Turn your room around instantly by paying attention to this often overlooked decor detail.

While there are a few larger elements that can make a big difference in a room—such as a perfectly sized rug, a fresh coat of paint, or striking lighting—there are also plenty of smaller adjustments that can elevate your space without needing to invest heavily in large pieces.

One of the best ways to enhance your space is by adding the right piece (or pieces!) of artwork to your walls, but choosing the right frame is crucial. To understand why framing matters and how to select the ideal one for your art, we chatted with Framebridge’s founder and CEO, Susan Tynan.

The Right Frame Enhances Your Artwork While Making a Statement on Its Own

Tynan explains that framing serves two key design functions. 'It can either spotlight what's inside the frame—whether it's artwork, photographs, or memorabilia—or it can stand as a design feature itself,' she shares. 'In other words, frames can either take a backseat and emphasize the art or photo, or they can add their own decorative flair.'

For instance, opting for a sleek, minimalist frame won't overshadow your artwork, while choosing a hand-painted, burl wood, or vibrant frame can enhance certain pieces and make a bold statement. A striking cherry red frame, for example, adds a vibrant pop to a gallery wall, but is also bold enough to stand out on its own.

Framed Art Can Double as a Personal Gratitude Journal

According to Tynan, 'Frames are an excellent way to introduce personal touches into your room.' While she acknowledges that social media is a fantastic source of design inspiration, she also notes that it can lead to many rooms beginning to look quite similar.

Adding a custom frame can add a meaningful personal touch to your space. 'I truly believe that framing can serve as a gratitude journal—a way to reflect on the significant moments of your life,' she shares.

Mats Elevate the Look of Your Artwork

Mats add an extra layer of elegance and help direct attention to the artwork. If you're unsure about which color to choose for the mat, Tynan suggests sticking with a timeless white.

'Colors can be fun when used purposefully, but don’t feel the need to add color simply to match the hues in the art,' she suggests. 'Allow the art to take center stage and create some space with a white mat.'

If you’re leaning towards a maximalist style, consider crafting your own patterned mats. For instance, marbled paper works wonderfully for this. Simply trace the shape of the mat onto your chosen paper, cut it out, glue it to the mat, and place it back in the frame. Voilà!

More Creative Ideas to Make Your Walls Stand Out

'Float mounting is a framing method where the artwork rests above the mat board. It’s ideal for pieces with deckled edges or when you want a modern, dimensional effect,' explains Tynan. She also recommends framing 'personal artifacts' such as matchboxes, restaurant menus, and marathon bibs. These mementos not only bring a smile when you see them, but their unique shapes and textures can add dimension and variety to your walls.

Remember, frames look best when they have a curated, collected feel. While it may be tempting to quickly fill a wall, purchasing all your artwork at once and using identical frames can make the space feel impersonal, like it’s straight from a catalog (and not in a good way). Instead, gradually update your walls over time, piece by piece.