You did it.
You chose the art that made your heart skip a beat. That whispered yes when you didn’t even know you were listening for it. You picked the wall. You imagined the perfect spot. And now—just one little thing left…
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Framing.
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This is the step that takes a beautiful piece of art and turns it into a finished story.
So let’s get you framing like a collector, with confidence, clarity, and a little sparkle of insider wisdom.
5 Ways to
Frame Art Like a Collector
(Or: how to frame your piece like it belongs in the AGO, because it kinda does)
One
Matting
Pastels are dreamy. Soft and detailed. Quiet and bold. But they also have a bit of a diva side—delicate to the touch and prone to smudging.
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That’s where matting saves the day. A mat creates space between the glass and the art, preventing smudges and hiding any tiny dust fragments that might fall (totally normal).
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How many mats? I recommend 2–3 layers for depth and richness. Think of your artwork like a decadent cheesecake. A single slice is amazing—but add a layer of berries and caramel drizzle (read: matting), and suddenly you’ve got dessert and drama.
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Framing adds 4 to 6 inches to each dimension of the artwork—sometimes more, depending on how wide the mat and frame are.
Two
Colour Choice
Choosing the right mat and frame colours can feel like a commitment. But here’s a tip: your art already knows what it wants.
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Pull your mat colours from the art itself.
My favourite trick? Use a highlight and a lowlight—a light tone to echo brightness and a deeper one to ground the piece.
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Then choose a frame that reflects the mood:
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Soft and earthy? Go with warm wood grains.
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Elegant and timeless? Think clean, minimal frames in black, white, or gold.
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Rustic or cottagecore? Distressed finishes or natural textures work beautifully.
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The frame is the outfit. The art is the person. One should enhance the other—not steal the show.
And hey—your local framer? They live for this stuff. Ask for their input and don’t be afraid to lean on their expertise.
Just remember: the final call is yours.
 Three
Glass
Let’s talk glass. Because yes, it matters.
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You want to protect your art from sun damage, dust, pollution—even sneaky little insects. That’s where UV-filtering glass comes in.
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But if you really want to frame like a pro? Museum-quality, non-reflective glass is the gold standard. It blocks UV rays, cuts glare, and lets your artwork shine (without showing your reflection every time you pass by).
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✨ Avoid "non-glare" glass—it tends to flatten and mute colours. And when you’ve got something as rich and nuanced as pastel, you don’t want to lose an ounce of that beauty.
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Pro tip: ask to see a full piece framed with your glass choice. A sample corner just doesn’t do it justice.
Four
The Do-Not
Some quick rules from your friendly neighbourhood artist:
🚫 No direct sunlight
UV glass helps, but nothing protects colour forever from strong sunlight. Think of your art like your favourite novel: it deserves a cozy, shaded spot.
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🚫 No permanent mounting
Pastel artwork should always be conservation mounted—this means using acid-free corner pockets or Japanese paper hinges. Nothing glued. Nothing irreversible. Your artwork deserves the option to evolve, move, or be reframed in the future.
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🚫 Never rest your framed piece face down
Gravity is a funny thing. Dust particles can fall onto the inside of the glass or matting. Keep your artwork upright, even in storage.
Five
Get Excited
Framing is the final love letter to your new piece of art. It’s the moment where intention meets presentation. And you, my friend, are nailing it.
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Walk into that frame shop like you own the place (because you kinda do—at least your corner of the art world). Trust your instincts. Ask questions. Let the anticipation bubble.
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And when you get the call that your piece is ready for pick-up?
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Oof. That moment is magic. Like butterflies and gift wrap and opening night all in one. You’ll unwrap a piece that’s not just art—it’s a memory, a feeling, a future heirloom.
Thank you—for collecting original art, for supporting artists, and for making the world just a little more beautiful.
You’re not just framing a piece.
You’re framing a part of your story.
And that’s something worth doing well.
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Happy framing, collector. You’ve got this.
