Checkout Checklist: Essential Tips for Buying Frames Online

Artworks and photographs capture moments, tell stories, and transform spaces with their beauty. However, the true magic happens when they are paired with the perfect frame. This item supports your artwork or photo, it enhances it, complements its colours, adds depth, and makes the overall piece shine. It gives it a sense of completion and elevates the entire aesthetic.

Frame Size

So, how do I choose the right picture frame? When ordering these fixtures online, one of the first things you’ll want to look for is a trusted Australian framing store that offers custom options. This way, you can get a design that’s perfectly tailored to your artwork or photo. Start by grabbing a measuring tape and carefully measuring the dimensions of your piece. Make sure to measure both the width and height, and don’t forget to decide on the orientation – whether you will hang it vertically or horizontally. 
Once you have your measurements, you can enter them on the store’s website. Many sites will guide you through this process, often showing you a preview of what your piece will look like. It’s amazing how much difference a perfectly fitted frame can make, highlighting your artwork or photo in the best possible way. 
After you’ve selected the right design and entered your measurements, simply place your order, and in no time, your custom order will arrive at your doorstep. This convenience not only saves you a trip to the store but also ensures that the fixture fits perfectly from the start. The result is a beautiful piece that enhances your space and stylishly preserves your memories or artwork.

Style and Design

When browsing through a frame shop, another key factor to consider is the style of your space. If you have a contemporary setting, I recommend going for minimalistic designs made of metal. These not only fit seamlessly into modern aesthetics but are also durable and lightweight, making them a convenient and practical choice. 
On the other hand, if your space has a more traditional feel, wooden frames are an excellent option. They bring a sense of warmth and classic elegance to your artwork or photos. However, keep in mind that these tend to be a bit heavier. It’s important to ensure that your hooks and walls can support the weight to avoid any accidents. 
Balancing the style of these fixtures with the decor of your space can enhance the overall look and feel. Whether you’re going for sleek and modern or timeless and traditional, choosing the right design will help your pieces blend beautifully into your home. These fixtures help protect and display your cherished items while complementing and enhancing the aesthetic of the room. 

The Item You’re Framing

When looking through a framing store online, it’s also crucial to consider the item you’re framing. If you have a highly valued piece of artwork, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality, durable frame that provides the protection it deserves. Think about the material and construction to ensure it will stand the test of time and safeguard your precious art. 
For thicker items like jerseys or canvas prints, you’ll need to choose a fixture that accommodates their dimensions. In this case, canvas floaters or shadow box frames are ideal options. These are designed specifically for bulkier items, offering the right fit and a stylish presentation. 
By matching the frame to the specific needs of your item, you not only enhance its visual appeal but also ensure it remains protected and well-displayed. Whether it’s a delicate piece of art or bulky memorabilia, selecting the appropriate fixture will make a lot of difference in how your item is showcased and preserved. 

Glass vs Acrylic Glazing

The glazing serves as a protective layer for your artwork or photograph, while still allowing you to see it clearly. Choosing the right glazing material is crucial for protecting and showcasing your artwork for years to come. Typically, picture frame shops offer covers made from either glass or acrylic. 
Glass provides a clear finish that offers excellent protection for your artwork. However, it can break easily, so it needs careful handling and packaging. Acrylic, on the other hand, looks very similar to glass but is lightweight, highly durable, and much less likely to shatter. It’s a practical choice if you want something that offers both clarity and resilience. 
When it comes to the finish of your glazing, you have a few options. A clear finish provides a crystal-clear view of your artwork, ensuring that every detail is visible. A non-glare finish diffuses harsh light, reducing reflections and softening the colours of your artwork slightly. 
There’s also the option of an anti-reflective finish, which effectively eliminates glare without the drawbacks associated with non-glare finishes. For glass, a water-white treatment reduces the iron content, preventing the green tint that sometimes affects the standard glass. 

Backing

When buying frames online, it’s easy to overlook the backing, but it’s a crucial part of the framing process. Even though it usually isn’t visible, the backing protects and supports your artwork or photograph. A picture frame shop will typically offer three main types of backing: 
-First up is foam board, also known as foam core or mount board. This is the safest and most used backing material. It’s popular because it’s lightweight, easy to cut, and can fit nearly any frame size. Plus, foam board is available in acid-free varieties, which prevents corrosion and keeps your artwork in great condition over time; 
-Next, there’s cardboard. It’s strong and lightweight, but you need to be careful because some types of cardboard can be highly acidic. If you’re framing a valuable piece of art or a priceless photograph, it’s best to steer clear of cardboard backing to avoid potential damage; 
-Lastly, there’s acrylic or glass backing, which is often used in double-sided frames. This is great when you want the back to be visible or if you’re “floating” a piece of art to show the wall behind it. However, be cautious with this option in certain environments, as the artwork might stick to the glass over time.