Choosing Your Frame Colour
When it comes to choosing a picture frame colours, one important factor to consider is how well the frame will complement the furniture and style of the room where it will be displayed. Matching your frame colour to the furniture can help create a cohesive and harmonious look in your space.
Here at Ragamuffin Pet Photography, I keep it simple with five neutral frame mouldings to choose from: Black, Chocolate, Oak, Whitewash or White. Scroll down to read my tips to help you select the right frame colour to match your space.
Shouldn’t I match the frame to the image?
The typically Ragamuffin photoshoot, photographed on a light-filled day at a park, will look great paired with any of the five frame options.
Some exceptions include beach shoots (the coastal vibes of this location best suit Oak, Whitewash or White frames), city shoots (the bright colours work best with Black or White frames) and indoor shoots (here the dominant colours in the image background may affect our frame choice).
Rather than matching the frame colour to the image, it is more important to match the image to room and subsequently choose a frame that also complements the space. Don’t worry if that sounds overwhelming - I’m always here to help guide you through the process!
First, determine the style of the room
If you’re not sure what style best describes the room where your portrait will be displayed, you can also consider the dominant colours or timbers in the space. Take a look at the colours of your furniture pieces (particularly details like sofa or table legs) and the overall colour scheme of the room.
The style of your largest pieces of furniture (e.g. sofa, dining table, sideboards, bedheads, desks) often dictate the overall style of a room and can help you choose a frame to match. For modern and contemporary furniture, a minimalise frame in black or white can complement the clen lines and sleek design. For traditional or rustic furniture, the chocolate or oak timber frames can add a touch of warmth and coziness to the space.
Frame options
Here the black frames complement the black accents in the throw pillows and ceramic pieces
Black Frames
A bold, classic choice. Black adds contrast on the wall, which will draw focus and attention to the photographs. A space that already has black in the room, whether that be in furniture or simply in accent pieces, will work well with black frames.
Black and White are the most versatile frame options. Not only do they suit a variety of styles, they are also easy to mix and match with existing frames in the room.
Suits: Modern, Eclectic, Minimalist, Industrial and Rustic interior styles.
Here the dark wood in the sofa legs is picked up by the chocolate frame colour
Chocolate Frames
This darker brown timber is a more traditional option. It suits furniture with mid to dark wood or rooms decorated with earthy tones.
Suits: Mid-century, Traditional, Formal and Modern Farmhouse interior styles.
Here the oak frames are the perfect choice to complement the existing oak wood in the desk and chair
Oak Frames
Whether you prefer a natural and rustic look or a more modern and eclectic aesthetic, oak frames can be easily incorporated into any decor style to add warmth, character, and charm to your space. Rooms that already have oak furniture or are decorated with soft, light colours/textures are well suited to oak frames.
Suits: Scandinavian, Coastal and Boho interior styles.
Here the distressed texture in the whitewash frame matches the texture in the rustic rug
Distressed White Frames
The distressed, rustic look of whitewashed frames is quite a statement, making this the most difficult option with which to decorate. It looks great in light filled rooms with a beachy or shabby chic vibe, but tends not to suit more modern or traditional aesthetics.
Suits: Coastal, Shabby Chic, Vintage and some Scandinavian interior styles
Here the white frame recedes into the wall, allowing the bright colours in the portrait to make maximum impact.
White Frames
White frames add a sense of freshness and simplicity, making the portrait the focal point. Like the Black frame, White is a versatile options - not only does it suit a variety of decor styles, it is also easy to mix and match with existing frames in the room. My only caveat would be that white can look out of place and too stark against dark walls or in dimly lit rooms.
Suits: Coastal, Scandinavian, Minimalist, Traditional and Modern interior styles
Personal preference
Ultimately, your personal style and preference should be the deciding factor when choosing your portrait images and the print/frame options. Trust your instincts and go with the choice that speaks to you and complements your overall design aesthetic.