(Or: How to Not Make Your Art Look Like a Sad, Naked Poster on the Wall)
So, you’ve just bought a stunning piece of art—perhaps a magnificent graphite drawing that radiates elegance, mystery, and just a hint of “I know what I’m doing in life.”
But wait—where do you even put it? How do you make sure it looks museum-worthy and not like something you ripped out of a magazine and stuck to the wall with tape?
Enter the wild world of art sizes, passepartouts, and frames, where one wrong move can turn your glorious purchase into a tragic case of “why does this look so... off?”
Buckle up, art lover. This is your guide to getting it right the first time.
1. Art Sizes: When Bigger Isn’t Always Better (But Sometimes It Is)
“I Just Bought a Drawing! What Size Should It Be?”
Ah, the eternal question! Art sizes range from “tiny postcard” to “so big it doubles as a room divider.” Picking the right size isn’t just about what fits your wall—it’s about impact.
Rule of Thumb:
- Small Art (A5, A4) – Perfect for cozy spaces, art clusters, or looking mysteriously intellectual.
- Medium Art (A3, A2) – The sweet spot. Big enough to impress but not so large it feels like the Mona Lisa is judging you from across the room.
- Large Art (A1, A0, or larger) – The statement piece. Needs serious wall real estate and preferably an audience who will nod in admiration.
PRO TIP: If your artwork is small but you want it to feel grand, this is where passepartouts and frames come in.
2. Passepartout: The Fancy-Sounding Thing That Makes Art Look Expensive
Wait… Pass-a-what-now?
Passepartout (a.k.a. matting for those who don’t speak French in their spare time) is the border around the artwork inside the frame.
Think of it as the fashion stylist for your artwork—it enhances the look, gives it breathing room, and prevents it from looking like a lost piece of paper stuck in a frame.
Why You Need a Passepartout:
- It elevates the artwork, making it feel premium.
- It keeps the artwork from touching the glass, preventing damage over time.
- It can make a small piece look larger and more dramatic.
Choosing the Right Passepartout Size
- Thin (1-2 inches) – Subtle, just a little extra breathing room.
- Medium (2-4 inches) – The safe bet, making the art look well-placed.
- Thick (5+ inches) – For maximum drama (and when you want your A4 art to feel like an A2 masterpiece).
PRO TIP: White or cream passepartouts are classic and won’t steal the spotlight from the art. Black is bold but can be overpowering. Choose wisely!
3. Frames: The Ultimate Power Move for Displaying Art
A Frame is to Art What a Suit is to a Man
You can throw a $500 artwork into a cheap plastic frame and instantly make it look like something you bought from a gas station.
Or you can put a simple sketch into a high-quality frame and suddenly have something gallery-worthy.
Types of Frames and What They Say About You
Thin Black Metal Frame – “I have my life together and probably own a minimalistic coffee table book collection.”
Chunky Wooden Frame – “I love art, history, and possibly own leather-bound books.”
Gold Baroque Frame – “I live in a mansion (or at least I want people to think I do).”
No Frame at All – “I’m edgy and refuse to be bound by traditional artistic constraints.”
PRO TIP: If in doubt, go for a simple black or wooden frame—they work with nearly everything.
4. Matching Your Art to Your Wall Size (Avoiding the Awkward Floating Look)
The Floating Art Disaster
Ever seen a tiny artwork on a huge wall? Looks like a lost postage stamp.
Ever seen a massive piece on a tiny wall? Feels like it’s trying to escape.
Golden Rules:
- If placing above a couch or bed, the artwork should be at least two-thirds the width of the furniture.
- Gallery walls work best with a mix of sizes, arranged like a visual puzzle.
- Center artwork at eye level—not so high that people need binoculars to see it.
PRO TIP: Use paper cutouts or masking tape on the wall to test placement before hammering a thousand holes into it.
5. To Glass or Not to Glass?
If you’re framing a graphite drawing or any delicate paper-based artwork, glass or acrylic protection is a must—unless you enjoy watching dust, fingerprints, and accidental coffee splashes ruin your investment.
Glass Options:
- Regular Glass – Cheap, but creates glare.
- Acrylic (Plexiglass) – Lighter, shatterproof, but scratches easily.
- Museum Glass – Anti-reflective, UV-protected, and expensive, but oh-so-worth-it.
PRO TIP: If your art will be exposed to sunlight, UV-protected glass is your best friend.
6. The Ultimate Cheat Sheet: A Quick Recap
Art Size Matters – Pick a size that suits your space, or use a large passepartout to make small art feel grand.
Passepartout is a Game-Changer – It gives breathing room and prevents your art from looking like a trapped piece of paper.
Frames Make or Break the Look – A cheap frame can kill the vibe. Invest in something decent.
Wall Placement is Key – Avoid the awkward floating effect by choosing the right proportions.
Glass Protection = Longevity – Because art deserves better than collecting dust.
Final Thought: The Secret to Making Your Art Look Expensive
Even if you buy a $20 print, framing it well can make it look like a $500 gallery piece. Meanwhile, even the most expensive artwork can look cheap if framed poorly.
So, treat your art right. Give it a good frame, the right size, a solid passepartout, and some prime wall real estate.
Because nothing says “I have taste” like a well-framed piece of art that people can’t stop admiring.
NOW GO FRAME THAT MASTERPIECE LIKE IT DESERVES!
Do you have art that needs framing advice? Drop a comment and let’s make sure it looks like a million bucks!
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