A blank wall might dampen even the most amazing artwork. Put the same artwork in a properly designed frame of the appropriate size and proportions, and you may see the whole room change before your eyes. This is the neglected influence of proportions.

Selecting A0, A1, or A2 format is not just about choosing the biggest available option. With its size, the A0 frame size will be able to transform any poster into an eye-catching focal point, but smaller sizes will help achieve harmony, balance and even intimacy. It all depends on the art, the wall, the interior, and most importantly on the desired effect.

A Wall Is More Than Empty Space

In order to determine which frame is appropriate, think about the wall itself as an element of composition and not just as a blank canvas waiting for a frame.

• Think about the dimensions of the wall as well as architectural elements.
• Take into account what is placed below or to the side of the wall – sofa, console, desk or shelves.
• Consider natural lighting, window lighting, and other sources of lighting that can influence the presentation.
• Determine whether you want the work of art to fit into the environment or be the centre of attention.

It is preferable for a frame to blend into its environment and not just occupy available wall space.

The Moment a Poster Takes Over the Room

Some pieces of art are designed to grab your eye. Some photography, architectural plans, maps and statement posters are best suited for ample dimensions.

• An A0 picture frame will make sure that your artwork is seen.
• Large-scale artworks look excellent hanging on a wide feature wall.
• A large-scale artwork can help set the layout of furniture and form a focal point.
• It is important to select the right frame profile to avoid making a large-scale art piece look too cluttered.

Imagine hanging a large architectural poster on a long timber console table. While a small frame can easily get lost against the wall, the A0 size display frame would be able to set a focal point on its own without any extra decor.

Finding the Sweet Spot Between Too Much and Too Little

Not every room requires a bold focal point. Sometimes the perfect solution lies somewhere in between bold and subtle.

• A1 Picture Frame Sizes provide ample impact without overpowering many household walls.
• A1 Poster Frames can be used for photographs, artwork, educational material and promotional graphics.
• A1 will come in handy when framing pictures to place on top of desks, consoles and other mid-size furniture.
• Whether your artwork requires mounting is worth considering if extra breathing room is desired.
• The surroundings help dictate the degree of visual emphasis the frame requires.

A1 comes in handy whenever you need the artwork to be seen but not the only focal point.

Small Doesn’t Mean Forgettable

Small pieces of art can also have a powerful effect if done intelligently.

• The A2 picture frame is suitable for use in bedrooms, offices, hallway spaces, and small walls.
• A2 Poster Frames work especially well if more than one piece is to be displayed on the wall.
• Rhythm can be created by using the same-sized frames repeatedly on the wall.
• Different styles of artwork can be incorporated but still create consistency by using the same frames.
• Small art can also accentuate a bigger central artwork.

Instead of questioning whether an A2 piece is “big enough,” one should consider if it fits in visually with its surroundings.

Step Back. Look Again.

The basic approach of frame placement may be one of the most effective ones – step back from the wall.

• Examine the picture in relation to the entrance point of the room.
• See how it looks in the regular position where you would sit.
• Make a comparison between the size of the painting and the pieces of furniture around.
• Observe the picture in different light conditions: both natural and artificial.

This simple exercise may help to detect issues that can hardly be seen when looking right at the picture.

The Frame You Choose Changes What You See

While the size remains unchanged, the nature of the piece framed may be totally altered by varying styles of frames used.

• Narrow frame profiles lend lightness to big pieces of art and make them look modern.
• Thick frames will add more visual weight to traditionally painted artworks.
• Mounts help create some space between the piece of art and its environment.
• Glazing influences the reflection, visibility, and viewing of an artwork.
• Framing finishes should harmonise with the art and the room itself.

A frame is much more than just an edge of an artwork.

When Good Artwork Meets Bad Proportion

Even the best art will lack effectiveness if the surroundings have wrong proportions.

• An oversized picture frame stuffed onto a narrow wall will look crowded.
• An undersized picture frame hung above massive furniture pieces might seem isolated.
• Many picture frames placed with unequal spaces between each other will make a gallery wall look like a random collection.
• Pictures hung on the wall at too great a height will break the connection with the furniture.

Thus, good framing involves making connections between things rather than filling in spaces.

Don’t Measure the Frame. Measure the Impact.

There are no rules about how big the frame should be because the right choice will depend upon how well the piece fits into the environment around it.

The A0 frame size can create a powerful statement, while A1 and A2 offer flexibility for individual displays and carefully composed collections. Measure the artwork, study the space and step back before making the final decision.

The best frame is neither the largest nor the smallest. It is the frame which makes the artwork feel right there where it is.