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.

Introduction

Measuring a matboard accurately is crucial for framing artwork and photos, but what if you find yourself without a ruler? Don’t worry! There are several creative ways to measure a matboard using common household items. In this blog post, we’ll share practical methods to help you measure your matboard precisely without a ruler.

Method 1: Using a Standard Sheet of Paper

1.1 Why It Works

• A standard sheet of paper (U.S. Letter size) measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches. You can use this as a makeshift ruler to measure your matboard.

1.2 How to Use It

• Step 1: Place the sheet of paper along the edge of the matboard.
• Step 2: Mark the endpoints of the paper with a pencil.
• Step 3: Move the paper along the edge and mark the next segment until you have measured the entire length or width.

1.3 Example

• To measure a 20-inch matboard, place the paper twice along the edge (8.5 inches + 8.5 inches = 17 inches) and then measure the remaining 3 inches.

Method 2: Using a Credit Card or ID Card

2.1 Why It Works

• A standard credit card or ID card measures approximately 3.37 inches by 2.13 inches. These dimensions can be used to measure larger items by repetition.

2.2 How to Use It

• Step 1: Place the card along the edge of the matboard.
• Step 2: Mark the endpoints of the card with a pencil.
• Step 3: Repeat this process until you have measured the entire length or width.

2.3 Example

• To measure a 10-inch matboard, place the credit card along the edge three times (3.37 inches each time, totaling approximately 10.11 inches).

Method 3: Using a Piece of String

3.1 Why It Works

• A piece of string can be used to measure the perimeter of the matboard and then compared to a known length.

3.2 How to Use It

• Step 1: Lay the string along the edge of the matboard and cut it to the exact length of the matboard.
• Step 2: Compare the string to a known length, such as a sheet of paper or a credit card.
• Step 3: Mark the string at intervals of the known length and sum the total.

3.3 Example

• If the string measures three lengths of a standard sheet of paper (11 inches each), the matboard is approximately 33 inches long.

Method 4: Using Your Body Parts

4.1 Why It Works

• Certain body parts have consistent measurements that can be used for rough estimates. For example, the width of a thumb is typically about 1 inch, and the length of a foot is roughly 12 inches.

4.2 How to Use It

• Step 1: Use your thumb, hand, or foot to measure the length of the matboard.
• Step 2: Count the number of times you repeat the measurement along the edge.
• Step 3: Multiply by the estimated length of your body part.

4.3 Example

• To measure a 24-inch matboard, place your foot (assuming it is 12 inches long) along the edge twice.

Method 5: Using Household Items

5.1 Why It Works

• Many household items have standard sizes that can be used for measurements. For example, a standard U.S. quarter has a diameter of approximately 1 inch.

5.2 How to Use It

• Step 1: Place the household item along the edge of the matboard.
• Step 2: Mark the endpoints and repeat the process until you have measured the entire length or width.

5.3 Example

• To measure a 12-inch matboard, place a quarter 12 times along the edge.

Conclusion

Measuring a matboard without a ruler is entirely possible with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you use a sheet of paper, a credit card, a piece of string, your body parts, or common household items, you can achieve accurate measurements for your framing projects. These methods ensure that you can always measure your matboard accurately, even when a ruler isn’t available.

Introduction

Creating a gallery wall is a fantastic way to personalize your space and showcase your favorite artwork, photos, and mementos. While it can sometimes seem like an expensive project, there are plenty of ways to create a stunning gallery wall without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to design and assemble a beautiful gallery wall on a budget.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

1.1 Decide on the Theme

• Tip: Choose a theme for your gallery wall, such as family photos, travel memories, or a mix of art and prints. A cohesive theme helps unify the display.
• Example: A travel-themed gallery wall featuring photos, maps, and postcards from your favorite destinations.

1.2 Measure and Mark the Space

• Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline the area on the wall where you want your gallery to be. Measure and mark the space to ensure your arrangement fits well.
• Example: Outline a 6-foot by 4-foot area on your living room wall.

1.3 Plan the Layout

• Tip: Arrange your frames on the floor first to experiment with different layouts. Take photos of the arrangements to see which one you like best.
• Example: Create a balanced mix of horizontal and vertical frames with varying sizes.

Step 2: Gather Your Frames

2.1 Repurpose Old Frames

• Tip: Look around your home for old frames that you can repurpose. A fresh coat of paint can transform mismatched frames into a cohesive set.
• Example: Spray paint a collection of old wooden frames in a uniform color, such as matte black or white.

2.2 Thrift Store Finds

• Tip: Visit thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets to find inexpensive frames. Look for sturdy frames that can be easily updated with paint or new mats.
• Example: Find a variety of frames at a thrift store and paint them all gold for a chic, unified look.

2.3 Budget-Friendly Retailers

• Tip: Check out budget-friendly retailers like IKEA, Walmart, or discount home goods stores for affordable frame options.
• Example: Purchase a set of simple black frames from IKEA to create a minimalist gallery wall.

Step 3: Choose Your Artwork

3.1 Printable Art

• Tip: Download free or low-cost printable art from websites like Etsy, Canva, or Unsplash. Print them at home or at a local print shop.
• Example: Download a set of botanical prints from Etsy and print them on high-quality paper.

3.2 Personal Photos

• Tip: Use your favorite personal photos to add a personal touch to your gallery wall. Print them in black and white for a timeless look.
• Example: Print a series of family photos in black and white and frame them in matching frames.

3.3 DIY Art Projects

• Tip: Get creative and make your own art. Use materials you already have, such as paints, fabrics, or scrapbook paper.
• Example: Create abstract paintings using leftover acrylic paints on small canvases or thick paper.

Step 4: Assemble Your Gallery Wall

4.1 Prepare Your Frames

• Tip: Clean and repair any frames as needed. Add hanging hardware if the frames don’t already have it.
• Example: Attach D-ring hangers to the back of each frame for secure hanging.

4.2 Lay Out the Arrangement

• Tip: Lay out your frames on the floor in your chosen arrangement. Adjust the spacing and order until you’re satisfied with the look.
• Example: Arrange frames in a grid pattern with equal spacing between each frame.

4.3 Transfer the Layout to the Wall

• Tip: Use a tape measure, level, and painter’s tape to mark where each frame will go on the wall. Start with the center frame and work your way outwards.
• Example: Mark the top center of the wall and place the first frame. Use a level to ensure it’s straight.

4.4 Hang Your Frames

• Tip: Use picture hooks or nails to hang each frame according to your layout marks. Double-check the alignment and spacing as you go.
• Example: Hang each frame, starting with the center frame, and adjust as needed to ensure even spacing.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

5.1 Accessorize with Decorative Elements

• Tip: Add small decorative elements like wall decals, small shelves, or hooks to enhance your gallery wall.
• Example: Add a small shelf to display a potted plant or a decorative sign.

5.2 Step Back and Adjust

• Tip: Step back and take a look at your gallery wall from different angles. Make any final adjustments to the placement or alignment of the frames.
• Example: Adjust the position of a frame slightly to balance the overall composition.

Conclusion

Creating a stunning gallery wall on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of planning, creativity, and resourcefulness. By repurposing old frames, finding affordable artwork, and carefully planning your layout, you can transform any wall into a personalized and stylish display. Follow these steps and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful gallery wall that reflects your unique style and memories.

Introduction

The world of matboard design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that offer fresh and exciting ways to showcase and protect your artwork. In this blog post, we'll explore the top trends in matboard design, highlighting what’s hot right now and how you can incorporate these trends into your framing projects.

1. Bold Colors and Patterns

Trend: Matboards in vibrant colors and bold patterns are making a splash, offering a striking way to highlight artwork.

How to Use It: Choose a matboard in a bold hue that complements or contrasts with the artwork. Consider patterns like stripes, polka dots, or geometric designs to add a dynamic element.

Example: Pair a bright red matboard with a black and white photograph for a dramatic contrast.

2. Double and Triple Matting

Trend: Using two or three matboards layered together creates depth and sophistication, adding an extra dimension to framed pieces.

How to Use It: Select matboards in complementary or contrasting colors and stack them, allowing a small border of each matboard to show. This technique can make the artwork appear more prominent and enhance its visual impact.

Example: A white top matboard with a thin black middle layer and a gold bottom layer can create a luxurious, layered effect.

3. Textured Matboards

Trend: Textured matboards, such as linen or suede finishes, add tactile interest and a touch of elegance to the framing.

How to Use It: Choose textured matboards that enhance the style of the artwork. Linen textures work well with traditional art, while suede can add a rich, sophisticated look.

Example: A linen-textured matboard paired with a watercolor painting can create a refined and cohesive presentation.

4. Floating Mats

Trend: Floating mats create the illusion that the artwork is suspended within the frame, offering a modern and minimalist aesthetic.

How to Use It: Place the artwork on top of the matboard with a small gap between the edge of the artwork and the frame. This technique works particularly well with contemporary and abstract art.

Example: A black floating mat can make a colorful abstract painting appear to float within the frame, drawing attention to the artwork itself.

5. Custom Cut-Outs

Trend: Custom cut-outs and intricate designs within the matboard add a unique and personalized touch to the framing.

How to Use It: Use a custom cut-out to highlight specific elements of the artwork or to create a decorative border. This can be done with the help of professional mat cutting services.

Example: A matboard with a cut-out pattern that echoes the shapes within the artwork can create a cohesive and visually appealing design.

6. Eco-Friendly Matboards

Trend: With growing awareness of sustainability, eco-friendly matboards made from recycled or renewable materials are becoming increasingly popular.

How to Use It: Opt for matboards made from recycled paper, cotton rag, or bamboo. These sustainable options provide the same quality and protection as traditional matboards while being kinder to the environment.

Example: An eco-friendly matboard made from bamboo paired with a nature-themed photograph can create a harmonious and environmentally conscious display.

7. Oversized Matting

Trend: Oversized matting, where the matboard is significantly larger than the artwork, creates a dramatic and gallery-like presentation.

How to Use It: Choose a large matboard that allows for a wide border around the artwork. This technique can make smaller pieces feel more substantial and important.

Example: A small piece of art surrounded by a large white matboard and a thin black frame can create a striking, modern look.

Conclusion

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends in matboard design can help you create stunning and contemporary displays for your artwork. Whether you prefer bold colors, layered mats, textured finishes, or eco-friendly options, there’s a trend to suit every style and preference. Experiment with these trends to find the perfect matboard design that enhances and elevates your framed pieces.