Using a mat in a frame makes a portrait stand out.
You can personalize a family photo so that it fits into your color scheme and home d cor by choosing a frame and mat color that complement the clothing colors worn by individuals in the portrait as well as your wall paint, wood accents and furniture. Choose a pre-cut mat to border your portrait within the frame. This technique accentuates the portrait and draws the eye to it, so that it doesn't blend into your living space without being recognized.
Instructions
1. Measure the sides of your family photo with a tape measure or ruler to find the dimensions. Note the color scheme and d cor of the room you wish to place the portrait in.
2. Take your family photo to a frame store or art supply store. Bring color swatches of your wall paint and wood to help match frame and mat colors. Browse through various frames and pre-cut mats.
3. Choose a frame that fits your portrait's dimensions and complements your furniture, wood and wall paint. For example, dark wooden frames such as those in mahogany or an espresso color match dark wood furniture versus light wood furniture such as oak.
4. Consider choosing a mat that is a lighter shade than the wood. Cream and white mats accentuate photos, as do black mats. Beiges and browns match most wooden frames and add color and depth, which can make the framed portrait stand out more from your wall. Place the mat around your photo while in the store to make sure your color choice complements the photo.
5. Pick a mat that borders your photo without covering it. Note that mats come in various thicknesses; make sure the mat and photo can fit into your frame together. You may need a larger frame than the dimensions of your photo because you are adding a mat. For instance, this means that an 8-by-10-inch photo with matting may need an 11-by-15-inch frame.
6. Place your frame face down on a soft surface so as to not scratch or break the glass. Remove the back of the frame. Set it aside. Remove the glass from the frame.
7. Wipe the frame with wood cleaner and a paper towel to remove debris and add luster.
8. Spray glass cleaner onto both sides of the glass. Wipe the glass with a paper towel to remove smudges and dust particles. Wait one to two minutes for the glass to dry.
9. Lay the frame face down on a clean, flat surface. Slide the glass back into the frame.
10. Center your photo within the mat so that the mat borders it equally on all sides. Look at the photo and mat from the front to make sure it is centered. Fit the mat into the frame so that the colored side faces down (toward the front of the frame), creating a border for your portrait.
11. Tape the top and bottom of your portrait to the back side of the mat with clear, removable tape. This will keep the portrait in place so that it won't drop below the mat once the frame is hung. Double-check to make sure the photo is centered.
12. Reattach the back of the frame. Hang your family photo.
