When To Match Picture Frames To Wall Color

Selecting frames for artwork can be tricky as frames totally change the look and feel of artwork. So, is there a time and place to match your picture frames to your wall color?

The short answer is yes!

It’s your house. Do what makes you happy.

The short answer doesn’t make a good blog post though, so let me briefly elaborate.

Match picture frames to wall color when the frame is too distracting. 

If the frame is distracting from the real start of the show, the artwork, paint the frame the same color as the wall so that the artwork pops.

That’s what I did on our blue sunporch. I tried multiple colors of stain as well as black and white paint on the frame for this needlepoint. None of them worked and it was maddening.

In this scenario with bold walls and bold artwork, the frame needed to take a backseat.

Match picture frames to wall color to make a dramatic statement.

This works particularly well when you’re creating a gallery wall on dark-colored walls.

Look at this example from Splendid Habitat. It’s a dramatic, moody space and that artwork pops!

(image: via Splendid Habitat)

Here’s another example from A Beautiful Mess of using dark picture frames on a dark wall to create drama. This time the art is colorful and really complements that couch.

(image: A Beautiful Mess)

Match picture frames to wall color if you want to keep things light, bright, and streamlined.

This is best illustrated when you have white walls and white picture frames. It just looks so crisp and clean.

(image: Framebridge)

Match picture frames to wall color even if your walls are something other than drywall such as brick or wood.

Here’s a gorgeous example from the One Kings Lane blog of a wood-paneled room with picture frames that aren’t an exact match but more of a tonal match to the wood. It creates a warm, layered, collected-over-time feeling to the space.

(image: Tony Vu via One Kings Lane)

Isn’t it fun to see how different picture frame colors look in relation to wall colors?

Be honest. Was this the first time you’ve seen a blue picture frame on a blue wall? It might be the last too. Ha!

Bottom line. When should you match your picture frame to your wall color? Whenever it suits the look and feel you want to create in your space. Do what makes you happy.

Have you ever matched your picture frames to your wall color? I’d love to know. You can always comment on this blog post, email us here, or reach out via Instagram or Facebook.

Happy decorating!

Thanks for reading today’s blog post! I love sharing ideas with you. Here are some other blog posts you might enjoy.

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The Key To Decorating With Kid Art

New Art For Our Navy Sunporch

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