Learn the art of framing from the experts

A painting, a vintage photograph, a cherished note or even your grandmother’s shawl—the moment these pieces are framed, their value takes another form, establishing a presence in the space. Framing is the finishing touch that brings an artwork or memory into focus. Without it, a piece can feel incomplete, overlooked, or even misplaced. Done well, framing elevates not just the artwork, but the room it hangs in and the mood it sets. Whether it's preserving artworks from wear and tear or choosing a mount that draws the eye just right, framing is a design decision that deserves more attention than it often gets. Here’s everything you should keep in mind:

1. Make a Statement

While black, white, and brown wooden frames are safe and widely used, exploring less conventional choices can transform how a piece is perceived. Think painted vintage frames, raw teak with visible grain, or frames in unexpected colours and textures, they all have the power to enhance an artwork. At the Whalesong Gallery in Goa the exceptional framing styles are as much a show stopper as the artworks. For its owner Sonal Chowdhary custom framing isn’t about standing out for the sake of it, but about allowing the artwork to speak more clearly in the space it occupies. “Our spaces echo our choices. We choose artworks as an extension or an inspiration, and framing completes that conversation. Whalesong Gallery frames differently because I think differently. But when we customise a frame for a client, the end result is the extension of their moods” she explains. 

3. Learn About Framing Materials and Techniques

Framing is technical and very much an artform in itself. Materials, mounting styles and glass types all contribute to the longevity and presentation of a piece. “The framing material should be easy to work with and help achieve the finish one has in mind. We use teak wood for its strength and texture, avoiding intricate and heavy designs. Framing is crucial for sizing. You can add negative space to it and become minimal or maximal with the room and its objects,” says Sonal. 

If the framing technique or material goes wrong, they can cause harm to the paintings. Kavita Singh of Picturesque Art and Framing lists common framing mistakes—using overpowering frames that distract, incorrect glass placement where paint can bleed onto the surface and fungus due to poor ventilation. “You need to protect your artwork from direct sunlight, as UV rays tend to be detrimental to artwork. If you are using glass, it should not be touching the painting. That’s why we use a mount, it enhances the painting and provides a little gap between the painting and the frame. You need to stretch all canvas paintings on a stretcher (rigid surface), so it does not expand or contract in response to changing climates and humidity. Also, we recommend that the paintings are taken off the wall and cleaned periodically. In air-conditioned spaces, humidity tends to condense on the wall and that condensation migrates on the painting, leading to fungus. The fungus then needs to be killed through fumigation,” Kavita adds.