How to Frame Small Artwork with a Big Impact

Small artwork can still make a big impact! Whether you have a collection of tiny trinkets, diminutive drawings, or pint-size photographs, you can turn them all into mini masterpieces with custom framing! Even with a limited amount of wall space, you can still make a major statement through your framing choices. Not sure what options to choose? We’ve made it simple for you by collecting our favorite tips on how to custom frame small artwork like a pro!

Play with Color

Playing with color is a fantastic way to make small artwork pop! Choose a few undertones from your art by identifying the third, fourth, or fifth most predominant colors. (An easy way to do this is to look away from your art and then look back at it, noting which colors you notice in what order.) Try picking a frame and matting in those hues. Just keep in mind that bold colors can quickly become overwhelming, so we generally recommend saving them for accent mats.

Go Wide

Believe it or not, but the width of your mat makes a big difference! (Yep, the ability to choose the exact width of your mat is just one more reason to choose custom framing.) Mats are usually two to four inches wide and tend to be at least one inch wider than your frame. While bigger mats tend to be paired with bigger artwork, we think opting for an oversize mat with smaller artwork makes a greater impact. A wider mat will help draw the eye to your art and give it a gallery-style look.

Feature a Collection

If you have a collection of smaller pieces that would look best as a group (such as ticket stubs or polaroid photos), consider a mat with multiple cutouts so you can display everything in one framed piece. If you want to display objects (say, a vintage key collection or a selection of collectible pins), have them grouped together in a shadow box lined with a contrasting fabric. For artwork and objects that aren’t quite so miniscule, consider framing each piece individually and create a themed gallery wall.

Embrace Accents

Get Fancy

One of the best things about framing small artwork? Deluxe framing options won’t break the bank! When choosing a frame, you can opt for more intricate mouldings, more expensive wood, or frames with luxe finishes and still stay within your budget. Specialty mats featuring linen, metallic foil, or a faux marble look can amp up the style factor of your framed piece. Wood fillets (a smaller moulding that fits next to the matting) are another stately way to add gravitas to smaller artwork.

Try Floating

There are several ways to mount artwork, most of which attach and flatten the art to a backing board. But true custom framing allows you to choose float mounting, which raises the artwork off the backing with a panel concealed behind it. This creates a shadow between the image and backing, adding depth and drama to a smaller framed piece. Float mounting is the go-to for 3D objects, but it also works well for flat artwork if you want to highlight an interesting texture or showcase unique edges.