Dan's Papers - June 5, 2009 - Finding a Fine Frame

When talking about a beautiful mirror or a piece of art, it's often the frame surrounding the mirror or artwork that makes it so appealing. A mirror is just a piece of glass, it's the frame that makes it decorative and interesting. A piece of art, of course, is more than just a piece of glass, though the right frame will complement and add to its appeal.

When framing art, the first big question is whether or not to use a frame that is from the same style or period as the artwork. Consider the frames usually used with contemporary art or photography. They are much more spare and streamlined than the opulent, gilded extravaganzas from earlier times. Conversely, with a traditional, old master painting, it would be jarring to put a flat chrome frame around it. That said, the bolder road is to mix styles and periods. It can work very well and it can also go terribly wrong. It takes confidence and a good eye to get it right. The safe bet is to keep the art and the frame in the same style.

Another thing to consider is that you don't want to overwhelm or underwhelm the art. If there's a large powerful image, then a narrow, dinky frame isn't going to do much justice to the painting. On the other hand, if it's a delicate painting, then a big bold frame won't do either. The scale and spirit of the frame should complement the art. It would be suitable, for example, to have a naturalist print, say an Audubon, in a wood frame, continuing the theme of nature. Otherwise, such a print could have a simple, gilded frame. A big, ornate, gilded frame would probably be too much for the delicate pelican or the thorny owl in the print.

Some frames are quite valuable on their own - forget about the art inside of them. A well-crafted frame in good condition will add to the value of a piece of art. At an auction, people might be bidding for the frame around a not-so-spectacular painting thinking about what else might go in there. At an auction or an antique shop it's possible to buy a frame alone and add a piece of glass to make an interesting mirror.

Frames come in so many styles and materials it's impossible to catalogue them all. Some materials you're likely to see include gold gilt, generally on more traditional and older style frames, or wood, which can be walnut, ebony, oak, pine, cherry, beechwood and in any style. Molded plaster can be detailed and ornate. A rope frame would be suitable for a nautical painting. And although it seems redundant, a mirror frame around a mirror can have an Art Deco look. A leather frame might be seen on a French 1950s mirror. Metals, such as zinc or tin, can also be used for frames. Even an old wagon wheel can serve as a frame for a mirror.

When decorating, the more obvious places to hang a framed mirror or artwork inside your home are over a sideboard in a dining room, a mantelpiece, a console table, a sofa, a bed or a desk. A hallway is often lined in framed art, and the end of a hallway is a good place for something to be hung.

Antique shops around town offer a terrific selection of interesting frames. Since these are often one-of-a-kind antiques, it can take stopping in whenever there's a new shipment to find what you're looking for. Most stores have at least a few frames to choose from.

Mecox Gardens in Southampton and East Hampton has a variety of both antique and reproduction mirrors with interesting frames that suit Hamptons design very well. Some of the frames they have are gilded, while some are made of rope, leather, and zinc. There's something for every house.

JED in Sag Harbor also has some interesting framed mirrors. A 20th century French plaster mirror frame is all white with a nature theme.

Laurin Copen Antiques in Bridgehampton has a variety of mirrors with distressed, painted, wood frames and some silver leaf frames. There are also paintings with interesting frames.

Old Towne Crossing in Southampton has a good assortment of generally more traditional frames. There are a few gilt framed mirrors to choose from as well as - at least recently available - a faux zebra hide frame around a mirror.

Berns Fry in Bridgehampton has an unusual selection of mirrors in frames. Recently, there was a pair of mirror, framed in a ship's portholes and a mirror framed in embroidered fabric.

These are just a few suggestions. Most antique stores carry some mirrors and art in frames, so by checking out a few different shops, you're bound to find a variety of frames and also get to know the market a bit better.