We all know the “gallery look”: a stark white mat and a simple black frame. It’s classic, it’s safe, and it’s… a little bit predictable.
For decades, the “Bauhaus” style of design ruled photography framing. The philosophy was simple: Form follows function. The frame should be invisible so the art stands alone.
But today? We are breaking the rules. Whether you are framing a vintage black-and-white print or a vibrant digital snapshot, it’s time to stop “encasing” your art and start enhancing it.
Here is how to upgrade your photo design:
1. Black & White Doesn’t Mean Boring
Traditionally, black and white photos had to have white mats and black frames. Not anymore.
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Add Texture: Even purist collectors are seeing the value in frames with style and texture.
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Go Metallic: Try an antique silver scoop frame to pick up the highlights in the photo.
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Create Depth: Use spacers between double mats to create shadow and intensity.
2. Color Outside the Lines 
Color photography wasn’t fully accepted as fine art until the 1980s, which means it has less “baggage” and fewer rules than black and white.
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Match the Vibe: Don’t be afraid to pull colors from the photo. One example featured in Picture Framing Magazine used a pink bottom mat and a bronze frame to complement a photo of the Grand Canyon.
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Mimic Shapes: Does your photo have an arch or bridge? Choose a frame with a similar curve to unify the design.
3. Get Creative with Mounting ️
With the rise of digital printing, we have flexible new ways to display the physical print.
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Float Mounting: Perfect for art with deckled or irregular edges. The photo sits inside the mat opening so you can see the paper’s edge, making it look like it’s floating.
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Flush Mounting: The image is bonded solidly to a backing and trimmed right to the edge.
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The “Hover” Effect: By using a “reverse bevel” cut on a flush mount, the image appears to float off the backing without a visible border.
The Bottom Line
State-of-the-art framing has come a long way from the skinny black metal frames of the 1960s. While there will always be purists who want the traditional look, you now have the freedom to let your design energy flow.
