Hello!
I posted a while back with a question on decorating my bare walls. I have begun to remedy my previous problem by purchasing several prints from ashleyg on etsy. I bought these four prints. I wanted to hang them in a row on the back of my couch.
My question is...where can I buy frames for these that are affordable? What kind of frames would you recommend? What color and material? Is there another way of hanging them that you think is better than in a straight row? (More pics and one more question below.)
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Hi Mrs. Lee,
What size are the prints that you purchased from etsy? It would be easier to make suggestions about framing and arrangements knowing the actual size of the images.
I think metal frames, maybe brushed aluminum, would look nice and would pick up the metal legs on your sectional and in your cocktail table. I recently helped my mom redo her guest bedroom and we found some brushed aluminum frames for a great price at IKEA. She then took the frames and the prints she wanted framed to a frame store and had custom colored mats made. With your ashleyg prints and the colors in your interior, I think ivory, chocolate or black mats would show off the pictures nicely.
As for the Eames plywood chair, I think it would look great and add a mid-century element to your modern/contemporary furnishings. A walnut or ebony finish might be a little more dramatic than the natural finish.
Have fun framing your new prints!
Erin T
It looks like most of ashleyg's prints are 8.5x11.
I have the same problem. I'm always buying prints, but there aren't any on the wall. I can never find affordable frames that I like and that don't look cheap.
I agree that IKEA is great for basic frames that don't look cheap. Then what you mgiht want to do is take both the ikea frames and your prints to a custom frame shop who can do a custom mat maybe with a black or silver edging to really customize it. I've done this a few times and the frame shops won't charge much for these finishing touches and it makes them look custom as opposed to 'ikeaish'.
also for just individual frames i've had good luck going to tjmax or marshalls and buying frames there and removing the existing picture ( goodwill too if you have access ) - take these to a custom frame shop too. This is the way to acheive really custom looking artwork -i've even done this with magazine pictures!
Once you hang the prints, you might find that the slipper chair no longer overpowers the sofa as the artwork will add height to the sofa section.
However, you might want to bring the chair closer to the sectional to turn it into a functional conversational grouping. Have a friend sit on the chair while you sit on the sofa. Adjust the position until you feel the chair is in a natural spot for conversing with folks on the couch ;-)
I've also had good luck lately with frames at Target. They carry a nice selection of Umbra stuff. Those prints are so cute and you've picked a great grouping! I'm a big believer in the plywood lounger, so you won't get a nay out of me on that. Good luck!
Thank you so much for all your comments and feedback. I think I'll definitely check out the ikea store and then take them to a frame shop. That sounds great!
The prints are 8.5x11.
Any other feedback would be much appreciated!
Hi there! I've had really good experiences with American Frames, www.americanframe.com. I framed an entire art show in college using their standard metal frames, which come in a bunch of colors - including matte black, which I really like - and are shockingly inexpensive, even with shipping. They also cut mats to size, which is a bonus for anyone who has ever struggles with a beveled mat cutter, and plexiglass as well. Seriously, I don't want to sound like a shill for the company, but I use them everytime I need something framed.