After showing the gold foil quote art I found at #HomeGoods on Monday, I went looking for some fresh gallery wall inspiration. While looking through images a really perplexing questions came to mind…what frame color is best for a gallery wall display–white, black, gold or a mix?
While that might sound like an easy question to answer, there are decorating pros and cons with each frame color making the decision a tough one.
So to answer the question and to give me an opportunity to share a few design tips with you, I thought we’d tackle The Great Frame Debate once and for all!
♦♦♦
THE CASE FOR WHITE FRAMES…
via apartment therapy
White is a really popular color in decor right now so decorating with white frames is a natural. White frames work best for a gallery wall when you are using colorful art images and want the art to stand out instead of the frames. White frames also work against white walls because when they are hung in mass they create a stronger visual impression.
I love the look for white frames in a home office, kids room and nursery.
via Little Big Bell
If a gallery wall is made up of black and white images, white frames are a good option especially if the mat is wide. A wide mat gives the illusion of a wider frame and creates even more uniformity within the grouping. Also keep in mind that using one frame style will give your photo arrangement a classic feel.
via Z Gallerie
If your decorating goal is to make a dramatic statement then hang white frames on a dark wall. Matching the picture frame color to the furniture color below creates a visual link between the two areas which takes the focus off the dark wall and puts it on the decor.
via Better Homes and Gardens
Using frames of a single color while varying the shapes, sizes and details is the best way to build a gallery wall display that has a formal but relaxed feel This look is especially effective with cottage chic styles and rustic decor.
via House to Home
♦♦♦
THE CASE FOR BLACK FRAMES…
via Tattered Keepsakes on Etsy
Black picture frames are definitely more dramatic than white frames so if you need a little drama in your decor, black is the way to go. When grouped together, the shapes and sizes of black frames will really stand out, especially on a white wall. That’s a good thing but it can also take some of the attention away from the photos/art so keep the elaborate frame styles to a minimum.
via The Decorista photography by Donna Dotan Photography
If the goal is to create an eclectic grouping, then using black frames with different widths and thicknesses is the formula. If you want to fill an entire wall with frames, combining several larger frames (which will add the impact) together with small frames will create a balanced and dynamic wall arrangement.
via Slim Paley
♦♦♦
THE CASE FOR GOLD FRAMES…
via Huckleberry Vntg
Gold adds instant elegance to any room and a touch of gold just like a touch of black is always a must in my book. When hanging gold frames in a room make sure to have two other places where good shows up. An accent color that shows up in three spots in a room will make the color feel intentional rather than random.
via Atlanta Homes Mag
If you have wallpapered walls, gold frames will provide the perfect pop and stand out against the pattern. Use photos that pull colors from the wallpaper design to create a common thread within your decor.
via Elements of Style
♦♦♦
THE CASE FOR A MIX OF FRAMES…
via
So when you can’t decide which frame color to use with you gallery wall display, a mix of frame colors might be the way to go. The rule of three applies again here so make sure that within the arrangement there are three spots where a single color appears. In this case there are three black frames + artwork with a black background, two gold frames + a frame with gold corners and three white frames. {bonus tip: black, white and gold are also found in the decor within the room which creates that design thread}
via Casa Sugar
Another way to mix it up is to use a variety of frame colors. This arrangement works for several reasons:
1) the images are all one theme
2) there is one larger frame that serves as the focal point
3) the wall color is repeated in the frames and the art
via The Interiors Addict
A mixed grouping of frames adds a personal feel to the art arrangement and is an inexpensive way to decorate a large wall space.
via Design Sponge
So there you have it…The Great Frame Debate!
Actually it’s not much of a debate because when you really think about it, there are a thousand and one colors you could pick for your picture frames so pick what works for you and your decor and have fun decorating!
