New video - Unique ways to frame your black and white photos and artworks!
Unique Ways to Frame Your Black and White Photos and Artworks - Choose a frame style!
Picture frames for Black and White Photos and Artwork.
So which style to choose and where to start?
If you've landed here, you probably have a collection of stunning black and white photos or artworks and are wondering how to frame them in a way that truly showcases their beauty. Well, you're in the right place. Welcome to Mulbury, where we turn your framing dilemmas into delightful décor solutions. Today, we're diving into the world of unique ways to frame your black and white images. Let's make your masterpieces stand out!
Why Frame Your Black and White Photos?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of frames, let's talk about why framing is essential. Black and white photos possess a timeless elegance that colour photos sometimes can't quite capture. They evoke emotion, nostalgia, and a sense of classic beauty. However, without the right frame, even the most stunning black and white image can fall flat. A good frame not only protects your photo but also enhances its visual impact, creating a harmonious blend with your home décor.
Choosing the Right Frame Style and Colour.
When it comes to framing black and white photos, the options are as varied as the shades of grey in your images. Here are some unique ways to frame your monochrome masterpieces:
Reclaimed Timber Frames.
Here at Mulbury, we’re big fans of sustainability. Our reclaimed Aussie hardwood frames are not just eco-friendly but also add a rustic charm to your photos. These frames have aged gracefully under the hands and feet of Aussie workers, giving them a rich history and character that new frames simply can’t match. Imagine your black and white photos encased in timber that's been weathered and worn over decades – it’s like adding a touch of Australian heritage to your home.
Natural - Light oak colour with blonde, golden and beige tones.
For a more contemporary look, our natural Victorian ash frames are a fantastic choice. These frames are sleek and minimalist, allowing your black and white photos to be the star of the show. The light tone of the ash complements the monochrome palette beautifully, providing a subtle contrast that enhances the depth of your photos.
Oiled - Medium to Dark Brown tones
If you prefer a bit more warmth, our oiled Victorian ash frames might be just what you’re looking for. The oil treatment brings out the natural grain of the wood, giving it a richer, deeper colour. This can create a lovely warmth that contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of black and white photos. It’s like wrapping your photo in a warm hug – who wouldn’t want that?
Chocolate Wax Frames - More consistent dark brown tones.
For those who love a darker, more dramatic frame, our chocolate wax frames are a perfect choice. These frames add a touch of sophistication and can make your black and white photos really pop. A darker frame creates a boundary for the image, making sure it stands out and captures attention. Plus, the chocolate hue adds a rich, luxurious feel to your décor.
Weathered Grey Frames - Raw and Rustic
Grey frames are a versatile option that can work with almost any style of black and white photo. They add a modern touch and can enhance the varying shades of grey within your image. Our grey frames have a lot of character, and because they’re made from reclaimed timber, each one is unique. If you’re after something that’s both contemporary and full of charm, grey frames are the way to go.
You can also opt for a more neutral black frame which can also do wonders, but the styles mentioned above are certainly more daring and exciting.
Adding a Mat Board for Depth
Now, let’s talk about mat boards. Adding a mat board around your photo can give it a bit of breathing room and create a more polished look. It separates the photo from the frame and adds depth to the presentation. Here’s how you can use mat boards to perfect your framing game:
White Mat Boards
A white mat board is a classic choice that can brighten up your black and white photo. It creates a clean, crisp boundary that highlights the image. This option is perfect if you want a simple, elegant look, but keep in mind white doesn't suit every type of black and white image. Always ask for advice from your framer.
Black Mat Boards
On the other hand, a black mat board can add a dramatic flair. It creates a striking contrast with the white parts of your photo and can make the blacks look even deeper. A black mat board can also help to direct the viewer’s attention straight to the image, making it the focal point. Certainly a safer option when compared to a white mat board.
Slim 2.5cm vs. Original 4cm wide frames.
The width of the frame can also significantly impact the overall look of your photo. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Slim 2.5cm Frames
Slim frames are sleek and modern, providing a minimalist look that’s perfect for contemporary homes or rooms with limited space. They don’t distract from the photo, allowing the image to take centre stage. Slim frames are great for smaller photos or when you want a clean, understated look.
Original 4cm Frames
4cm frames, on the other hand, can make a bold statement. They add a substantial border around your photo, giving it more presence on the wall. 4cm frames are ideal for larger images or if you want to create a gallery-like feel. They can also highlight the texture and grain of reclaimed timber, adding to the overall character of your décor.
Conclusion
Framing your black and white photos doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right frame, you can turn your photos and art into the perfect piece for your wall, or as a gift.
And remember, adding a mat board can add depth and polish to your framed photo. Whether you prefer the clean look of a white mat board, the dramatic flair of a black mat board, or the unique touch of a coloured mat board, there’s an option out there for you.
So, go ahead and experiment with different frames and mat boards. Create a gallery wall that tells your story and showcases your black and white photos in the best possible light. And if you need any help, you know where to find us. At Mulbury, we’re always here to help you frame your memories with style and sustainability.
Happy framing!
Black Frames, White Photo Frames and various coloured frames made from recycled timber.
How Mulbury can help you with your high-quality picture framing needs.
- 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
To make an enquiry, please heading to our Custom Framing Page and fill out the form. Our helpful team will be in touch asap.
Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424
Email: hello@mulbury.com.au
Get in touch - we'd love to help you!
To make an enquiry, please heading to our Custom Framing Page and fill out the form. Our helpful team will be in touch asap.
Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424
Email: hello@mulbury.com.au
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Audio transcript:
Hi, this is Gerard from Mulbury. Today, what I'm going to show you is how black and white images look in our beautiful Aussie hardwood reclaimed timber frames. These frames have aged gracefully under the hands and feet of the Aussie worker. I'll show you some corner examples soon, as well as how these black and white images fit into our frames. We've got grey frames, natural Victorian ash frames, oiled Victorian ash frames, and chocolate waxes. There's a variety of finishes that we do.
Here we have an A3 image, and what I want to do is show you what it’s going to look like with our reclaimed Aussie hardwood timber. This is a slim, natural frame. If you put it on there, that's what it's going to look like in a natural frame. Let me just show you a couple of other styles of frames that we have. This is a chocolate wax frame, which is a lot darker. A darker frame houses the whole image and gives it a boundary, so it doesn’t blend out. Sometimes, a darker frame is good because the eye will capture the image first and then see the frame in the presentation.
Here is an oiled frame with another image. That's what it's going to look like, and these are all slim. If you want to go to the originals, these are 4 cm wide, and that's what that will look like. It just makes it a little bit thicker, so you can enjoy looking at the frame. It's got historical grain in it, which is just beautiful. Here's a grey frame with a lot of character. If you want character, just let us know, and we can do that for you.
Here's another one, an oiled original, which is about 4 cm wide. When you put the oil, it gives it a different colour. You might want to match your floorboards or any furniture fittings that are a similar colour. What we’re going to do is introduce a border around, like a mat board. We’re using a slim grey frame with the mat board. What it does is give it a bit of depth and lets the artwork breathe a little bit, separating it from the frame. This creates a bit of harmony between the frame and the artwork, making the presentation a little different.
Now, let me put another frame on there. This is a slim natural frame, like a mountain ash look. You’re going to get a bit of character with holes and everything, but that’s just part of the charm of what we do. Here's another frame, an oiled original, about 4 cm wide. It’s a 4 cm oiled Victorian ash hardwood timber frame. It’s recycled and has character. That’s with an off-white mat board. Now, let me change it up a bit and put a black mat on there. A black mat gives it a boundary, and here’s what it looks like with a black mat.
You can see now the image jumps out a little bit more. The viewer will look straight at the image first and then see the presentation of the beautiful frame, the recycled hardwood frame that surrounds it. Let me try that again with the original. Now it creates a bit of contrast—you’ve got light, dark, and light. Sometimes, that contrast is essential to get attention and creates a talking piece in your home or office.
Now, I'll put a grey frame on top of that. Grey frames are just as nature has come; we don’t do anything to it. It’s got a lot of character and picks up the grey on the image. The black gives it a boundary, and the grey completes it. It’s got this rich patina, aged gracefully under the hands and feet of the Aussie worker. It’s just beautiful timber. All these timbers are around 40 to 65 years old, having been out in the weather for that long. That’s how durable they are.