oversized Frames

Oversized picture frames that are left empty can be a great way to draw attention to large vases or other oversized decor items in your home. Lean the frame against the wall around the item as a way to highlight it. You can also accentuate a smaller frame, painting or other work of art on walls by placing an oversized empty photo frame around it.

Color-Themed Frames

Choose frames in a specific color theme, such as frames that are different shades of a certain color or frames in warm or cool color tones. You can also do a black and white theme or a gold and silver one. Whether you leave the frames empty or put photos in them, you’ll add instant visual appeal to this part of your home.

Art Gallery 

Turn a plain hallway in your home into an art gallery with some carefully placed photo frames. Fill these frames with art pieces rather than photos, and hang them in a row along the walls of your hallway.

Need help finding the perfect picture frame?  The Frame Warehouse has years of experience and frame experts to help you with your framing needs.  Shop our high quality frames online or visit one of our 12 locations in North and South Carolina.

What You Should Know About Hanging Picture Frames

what-you-need-to-know-when-hanging-your-picture-frames

You’ve got a big, blank expanse of plastered wall and a picture frame that would look perfect there. But everyone knows what a hassle it is to hang art, so that poor wall might stay empty.

Fortunately, hanging picture frames is easier than it looks. Start by answering these basic questions.

What’s your creative strategy? Are you simply trying to find a place for a solo picture frame? Or do you have several decorative or thematic pieces you’d like to work into a grouping?

If hanging a single picture frame, its center should be positioned about 57 inches off the ground, on eye level with many. But if you’ve got a grouping in mind, get creative with formation. Use butcher paper or newspaper pages cut to the dimensions of your art and lay them on the floor or tape them to the wall until you like what you see.

How heavy is your artwork? Generally, you can get by with a nail or picture hanger if your art only weighs a few pounds. If it weights over 20 lbs, you’ll need a threaded anchor for extra wall grip.

What fasteners are you using. Most picture frames will come with a wire hanger attached horizontally to the back. Use picture hangers or a lone nail with this approach. Other frames might have saw tooth hangers for use with nails.

How are your math skills? Have a tape measure handy for finding the horizontal center point on your artwork to catch the nail or picture hanger in the right place. Or cheat with a tube of gel toothpaste. Dab a little on the back of your artwork where the wire will be extended or where you saw tooth hangers are affixed. Then press your picture frame against the wall and the smudges will indicate nail positions.

Keep in mind, it can be a perfectly legit design solution to prop your art against a wall or on a shelf and leave your wall unmarked.

Find the frame that will accent your blank wall perfectly here at Frame Warehouse.

Highlight A Family Memory With Framed Photos

family-photos-frame

Despite the ability to be constantly connected through technology, it can be difficult to maintain close contact with family across physical distance and the passage of time. But special people should be celebrated and good times shared; if your photographic memories are hidden away, now is the time to bring them out into the light. 

Preserving family history honors the past and takes note of special achievements and family celebrations. It’s also a wonderful way to build relationships by connecting past, present and future generations. 

Even though the tradition of an annual family reunion has lost favor, there is renewed interest in genealogy and ancestral roots. Build a lasting legacy by selecting the photographs that tell your personal story in a unique way — from the stern and formal pose of a great-grandfather to the first joyful meeting of a newborn and a grandmother, from an ancestral home in “the old country” to a contemporary holiday dinner table. 

There are no hard and fast rules to follow, but here are some suggestions:

• A photo montage for each child, from birth to graduation;

• A collection of framed photos of family members, all at the same approximate age; perhaps as infants or as high school graduates; wedding photos of different generations; or family celebrations through the years.

• Shadowboxes that include a photo and special awards or achievements; sports letters or military insignia. 
Work with a professional frame shop to find the best ways to showcase and preserve your treasured photographs. Also note on the back the names and dates of the individuals pictured so there is no question in the future about who they might be. 

Work with a professional at any of our 12 locations at Frame Warehouse. Also note on the back the names and dates of the individuals pictured so there is no question in the future about who they might be. 

Need help framing those special captured moments? The professionals at Frame Warehouse are eager to help you with your framing needs. Stop by any of our 12 locations or visit our website www.framehouse.net.