There are many reasons to frame a piece of art. At the most basic level, frames exist to provide a basis on which to secure and display an artwork on the wall, rather than leaving it in storage where it can never be enjoyed. Frames also provide basic protection for many artworks from dirt, dust and handling, which in turn helps to protect its value. Fine art insurance can also provide protection, but in the financial sense.

When the piece is behind glass, a frame can help to maintain a controlled setting for it. This protection is particularly important for more vulnerable artworks such as those on paper, which canbe easily bent, folded or damaged when they are touched or handled directly.

The other big reason to frame a piece of art is the visual effect that it has on the piece. A well-chosen, good quality frame will complement, enhance and draw attention to an art piece. If you choose a frame that pleases you aesthetically, it can enhance your own enjoyment of the work in its everyday environment. In short, a well-chosen frame and matting ensures that it is the art that is the star.

Different framing options

There are many options for framing a piece of artwork to make the most of the given piece. It is important to choose the right frame for your particular work of art, and there are many framing shops and bespoke framers around that will be happy to give you advice on which framing options best suit a particular work.

Depending on the piece, you may wish to include a mat, which gives the artwork a rigid support to stop it bending and folding. You could have your piece matted to the edges of the paper, or alternatively, have it "floated”. Floating an artwork means exposing it in its entirety, including the edges. This doesn’t secure the artwork like matting does, but it may be done for aesthetic reasons, such as to draw attention to rough edges that add to an artwork’s character.

Other options for framing include non-reflective glass or Perspex, floating your artwork between two pieces of glass, box frames, mini mats, floating on foam, and others. Remember to leave any margin

on your piece slightly wider at the bottom than at the top, to add visual weight to the artwork.