There are basically two types of frames, first are the photographs



captured using a camera and others are hand drawn sketches or

paintings. There are two major aspects to a picture frame, the

frame itself and the subject of the picture.

When it comes to the subject of the picture a vast majority

and almost infinite subjects are available to choose from. Photos

or hand drawn pictures of birds, animals, natural beauty, people,

portraits, birds, scenery, architecture, cityscapes, mountains,

oceans and sea, geometric shapes, non-geometric shapes, abstract

shapes, strokes, flowers, interiors, vehicles, and a whole lot

more...can be "framed" to form a beautiful picture frame.

When it comes to choosing the exact subject of the picture frame,

one must recognize the surroundings of the interior space, location

where the picture frame is going to appear, the quality and

dimensions of the wall surface where the picture frame will

appear. It is always not true that the picture will be put on

the wall. Sometimes small frames standing on the table can greatly

add the liveliness of a room.

It is important to consider that we are going to use the painting as a

"filler" on the wall. The space on the wall, which is empty, gets

filled up with interesting array of colors present in the picture.

Colors attract the attention of the visitor and creates moods in his/her

mind.

Let's see an example of how a picture frame creates moods in our mind.

Here I use 4 photographs of kittens and frame them to for picture

frames to use on an empty wall in my bedroom. I locate these

frames such that I see them prominently when I enter the bedroom.

The real life photos of kittens instantly create a soothing and

compassionate feelings in me which are in tune with how I feel in my

bedroom sleeping on my bed.

On the other hand if I use a photo of the "Ford Mustang" , my

feelings would be more of a alert nature because of the various

memories attached to it previously. On the other hand if I use

the Ford Mustang photo in my study room, that would greatly help

to warm up the atmosphere.

That's why subjects that create a soothing mindset such as natural

beauty, photos/portraits of children, etc.. can be used where the

human activity is of low nature such as bedrooms, bathrooms, etc..

There is one more element that can affect the choice of a picture

frame in an interior space. The "design theme" of a space must

be given importance while selecting the picture. If the interior

design theme is of oriental nature, then picture with more use

of colors will look good. This is because in an oriental design

style more emphasis is given on "decorative elements" such as

drapes, cornices, tiny plaster treatments, window and door frames,

decorations in brass, etc..

To enhance the continuity of this theme on the empty wall surface

a painting with more detailed subject should be used. Picture of

natural scenery is best suited for this, because "nature" is full

of variety of colors and their shades, that can greatly enhance the

beauty of the space.

A little creative thinking can add some more interest to the

picture. For example what if I totally remove the frame which holds the

picture intact and "press" the picture between two glass plates.

Only metallic clamps at the four corners can be used to hold the

glass plates together. Artificial light used in the room will then

cast a shadow of the picture on the wall behind and can add "depth"

to the picture surface.

Picture frames with the ability to replace the picture is a good

starting point. This give s to control to test what's good and

impressive in your room. This article was just a starting point

to ignite the imagination in your mind. I hope it has helped you

and you have enjoyed the text.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya