If you guessed that the answer is both pretty and necessary you are correct. Choosing the right color, width, and texture can take your art from being lost on the wall to popping out and completing the ambience of the room.   I find that working with a custom picture frame designer, who will assist you in choosing the right mat and frame combination to enhance your art, is easy and fun.  Be ready to answer some basic questions so the designer knows what type of statement you would like to make with the piece of art.  What are the colors of the room, is the style contemporary? rustic? and what is your price range?  If you are a first timer working with a designer don't get sticker shock.  Just work with the designer to create the look you like that fits your pocketbook.  Also, let the framer know how important this piece is to you.  A good designer will suggest several ways to mat and frame the piece including single, double and triple matting.  You will find that with each creative technique the framer offers the art itself will change.  For example, different colors will become dominent within the art and then subdued with a change in mat colors.  Matting can also increase the overall size of the piece of art.

Why is the matboard necessary?  The matboard provides a space between the glass and the artwork.  If moisture occures and condensation forms, the art work could stick to the glass, mold and mildrew could grow and overtime this would cause the artwork to wrinkle and the inks and colors would be ruined.  Matboard should be acid free.  Any other type of board used that does not have this quality will eventually turn the art yellow underneath the border area.  Acid free should  also include the backboard that the art is mounted on.  This is very important especially with original artwork.  The yellow could devalue the piece.

Remember, the matting and framing completes your piece of art.  It is a reflection of your personality.  I hope this guide inspires you to experiment with color and texture while framing art.  Don't think that everything has to match.  Be creative!  It's fun!!!