Framing advice
How to choose a picture frame
Choosing the right frame is as important as choosing the artwork. A well chosen frame shows the work at its best and protects it for years. Martin Osner, who has framed for over thirty years, shares what to look for.
By Martin Osner, owner of Osner Framing and Osner Gallery, Hout Bay
A desert photograph floated in a natural wood frame.
Archival and conservation quality
A frame that lasts starts with archival, conservation quality materials. Poor materials can do irreversible damage over time, especially to prints. We use acid free mounts, UV protective glass and robust backing to guard your work against light and moisture.
Simplicity over elaborate designs
The most common mistake is choosing a frame that overshadows the artwork. We advocate simple, clean frames that let the art take centre stage. A minimalist approach keeps the artwork the focal point and amplifies its impact without distraction.
Frame size and finish
The size of the frame changes the whole presentation. We prefer uncomplicated, clean frames with square or sloped edges, modern but elegant. These work with almost anything, from photography to large canvases, and sit comfortably in virtually any interior.
A golden tree artwork in a thin black frame: a simple frame keeps the eye on the work.
Natural wood rather than synthetic
Natural wood frames add authenticity and warmth. Wood feels genuine and timeless, whereas synthetic frames can look artificial and distract from the work. Our frames are made from high quality natural wood, durable and refined.
The quality of the joinery
A frame is only as strong as its corners, and poorly joined corners loosen over time. We use blind screws and glue so our frames stay rigid for decades.
How the frame hangs
Hanging matters for alignment and for the frame itself. We use two anchor points rather than string or wire, which strains the corners. The frame sits flat against the wall and never leans or skews.
Joining frame corners in the workshop, with glue and blind screws.
Glass that protects from UV
The right glass keeps the work clear and protects it. In brightly lit rooms we recommend museum grade, anti reflective glass with UV protection, because long exposure to UV fades colour and breaks down materials.
Bathrooms and damp rooms
Frames in damp rooms need extra care. We seal them against moisture and add small spacers on the back so air can move, which reduces the risk of mould and warping. For large pieces that have to be shipped we use gallery quality Perspex, which will not break in transit.
Frame colours
Our palette is white, black, charcoal and a range of natural wood tones. Keeping the colours in our own hands in the workshop lets us control the final look, so each frame suits both the artwork and the room around it.
Mount boards and finishes are chosen with the work and the room in mind.
A modern frame for an older work
A modern frame can refresh an older artwork completely, giving it presence in a contemporary interior and bridging the gap between classic and current.
No shortcuts
Framing demands attention to detail, and small compromises show, in how a work looks and how long it lasts. We hold every frame we make to the highest standard.
In short
The perfect frame goes beyond looks. It is about material quality, construction and what the artwork itself needs. Our framing is conservation focused and made by hand in Hout Bay, so your art is well presented and properly protected.