by Alyssa Taylor

The choice of frames on artwork makes a strong impact in the design of your home.

Jan Marion of H. Marion Framing and his team of designers have been in the framing business for over thirty years and has acquired a lot of useful knowledge on the subject.

Lead Design staff of H. Marion Framing at the grand opening of their new frame studio in Wilmette's Edens Plaza.

“There are certain techniques and materials that need to be used so that your art will last,” he says. “Both from a preservation standpoint but also from a quality of raw materials, we need to make sure that your piece will look as good in 5, 10, 50 years as it does the day you pick it up in the frame shop.”

When framing a collection of prints, drawings, or photographs, it’s wise to frame all of the pieces in similar profiles, giving the collection more impact, drawing attention to the work itself.

Many designers select simple black, ebonized frame profiles or a soft nickel or gold-leaf finish.

Marion explains that frames should complement their environment, as well as the art they hold. “From a design standpoint, our frames are seen as an interior finish,” he said. “A home that has exquisite finishes like hardwood, granite, real stone, custom millwork and designer furniture should have art and framing of a consistent quality.”

In their new Wilmette showroom Marion and his head designer, Pam Rosenberg offer numerous options for frame moldings and pictures. (more…)

Chances are, what you want to frame would benefit from preservation framing. After all, if you’re framing it, you want to protect it and make it last for as long as possible. Items can be preserved for years to come with preservation framing techniques, such as glass or acrylic that filters our ultraviolet light, reversible mounting methods, and sealing the frame package to minimize the effects of humidity or extreme changes in temperature.

Another important aspect of preserving your art is to use the right matboard. Ask us about preservation-grade matboards that are acid-free and safely surround the art. These matboards prevent the yellowing and degradation of paper. Preservation matboards are available in a wide variety of colors and textures and enhance any framing project. Creative matting enriches and adds to the beauty of the artwork while keeping it safe for the future.

Read more about preservation framing on our site.