i'm so, so torn on which to go with... all matching, or all mismatched... sigh.

More pictures please! This is something I have been looking to see more examples of in rooms that are done well.

I like this! Matchy-matchy is too Martha!

Love it!! Much better to mix and match!!

I have a lot of artwork, and except for a few prints by the same artist that were grouped together, none have matching frames. The framer (since retired) was a gifted lady, and I let her pick the frame & mats without a single qualm.

I like both ideas but I have to say I prefer first to choose frames that best suit the individual pieces, then arrange them on the wall.

Not that it makes the whole process any easier ...

This looks fantastic!

I agree about the matchy-matchy frames -- it can look great, but it's so contrived... People move, or move their art around, and I prefer a more "organic" approach to framing that takes the work into account first and foremost. I've framed everything in my own home in different, but almost always black, frames, and different mats. That kind of splits the difference between the two approaches -- examples one, two, three, and four.

I like frames that are mismatched in size, shape, texture, type, etc. BUT I like them all the same color :)

I don't like matchy matchy - but I am not sure how to pick a frame to match an individual piece. I'll check AP to see if that topic has been covered.

I love the upholstery. Who makes those couches?

Matching frames is so "Art Gallery"...
...and I love those sofas too - they have real character.

Peacelily, it can be really helpful to take work to a reputable frame shop to look at options, just to see what's out there and to discuss ideas with an expert. [You'll be able to tell if the person is just trying to see you the most expensive frame, or if you're getting good advice.] Even if I'm looking for cheapie frames at Target or Michael's, I always bring the work and look at everything together. Eventually, you develop a sense of what works for you!

Sweet! I say go with mismatched frames. My house is covered with all black frames it's so boring!

I think I'll have to try this, but I'd go with white walls.

I'm with atlantadesigner--mix and match, but paint the frames a uniform color. In our living room, though the frames themselves are everything from baroque to super sleek, we painted them all a silvery gray--lovely against the pale blue wall. It really does unify the space without being overly matchy matchy.

Thanks visualingual - I guess I was assuming I would have to pick the frame but you are right - the framer can make recommendations.

I recently got something professionally framed and what a difference! I number of years ago I replaced my student furniture, now I need to replace some of my student frames.

i'm not sure if i like this. Ummm I think i do

I like the mismatched frames - but I love the sofa fabric. but, I don't like a lot of art close together or photo's I need wall space or things get lost

Love this look. I'm currently trying to do something similar above the desks in the office area of my apartment. There's another corner in the living room, where the record player is, that has three frames of almost-matching quality, but they really complement each other. Above the desks, I want it all to be mismatched and, to borrow a word from another commenter, organic - the idea of adding framed pieces as I see and acquire them.

my boyfriend and i have been living with totally bare walls for a year because we were so paralyzed by the decision. buying art and deciding how to get it framed seemed so daunting, not to mention expensive.

so the other day we just snapped and went to our local charity store and bought a huge box of old frames. they are all totally different and some of them have weird pictures in them. the ones without pictures are being filled with photos or images we found. we just quickly hung a bunch in the lounge and they look great. i think the secret is to not think too much about it... just go for it!

the whole endeavor cost around 60 dollars, hahahaha.

I think there are really three keys to hanging art/photos:

1. LOVE the item you're hanging. Don't just get it to fill a space, and if you find better things, don't feel bad about getting rid of older pieces that don't speak to you as much.

2. Feel as good about the frame as you do the piece. If you find a frame you love, buy it. Even if you never find anything to put in it, the empty frame (sans glass) will be it's own art on your wall.

3. If you're not "feeling it" you're allowed to change it - whether the art, the frame, or the location is the problem! Art galleries and museums move their pieces around all the time, just because you put a few nails in the wall doesn't mean they have to stay there for 40 years.

I think people try so hard for things to look good for others that they forget it's supposed to make THEM, in particular, FEEL good. It's not a magazine shoot, it's where you live. Enjoy it.

I'll be the first to confess that I don't trust my eye enough to put together a wall or room of mismatched art/frames. Another reason I shy away is that i hate punching holes in my walls. I'm sort of a perfectionist about plastering and painting...

There's a thin line between carefully curated and cluttered. one of the keys, i think, is that every piece should be interesting enough to draw your eye, rather than (as noted above) just trying to fill a space.

Yeah, the couches are nice!

the frame should suit the artwork first. it is best to use a framer if you can. they can be very helpful with regards to mat & frame choices.

Dudes, true collectors (except possibly for those who collect works on paper only) will likely have mismatched frames. Some frames have provenance that equal the work. Different frames are required for different works for conservation purposes. Frames not solely a "decorating" or groovy-feeling decision.