Choosing the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork: A Style-Driven Guide Feat

Choosing the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork: A Style-Driven Guide Featuring Mulbury’s Signature Finishes

Introduction

Framing your art isn’t just about preservation—it’s about presentation. The right frame size and design don’t just complement your artwork—they elevate its impact, protect its edges, and express your unique style. Whether you’re working with canvas or paper, choosing the right glazing and materials helps preserve your art for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share expert tips on how to select the perfect custom frame, how to work with a professional framer, and how best to hang and display your pieces. Along the way, we’ll feature Mulbury’s beautiful, sustainable, upcycled frames—an ideal choice to bring your creative vision to life.

Why Framing Matters

A well-chosen frame serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whether it’s a painted canvas or a delicate sketch, the perfect frame can elevate your piece of art while protecting it from environmental damage. Choosing the right frame means finding the balance between style and preservation—perhaps a frame with glass for added protection. It’s about selecting a frame that not only draws attention but also complements your space. The best frame doesn't overpower the artwork; instead, it acts as a visual anchor. Ultimately, the perfect frame for your artwork is one that enhances both its meaning and its presence in your home.

Understanding Your Artwork

Medium Matters: Oil, Watercolour, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Photography

Different media demand different framing approaches. Watercolors often need UV-protective glass and matting, while oil paintings typically don’t require glass. Photographs benefit from crisp, modern frames and floating mounts.

Tone and Color Schemes

Consider the dominant tones in your artwork. Is it warm or cool? Vibrant or muted? A Driftwood or Natural Mulbury frame complements earth tones, while Black or Grey frames offer bold contrast for vivid pieces.

Size & Composition

Larger works may need chunkier or wider frames like Mulbury’s 8.5cm Wide Oiled frame, while minimalist compositions benefit from slim profiles like the Slim Natural 2.5cm frame.

Key Elements to Consider When Choosing a Frame

Material: Wood, Metal or Plastic

Wood frames, like Mulbury’s 100% recycled Australian timber range, offer warmth, uniqueness, and sustainability. Each frame has its own grain and tone, adding character unmatched by metal or plastic alternatives.

Frame Width & Profile

Delicate artworks shine in slim frames (e.g., Slim Grey 2.5cm), while bold pieces benefit from deeper profiles (e.g., Chunky Oiled 6cm).

Glass Type: UV Reflection, Anti-reflective, Acrylic

Choose UV-protective glass for watercolors and photographs. Non-glare glass options improves clarity and reduce reflection—ideal for bright rooms or exhibitions.

To learn more, watch our vide about Glass vs Acrylic.

Matching Frame Styles to Art Types

Modern Abstract Art

Pair modern artwork with clean, minimal frames like the Slim Black 2.5cm or Two Tone frame for balanced visual interest.

Classic and Traditional Artworks

Traditional pieces such as portraits or landscapes work beautifully with Oiled, Natural, or Driftwood styles, echoing warmth and timeless appeal.

Minimalist and Monochrome Photography

Monochrome photography thrives in high-contrast frames like Black or Grey. White Wash is also effective for minimalist galleries.

Nature-inspired pieces and Watercolor

Soft-toned and organic artworks pair wonderfully with Driftwood, Natural, or White Wash styles, enhancing their light and airy essence.

Matboards: To mat or not to mat?

Matboards for Watercolours, Drawings & Photographs

Matting creates breathing space around delicate works. Mulbury also offers picture frames with mat boards for extra elegance and protection.

Conservation-friendly Options & Layering

Double mats and acid-free materials help preserve paper-based artwork long-term, especially when combined with UV-protective glazing.

Check out this video to learn how to install an image into a picture frame with mat board.

Mulbury Frames Explained

Natural - Earthy & Organic Framing

Brings authenticity to artworks rooted in nature, texture, or minimalism.

Grey - Sophisticated Neutral Versatility

Ideal for Scandinavian, industrial, or muted color schemes.

White Wash - Light, Soft, Beach House Feel

Brightens up spaces and makes colorful or delicate artworks pop with subtlety.

Black - Bold Definition & Contrast

Excellent for high-impact, contemporary artwork and black & white photography.

Oiled - Classic Timber Warmth

Pairs beautifully with traditional art, portraits, and heritage pieces.

Bonus: Frame Recommendations by Artwork

Vibrant Acrylic Landscape → Oiled or Two Tone (supplements richness & warmth)
Soft Watercolour Seascape → Driftwood or White Wash (echoes a gentle, calming palette)
Black & White Photography → Black or Grey (Creates a high-contrast, gallery-style presentation.)
Minimalist Abstract Art → Natural or White Wash (Allows the composition to remain the focus while harmonizing with interiors.)

Wrapping things up

Framing is an art that blends aesthetics with function. A frame is essential not only for preserving your artwork but also for enhancing its role as a focal point in any space. Whether you're showcasing contemporary pieces or leaning into a more rustic appeal, the right frame designs, matboards, and finishes can elevate both the piece and its surroundings. With over 25 years of experience, Mulbury offers frame made solutions that reflect your personal taste and style.

Each frame might tell a different story—so consider the factors to consider carefully. From materials and proportions to setting and color, every detail helps tailor the visual impact. With Mulbury’s sustainable, artisan-crafted timber frames, you gain more than just beauty—you gain mindful, meaningful design. Choose with purpose, frame could express your vision, and let your art shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my artwork for a frame?

Measure the height and width of your artwork and allow for matting if applicable. Mulbury also offers custom sizing upon request.

Can Mulbury frames be used for Canvas?

Yes! Explore Mulbury’s Canvas Art Floating Frames for stretched canvas artworks.

Do Mulbury Frames come with hanging hardware?

Yes, all frames include appropriate hanging fixtures for easy installation.

Are Mulbury frames acid-free and conservation-safe?

Mulbury uses acid-free backing and offers UV-protective glass to safeguard your artwork.

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How Mulbury can help you with your high-quality picture frame and photo frame needs

At Mulbury, we’re passionate about what we do. We take pride in our craftsmanship and our commitment to sustainability. By choosing us to transform your timber into a beautiful frame, you're not just getting a product—you're preserving a piece of history and creating something that will be cherished for years to come.

An extensive range of recycled timber styles to suit your home
Custom picture framing
Excellent customer service to help you select the perfect frame
Installation of your art
Shipping around Australia
High quality frames to last a lifetime

Why Choose Mulbury?

At Mulbury, we’re not just framers—we’re framing specialists who care about your story. Whether you’re after a custom frame for a treasured print, a tailored mat option, or expert advice on custom picture framing, our Melbourne-based team is here to help. We specialise in custom photo frames, canvas framing, and even memorabilia, offering both ready made frames and fully custom solutions to suit your space and style.

Every custom photo, print, or piece of art deserves the care of a specialist, and that’s exactly what we deliver—by hand, using sustainably sourced materials. From Sydney to Melbourne and across Australia, our customers can easily order frames online, including custom picture and photo frames. So whether you’re framing a family photo, a poster, or a precious canvas, choose Mulbury—Australia’s trusted framer for personalised, high-quality results.