Somewhere in your house, there’s probably a piece of artwork waiting to be hung. Maybe it’s a watercolor you picked up on vacation, a family photograph that’s still in its original envelope or a print you bought months ago with every intention of finding the perfect spot.
We’ve all been there. The piece is too special to put in just any frame, but choosing the right one feels like a project in itself.
Fortunately, Birmingham has several locally owned framing shops that can help turn those unfinished decorating projects into pieces you’ll actually enjoy seeing every day. And a little understanding of what goes into framing can make the process much easier.
Start With the Art, Not the Frame
It’s tempting to choose a frame based on the room where you plan to hang it. But a good starting point is the piece itself.
A delicate watercolor might benefit from a simple wood frame and generous matting, while a bold abstract painting could look best with a narrow frame that lets the artwork do the talking. An antique family photograph may call for something more traditional, especially if you’re trying to preserve its character.
That doesn’t mean every frame in your home needs to match. In fact, mixing finishes, materials and styles can make a collection feel more personal. A contemporary piece can look wonderful in an antique-inspired frame, and a vintage print can feel surprisingly fresh in something minimal.
Consider the artwork’s color, scale and personality before trying to coordinate it with your furniture.
Don’t Underestimate the Mat
Matting is one of those details you might not think about until you’re standing in front of dozens of color samples.
A mat creates space between the artwork and its frame, helping draw attention to the image rather than competing with it. It’s particularly useful for photographs, drawings, prints and works on paper.
White and cream are classic choices, but they’re hardly the only options. A muted color pulled from the artwork can create a more intentional look, while a wider mat can give a relatively small piece a stronger presence on the wall.
And if you’re framing an original drawing, vintage document or valuable photograph, ask about conservation-quality materials. Acid-free matting and appropriate mounting techniques help reduce the risk of discoloration and deterioration over time.
Some Things Deserve More Protection
Not every piece needs museum-quality framing. But certain items deserve a little extra attention, especially original artwork, old photographs, documents and family heirlooms.
For works on paper, ask your framer about UV-filtering glass or acrylic, conservation-grade backing and mounting methods that won’t permanently damage the original. A properly designed mat or spacer also helps prevent the artwork from resting directly against the glazing.
Even protective glass doesn’t make artwork immune to sunlight. Direct exposure can still cause fading over time, so think carefully about placement near large windows.
For especially fragile or historically important documents, displaying a high-quality reproduction while preserving the original in appropriate storage may be the better choice.
These decisions don’t have to be complicated. A knowledgeable framer can explain which materials are worth the investment based on the item you’re bringing in.
Three Birmingham Shops That Can Help
When you’re ready to tackle your framing project, these local businesses offer options for everything from straightforward photographs to unusual keepsakes.
Forstall Art Center & Custom Framing | Downtown Birmingham
Located on 20th Street North, Forstall Art Center combines an art supply store with custom framing services. It’s a convenient option for artists, collectors and homeowners looking to frame photographs, prints or original artwork. The combination of art supplies and framing expertise makes it especially relevant for people who enjoy collecting and creating art themselves.
The Atchison Gallery | Mountain Brook
The Atchison Gallery has longstanding roots in Birmingham’s art and framing community. The gallery offers custom framing alongside original artwork, photography and mixed-media pieces. Its services also include delivery and installation, making it an option for homeowners who want help with the complete presentation of a piece.
Four Corners Gallery | Highway 280
For projects that require special attention, Four Corners Gallery offers custom framing, art restoration and installation services. The business works with everything from paintings and photographs to jerseys, memorabilia and three-dimensional objects. Its conservation-focused approach is particularly useful for pieces that require careful handling or preservation.
What About the Things That Aren’t Traditional Artwork?
Some of the most interesting framed pieces aren’t paintings or photographs at all.
Think handwritten recipes from a grandparent, a collection of concert tickets, a child’s first drawing, a meaningful letter or a vintage textile that’s been tucked away in a drawer.
Shadow boxes and specialty framing can turn these objects into displays without flattening or permanently altering them. A collection of smaller keepsakes can also tell a story when arranged together.
The key is making sure the mounting method is appropriate for the item. If something has sentimental or monetary value, avoid permanently gluing or taping it into place.
Before You Head to the Frame Shop
Bring the actual artwork whenever possible, along with a few photographs of the room where you plan to display it. Knowing the approximate wall dimensions can also help your framer recommend a suitable finished size.
It’s helpful to have a budget in mind. Custom framing costs can vary significantly depending on the dimensions, molding, matting, glazing and complexity of the project. Ask for an estimate and discuss your priorities before making a final selection.
If you’re framing several pieces, consider working on them as a group. Even when the frames are different, coordinating their proportions or matting can give a gallery wall a sense of consistency.
Finally, Get It on the Wall
It’s easy to spend months waiting for the perfect frame, the perfect arrangement or the perfect moment to finish a room. But the artwork and keepsakes we collect are meant to be enjoyed, not permanently stored in closets.
Start with one piece you’ve been meaning to hang. Give it the attention it deserves, find a place where you’ll see it regularly and let the collection grow from there.
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