Creating a visually appealing framed piece of art is an art form in itself. One of the critical components of this process is choosing the right matboard to complement your frame style. Here, we’ll guide you through the process of matching matboards with different frame styles to ensure your artwork is showcased in the best possible way.

1. Traditional Frames

Matboard Choice: Classic, neutral colors such as white, cream, or beige.

Why it Works: Traditional frames often have ornate designs and rich finishes. Neutral matboards don't compete with the intricate details of the frame, allowing both the frame and the artwork to stand out.

2. Modern Frames

Matboard Choice: Bold colors or stark white and black.

Why it Works: Modern frames are characterized by their sleek, minimalistic designs. Bold matboards add a pop of color, creating a striking contrast that enhances contemporary art. Alternatively, black and white matboards offer a clean, sophisticated look.

3. Rustic Frames

Matboard Choice: Earthy tones like tan, brown, or muted greens.

Why it Works: Rustic frames, often made of distressed wood, pair beautifully with earthy matboards. These colors enhance the natural, rugged aesthetic without overpowering the artwork.

4. Vintage Frames

Matboard Choice: Soft pastels or sepia tones.

Why it Works: Vintage frames, with their antique finishes and nostalgic charm, look best with matboards that evoke a sense of timelessness. Soft pastels and sepia tones complement the aged look of the frame, creating a harmonious display.

5. Metallic Frames

Matboard Choice: Dark colors like navy, charcoal, or deep burgundy.

Why it Works: Metallic frames, whether silver, gold, or bronze, have a sleek and elegant appearance. Dark matboards provide a sophisticated backdrop that enhances the metallic sheen, making the artwork pop.

6. Floating Frames

Matboard Choice: Floating frames typically don't use traditional matboards but can incorporate spacers in neutral colors.

Why it Works: The idea of a floating frame is to give the illusion that the artwork is suspended within the frame. Neutral spacers maintain this illusion without drawing attention away from the artwork.

7. Minimalist Frames

Matboard Choice: Light grey, white, or pale blue.

Why it Works: Minimalist frames emphasize simplicity and clean lines. Light-colored matboards complement this aesthetic, creating a calm and unobtrusive backdrop for the artwork.

8. Colorful Frames

Matboard Choice: Complementary or analogous colors.

Why it Works: When dealing with colorful frames, it’s essential to choose matboards that either complement (opposite on the color wheel) or are analogous (next to each other on the color wheel) to the frame color. This strategy ensures that the frame and matboard work together to enhance the artwork.

9. Shadow Box Frames

Matboard Choice: Deep, rich colors like black, maroon, or forest green.

Why it Works: Shadow box frames often contain three-dimensional objects or heavily textured artwork. Deep-colored matboards add depth and sophistication, creating a dramatic presentation.

10. Gallery Frames

Matboard Choice: Bright white or off-white.

Why it Works: Gallery frames are designed to be uniform and allow the artwork to take center stage. Bright white or off-white matboards provide a neutral, professional look that works well in a series or standalone piece.

Conclusion

Choosing the right matboard for your frame style can significantly impact the overall presentation of your artwork. By considering the color, texture, and style of both the frame and the matboard, you can create a harmonious and visually stunning display. Whether you're framing a piece of contemporary art or a cherished family photo, the right combination will ensure your artwork is always the star of the show.