Choose The Perfect Wall Mirror

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Important considerations go into choosing the right mirror, including shape, style, and frame. However, you can make impeccable choices in all categories but the mirror will still be wrong. The size of the mirror must fit the size of the space.

Understand the mirror’s purpose
Before you choose a mirror, decide what its primary purpose will be:

Fill an empty spot on a wall.
Make a small room seem larger
Make a dramatic statement
Do what a mirror does best, which is to reflect
Know the appropriate size

Once you decide the mirror’s main purpose, you can select an appropriate size. If you plan to hang a mirror on a large wall such as in a dining room, it can make a dramatic splash. Therefore, a mirror on a large wall should have a height of two to two-and-a-half feet. If you plan to hang the mirror above a credenza, for example, the length of the mirror should be slightly less than the length of the furniture.

Smaller mirrors can also work in a large room, but it matters where you place them. For example, accent mirrors of less than one foot in height can bring sophistication near the entrance to the room.

If you plan to hang a mirror in a bathroom, the same rules for size apply. A mirror placed above a vanity should be slightly shorter in length than the vanity.

Selecting the right frame for your mirror is also important. A frame—sleek, ornate, rustic, modern, or contemporary—should complement the room where you’ll hang the mirror.

Did you know many of the Frame Warehouse locations offer a great selection of mirrors?  Find the location near you, view locations.

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

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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

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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.

Try Your Luck At DIY Framing

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Are you ready to explore the creative art of DIY framing? Planning picture frames for a space is not only fun; it’s also rewarding. Showcase your sketches, paintings, photos or portraits with the perfect frame. As St. Patty’s Day approaches, let’s explore some fun tips for DIY framing.

1. Work Backwards
Start with the end in mind. Think about where you’ll display the frame first. Get measurements to make sure reality matches what you see in your mind’s eye.
 
2. Be a Big Picture Thinker
Are you using several different-size or abnormal frames to create your grouping? Will the primary color in each frame somehow complement the others?

Consider the whole picture. Then plan your picture frames.
3. Find a Frame that Complements the Image
Just because you love the ornate curves of a Victorian-era frame doesn’t mean it will go with your photos of shamrocks or in your home. Consider how the frame complements the subject matter, colors and general feel of the image as well as the space in which you will hang it. 

4. Value Empty Space
An image going to the edge of the frame can make picture frames seem crowded and unprofessionally-framed. There’s just something about wide, open spaces that make everything better. Just ask the millions of tourists who visit the rolling hills of green in Northern Ireland each year. A mat helps you create that open space in a microcosm to place proper focus on your framed image.

5. Avoid the Sun
It may be cloudy today. But what about tomorrow? Several hours of direct sun will bleach even the most vibrant colors. Consider this before choosing a location for a treasured picture.

Perfect Picture Frames
Do you need to find those perfect frames, or are you looking for a professional who can help you create what you envision for your space? Shop our frames online or visit a Frame Warehouse near you.

What Is Canvas Stretching?

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At a glance, stretching a canvas may seem unnecessary to some. Can’t you simply lay canvas across some boards, staple it and put in a frame? But the art of stretching is precise and the benefits well worth undergoing this time-consuming task. Let’s explore the answer to this question and find out what canvas stretching is all about.

The Benefits of Canvas Stretching

The benefits of canvas stretching are many. Stretching helps you perfectly complement a space in your home by:
1. Stretching an image to precise dimensions (within reason)
2. Stretching it to a certain shape
3. Protecting the image from undue wear and aging
4. Giving the image a firm foundation on a quality wooden frame
5. Showcasing an image that can now last for generations
6. Achieving perfect and permanent image alignment (no slipping or wrinkling as the years go by)

What Is Canvas Stretching?

A canvas stretcher uses stretching tools to stretch an image over stretcher bars, which are the wooden pieces that make up the frame that supports the canvas from behind.

These tools include but aren’t limited to:
• Mallet
• Stretching pliers
• Industrial strength scissors
• Hammer
• Staple gun
• Staple remover
• Measuring tape

With these tools, a canvas stretching professional very gently yet firmly and uniformly pulls the canvas and perfectly aligns it with the stretcher bars. An improperly stretched canvas will appear misshapen and may have waves that will become more pronounced and unsightly with time. A properly stretched canvas is taut with perfectly folded and affixed corners. Stretching a canvas takes time and patience but the finished product is amazing.

Getting Your Canvas Stretched

Do you have a canvas image that you want to last for generations? Do you have precise specifications for the image so that you can showcase it in a space? Frame Warehouse can help you perfectly complement your space with a professionally stretched canvas. Contact us today or visit any of our 12 locations in North and South Carolina.

Mirrors as a Decorating Piece, What to Consider

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Mirrors have been a timeless decorating piece found in almost any area of a home. If placed properly within a room, a mirror can make rooms brighter and feel larger. Read some ideas and placement tips from Frame Warehouse before you purchase the perfect mirror.

Creating Light

We all know mirrors reflect, so placed properly they can help reflect light in the room. Place your mirror on an adjacent wall from windows or on the wall across from a window or windows. Make sure your mirror is not covered by large furniture or décor.

Balancing Size

When deciding on your mirror selection decide if the mirror will be a focal point or accent piece in the room. If the mirror is a focal point, the larger the better. When being used as a focal point a framed mirror also helps achieve this. If you are looking for an accent piece a smaller mirror in comparison to your largest wall hangings is recommended or the use of several small mirrors.

Mirrors can be used in almost every style of home and when placed correctly with appropriate sizing can help bring in light to a dark room and even bring the illusion of a much larger room.

Need assistance with finding the perfect mirror? Browse our selection of mirrors and frames at any of our 12 locations in North and South Carolina with Frame Warehouse. We like to think of mirrors as art and certainly believe they look great in the perfect frame.

Should I Use A Mat When Framing My Art or Photos?

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Should you use a mat when deciding to frame your art or photos? This is one of our most frequently asked questions and though there isn’t a yes or no answer there are things to consider when making your choice.

The size of your piece of art

A small piece of art or photo can pop when framed using a mat. When the art is bright and colorful, pairing with a white mat helps bring the eye to the art while balancing a clean look. On the other side, a large photograph without a mat looks more like art rather than a photograph.

How will you place the piece

A mix of matted pieces and full bleed framed art can be used to create many looks while small matted pieces can be used to frame a larger piece of art or even a large mirror. Don’t forget sizing of your piece. If you are confined by spacing remember adding a mat will change the size of your final piece of art.

Looking for inspiration, follow the Frame Warehouse on social media to see our framed pieces in everyday places. With 12 locations and the option to purchase your frame online you can trust the Frame Warehouse with your framing services.

Pairing Your Holiday Art

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Color combinations have left many scratching their head for years. It’s no wonder many people seek help when pairing their art with frame colors. This holiday season the Frame Warehouse has tips to help you pair with those classic holiday colors.

You can always turn to a classic pairing to be assured you won’t go wrong. If your art has multicolors throughout or more than three think about pairing with pure white and crimson. These color combinations say holiday and also help bring calm to a canvas that may be very busy. You can make your mat the crimson or pure white. If you choose to have the mat crimson pairing with a white frame outlines the artwork beautifully.

Don’t forget about wood frames. The Frame Warehouse has a large selection of wood frames to choose from. Wooden frames with strawberry red and apple green artwork can be used for a youthful feel or vintage look if paired with a weathered frame.

Metallics are huge looks around the holidays including the New Year. You can give your art a completely different vibe with the use of gold or silver frames. Many people choose to keep the same style of finish as found throughout their home.

The holidays are a great time to through a dash of red or blue on your walls with an amazing frame or mat. You can shop for the perfect frame from the comfort of your home by visiting our website www.framewarehouse.net or bundle up and visit one of our 12 locations in North or South Carolina.