Choosing Neutral Black or White Frames for Artwork

The choice of frame can have as much impact on the overall look of an art wall as the artwork itself.

Placing your photo in a solid-colored frame, like black or white, can truly accentuate the beauty when used appropriately.

Black frames offer an elegant, formal look, while white frames tend to be more casual and eclectic in nature. Both black and white frames carry a modern feel and streamlined appearance.

Black or neutral light wood frames are often the choice in museum photography collections although one often sees white frames that blend into the white gallery walls also.

A black frame will highlight the darker features in your photo and act as a contrast to lighter ones. That’s why it’s best to use a photo with some light and dark tones in a black frame, in order to create a balanced look.

White frames tend to make the darkness in photos stand out, and the light hues to blend into the background. White frames work best for casual and candid photos.

White frames in a stark white-walled gallery allow the frame to blend in to the background so the art takes center stage. The white frames allow for a slight shadow to define the artwork’s place in the space.

Some people also choose to place black and white photos in these solid-colored frames. It often fosters an artistic, stylish feel, especially when creating a gallery wall.

A collection of similarily framed pieces brings the whole collection together especially if they are all black and white photographs or all color photographs with a similar tone.