Summary: Photo frames can be used to enhance your home decor. while creating a display of memories that can last a lifetime.

    Elegance, beauty, style and panache.  Framing you photos can add these traits and more to your personal environment.  Surrounding the perfect photo with the perfect frame requires creative thinking, not unlike that which contributed to the moment captured in your photographs.

    Choosing the right frame or frames for your photos is a calculated procedure.  Follow these guidelines to assure success.

Choosing a mat

    A mat helps to protect you photo by creating a space between the photo surface and the glass in the frame.   While it seem that the mat is a mere decorative enhancement, the mat does serve a practical purpose.

    The mat also helps to spearate a photo from the surrounding background and draw the viewer's eye to the content in the photo.  The mat's color can harmonize with the room decor and help establish a theme among other similiarly placed frames.

    While colored mats may harmonize with walls, a neutral colored mat is the choice of PortraitSecrets.   Particularly, a white mat has always served to enhance our photographs while usually blending well with almost any color.

    Some precut mats, available at frame shops, craft stores and other retail outlets will do nicely.   However, if you are using a custom framer their advice is helpful.

    A quality mat is made with acid-free material and will add to the life of the photograph.   Many retail outlets offer these mats, but a custom framer might be useful if you can't locate the archival mat in the size and shape you need.

Choosing a frame

    Frames are in abundance and even the cheaper ones found at discount outlets may serve well for your project.   You might choose several frames that are similar in design and color to create a theme in your photo display.

    Antique frames found at flea markets, yard sales and antique shows are another way of framing that adds a personal touch and offers you a creative expression when assembling a grouping of photographs.

    Lastly, there is a minimalist approach to framing that uses a simple neutral colored frame in wood, metal or synthetic material that makes a simple statement in design.  This approach also puts the emphasis on the photo.  It is also an economical way of adding a touch of style with minimal expense.

    Choosing a frame is a creative experience and you will find out quickly that there are limitless possibilites when you make a choice.

Glass

      Do not use non-glare glass for framing photographs.

Hanging the frame

    If you are ready to hang the photo or group of photos you may want to consider the size and shape of the frame.  If it is too large it may dominate and appear forced into a space. Too small and it may get lost and never be seen and appreciated.

    Some interior designers suggest using a similar sized poster board or construction paper to hang on a wall to "get a feel" of the scale of the framed photo.   A  grouping of photos might be best "pre-arranged" on a table of floor before you begin hanging the photos on the wall.

Keys to success:

• Creative framing concepts
• Choose a mat for style and preservation
• Do not use non-glare glass for framing
  
• Create a theme with your frames
• Plan ahead