Interior Decoration Tips: Picture Framing 101

Picture frames are an important interior decoration element whether they are filled with family snapshots, precious prints or a child’s finger painting. However, navigating the world of professional picture framing can be overwhelming. There are a seemingly endless list of terms and phrases unfamiliar to most customers. Also, there are a huge variety of materials from which to choose for your interior decoration needs. Most framing shops are loaded with both high and lower end frame options, making custom picture framing a potentially taxing experience.
 
Having a piece of art or a photo custom framed is a great way to add unique and creative style to your walls. However, this type of interior decoration is not cheap. That is why understanding the language of framing is important and can help to save any consumer both a lot of time and a lot of money.

Listed below are some important interior decoration tips and some of the most common picture framing terms, phrases and products use in the decorating industry today;

Matting: Mats or matting is a term used by interior decoration specialists to describe the paper border which is cut and place over a print or photo before it is set in a frame. Matting however is not just for appearances; it is also a safety measure. Mats help to protect the artwork by providing a barrier between the art and the glass.

Backing: All photo frames are constructed using a frame, glass and backing. The backing can be made of many materials including wood, mdf board, and plastic and even foam board. Of the three, acid free foam board is the best option as it help to protect the art and is lightweight.

Acid Free: This is a term used to describe the paper products such as mats and backing which are used to construct a picture frame. Acid free paper products have been produced using a series of chemical treatments which remove the potentially harmful acids which remain in paper after it has been harvested.

Fillets: Fillets (pronounced “fill-its”) are small, miniature frames which can be cut and placed on the edges of a mat opening. Though most are 1/8th of an inch wide, fillets can vary in size from 1/16 to 2 full inches and come in a large selection of colors, styles and finishes. Fillets are most commonly found in higher end shops and are a favorite detail for many interior decoration professionals.

Conservation Glass: Conservation glass is a newer product which protects photos and art from damaging UV rays. Similar to the filters used in sunglasses and windows, conservation glass will help to eliminate sun damage such as fading and discoloration.

Triptych: A popular interior decoration choice for large spaces, a triptych is a series of three framed pieces which when hung together complete a single, over-sized image. Triptych art is incredibly common in commercial spaces such as hotel lobbies or board rooms.