If you’ve ever shopped for a picture frame, then chances are good you know how overwhelming it can be finding just the right frame for your picture. There are just so many different ones… black picture frames, silver picture frames, antique picture frames and many more… how do you choose?
First ask yourself a few questions…
- Who is the picture frame for?
- What’s your budget?
- Where will it be used?
These may sound basic but these three simple questions can narrow down your choices a lot. Let’s start with the first question.
Who is the picture frame for?
Is the frame a gift for someone else, or are you wanting to display your own pictures? Although this may seem obvious it’s important to answer this question because this will narrow down your search significantly.
Selecting a frame as a gift for a loved one, or for a special occasion, can often be a lot easier then buying a frame for your own pictures. Often times frame stores will have sections devoted to special occasions or themes like wedding frames, baby picture frames, and graduation frames making it a lot easier to find the perfect gift.
With such a wide selection of frames available on the market, you’ll find everything from discount picture frames for 5-6k to sterling silver frames for over 150k. So, the next question you want to ask yourself is:
What’s your budget?
Knowing how much you want to spend on something is always important because it will help you narrow down your choices even further. The nice thing with frames, is that there is always a range of frames for every budget, whether you want to find frames for under 8k or super unique frames for over 150k.
Once you’ve got that figured out it’s time to start picture frame shopping and think about…
Where will the picture frame be used?
Whether you’re giving the frame as a gift or keeping it for yourself you really need to understand where the frame will be used. If it’s a gift, then it may be kept more as a memento than a picture frame sitting at work or at home. If the frame is for you, then know where you plan to use it and what you want to put in it.
These two elements are critical in choosing the perfect frame. The frame should fit in with the environment but it must make the photograph stand out. If possible, try to have the picture with you when picking out the frame so you can be sure it will look good when you get it.
But I must admit… if you are a picture frame fanatic like me and often buy picture frames without a picture in mind or even a place… have no fear… you can always find a photo that looks good… you just may need to take a few pictures.
If you want more specific techniques for matching frames with pictures check out this article called How to Find the Perfect Frame For Your Picture.
