How to Choose the Right Picture Frame: Tips from a Los Angeles Framing Expert

Choosing a picture frame can feel surprisingly daunting — especially when you're standing in front of a wall of options with a beloved piece of art in your hands. But it doesn't have to be. At Frame Beverly in Los Angeles, we guide clients through this process every single day, and the truth is, choosing the right frame becomes intuitive once you understand a few key principles.

Here's our expert guide to finding the perfect frame for any piece.

Start with the Artwork Itself

Before you look at a single frame, spend a moment really looking at your piece. What colors are dominant? What's the mood — is it bold and energetic, or soft and contemplative? Is it formal or casual? Modern or traditional? These qualities will point you toward a frame style without you even realizing it.

As a general rule, the frame should enhance the artwork without overpowering it. A highly ornate carved frame on a minimalist abstract print creates visual conflict. A thin, sleek metal frame on a romantic landscape painting feels out of place. Let the artwork set the tone.

Match the Frame to the Room

The room where a piece will hang matters almost as much as the artwork itself. Los Angeles homes come in every style imaginable — mid-century modern, Spanish Colonial, contemporary loft, traditional craftsman — and each calls for a different framing approach.

• Modern and minimalist spaces do well with thin metal frames, floating frames, or simple narrow wood profiles in black or natural finishes.
• Traditional and classic interiors welcome wider wood mouldings, ornate profiles, and warm gold or antique finishes.
• Eclectic and bohemian spaces can handle mixed frame styles — though keeping a common thread of similar tones or finishes helps maintain visual cohesion.
• Luxury and formal spaces often call for the kind of custom, hand-finished mouldings that you simply can't find off the shelf.

Understand Your Matting Options

A mat is the border of paper or fabric between your artwork and the frame, and it plays a huge role in the overall look of a framed piece. Here's what to know:

• Width matters. A generous mat creates a sense of space and prestige — it's the gallery look. A narrow mat feels more casual and modern.
• Color counts. A pure white mat is clean and classic. An off-white or cream mat warms things up. A colored mat can echo a color within the artwork and create beautiful visual harmony.
• Double mats add depth. A double mat — where a thin inner mat in an accent color peeks out beneath the outer mat — adds a layer of polish that elevates even simple prints.

Choose the Right Glass

Glass selection often gets overlooked, but it's critically important — especially in sunny Los Angeles, where UV exposure is a real concern for artwork longevity.

• Regular glass is suitable for reproduction prints and casual pieces.
• Conservation clear glass blocks up to 99% of UV rays and reduces glare — a smart choice for most artwork.
• Museum glass offers the highest clarity and UV protection, with an almost invisible anti-reflective coating. It's ideal for fine art and irreplaceable pieces.

When in Doubt, Consult an Expert

The best framing decisions are made in person, with the art in hand and an experienced eye to guide you. At Frame Beverly, every project begins with a complimentary consultation — and our team genuinely loves the process of finding the perfect solution for every unique piece and space.

Visit us at 8109 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, or call (877) 763-5112 to request your free estimate. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and the greater LA area — and we can't wait to help you find the perfect frame.