How do you choose a frame color for your print? Can you mix frame colors in a room? What about wall color, should that be taken into consideration? Above: Surfing No. 9 in a black frame without mat I get many questions about frames, and which frame color to choose is one of the most asked. In this post, I share my opinions, along with some great advice from framing experts Tara Gavin, On The Wall Framing, and Dara Deshe, Simply Framed, and interior designer and builder Rebecca Lincoln, Coastal Dwelling Design & Build. What color frame should I get? Cattie Coyle, Cattie Coyle PhotographyGenerally speaking, I love a white or natural wood frame for a coastal, beachy feel, with a mat if you want it a bit more formal, and without a mat for the most casual look. For a classic and more traditional gallery-style feel, go with a black frame with a white mat. To make it slightly less formal, use the black frame without a mat. Having said that, it’s important to always take the art into consideration too; a very light and minimal image can get a bit lost in a white frame and mat. And sometimes black is a bit too harsh for a very delicate picture. You don’t want the frame to overwhelm the art. Print pictured above: California Dreaming No. 1 Dara Deshe, Simply FramedThe most common mistake we see is choosing a frame to match the home rather than complement the art. Since design trends change, we recommend picking a frame that is timeless and can work from room to room. Our go to is a black, white, or natural frame. Rebecca Lincoln, Coastal DwellingI do stick to white frames. I want the art pieces to sing praise to whatever they are showcasing, whether it’s a picture or a painting. However, it does depend on the space, home, and art piece too; a rustic barnwood or driftwood frame can work wonders for a unique art piece, especially landscapes. Tara Gavin, On The Wall FramingMy favorite frame color will always be black. it is timeless and if I had to choose one to use for the rest of time that would be the one! As long as it were available in varying widths. What’s the best frame color for black and white photos? Cattie Coyle, Cattie Coyle PhotographyI usually choose black frames for black and white prints, occasionally a darker natural wood, but most often, a black frame is my first choice. Tara Gavin, On The Wall FramingOnce again I will typically default to black unless the black and white is more of a soft or somewhat “white washed” black and white. In that case I will likely use white as the black might seem little harsh. Above: Palm Trees No. 2 What’s the best color frame for Sepia photos? Cattie Coyle, Cattie Coyle PhotographyI always go with black frames for sepia or warmer toned black and white images as well. Tara Gavin, On The Wall FramingI rarely see sepia these days. Like everything else, perhaps it has come back into style? I would probably use black for Sepia photos because sepia tones are warm and the warmth of those tones can compete with a white frame and make the frame or the photo look “dirty.