3 Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting an Oval Picture Frame

Oval picture frames are a decorative and unique way to display any portrait or favorite photo. However, not all portraits work well in oval picture frames. To help you make the best picture selection for your oval frame there are three questions you should ask:

Question #1: What type of picture do you want your oval frame for?

The first thing you should consider is the type of photo you want to display- is it a portrait, a candid, a landscape or still life photo? Normally, oval frames look best with portraits of people. Oval frames are best used to highlight a formal picture or portrait and usually don’t look good with informal candid photos. The elegance and simplicity of oval frames are a natural fit for a formal portrait and its shape lends nicely to displaying a photo of just a few people. However you can have a portrait of a group and still have it look nice.

If you are considering an oval picture frame but not sure if it would be the best selection for your photo, duplicate the oval shape of the frame, either with a purchased mat or by cutting a sheet of paper, and placing it over your picture. You will know right away if the oval shape looks good with your picture. If it does, continue your search for an oval picture frame. If it doesn’t look good then it’s time to search for a different shaped frame.

Question #2: What type of oval picture frame do you want?

In addition to the type of photo you want to frame, you should also consider where you plan to display your oval frame. Before you get an oval frame, always know how you want to display it. Do you want to display it on a table or dresser or hang it on the wall? Always check the oval frame to see how it can be displayed before you buy it because most ovals are designed to be either wall frames or table top frames but not both. This is an important (and often overlooked) step that will help you narrow down your selection.

The next thing to think about is the type of material and style. There are a lot of choices when it comes to styles of oval picture frames. Do you want a metal frame or a wood picture frame? With wood oval frames, there are varying degrees of decoration depending upon the type of wood frame. Solid wood oval picture frames usually are rather plain with no decorative features while composite wood frames generally have more decorative ornamentation on the frame because the wood can be easily molded. Oval wood picture frames are usually most popular in rich wood tones like vintage walnut, rosewood and cherry or antique colors like gold or silver.

Metal oval frames are another option, but are commonly designed for table top displays instead of wall picture frames. Metal oval picture frames are easy to find in small sizes and are usually adorned with crystals, beads or other decorative features. If you’re looking for an elegant look consider a precious metal like sterling silver, silver plate or solid pewter. These frames will be more expensive than aluminum or metal alloy oval frames but they will last a long time and be enjoyed for many years.

Your personal style preferences and the photo you want to frame are ultimately what will determine what oval picture frame is best for you. However, don’t make the mistake of choosing an oval frame you like without considering what picture you want to display in it.

Question #3: What frame style does your picture go best with?

The best place to start when selecting a frame if often to start with the color of the frame. Here is a good general rule of thumb for selecting a color:

• Antiqued silver frames are a wonderful choice for black and white photos
• Antiqued gold frames are great with sepia prints and also look good with black and white photos.
• Wood tones like walnut, cherry or rosewood look good with anything and are a safe choice if you are unsure.

Once you’ve selected your color, you’ll now need to determine the type of style that will best complement your photo. But first, let’s get a good understanding of the different styles of oval frames and how they best meet different needs.

Photos of women always look great in a feminine looking frame. A feminine look can be anything from flowery ornamentation to decorative features on the top and bottom of the frame or a decorative edge like beading outlining the oval shape of the frame. Most feminine looking oval frames tend to have a traditional or classic style.

For photos of men or boys, you’ll want a simple classic oval frame with little or no decorative ornamentation on it so the frame has a more masculine appearance. However, for a young boys picture, a small amount of decoration on the frame can highlight the photo nicely.

Black and white, sepia and any other old fashioned looking photos will go beautifully in an antique style oval frame. These frames have some type of ornamentation around the exterior of the frame to give it a traditional or antique look. Many antique picture frames have a dark underlying color around the ornamentation to give it an aged look that helps to accentuate the decorative features.

With so many colors and styles, make sure to choose a frame that complements both your photo and your home’s decor. Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have the information you need to find the perfect oval picture frame for your favorite photo.