Choosing a picture frame

A picture frame is one of those purchases that we seldom give much thought to until we need one. Then a child brings home school pictures or we receive a family member's photograph in a Christmas card, and suddenly we're scrambling for a suitable frame.

It's a good idea to pick the right one for your picture if you want to draw attention to the photo and preserve it for the future. Here are some things to consider when shopping for frames:

1. Shop around for the best deal. Craft stores, dollar stores, and department stores offer various styles and prices of frames. Check newspaper ads and mail fliers for the latest deals or upcoming sales. It's not uncommon to find fifty-percent reductions in end-of-season goods, so if possible, stock up at sales events or wait to buy when your desired item is reduced.

2. Measure your picture first. Get the right measurements and decide if you want a frame that can be mounted on a wall or one that sits on a table or shelf. You can take the photo with you to the store and see how it looks against the frame. Check wall space for the framed photo to see how much area you will need, and which size frame will fit well with others that may already be mounted.

3. Consider additional frame features. Matting adds a special touch to certain kinds of pictures. You may need to compare the photo against various colors and styles of matting to get the best fit, shade, and balance for your picture. Ask the sales assistant about glass coverings to find out if they are covered by a warranty in case of breakage, or if there are different hues or textures of coverings to choose from. You also may need to buy hanging hooks separately, or perhaps purchase added support for the piece that holds a table frame upright.

4. Decide whether to shop for quantity or quality. A cheap frame will get your photo on display quickly and inexpensively. However, it may not wear well over the long haul. Cracks, tears, or fractures may result from handling or age. On the other hand, paying more for a designer-type frame or having your picture framed professionally may be worth the extra money you will pay if it preserves the picture for a longer amount of time and prevents yellowing, fading, or wrinkling.

5. Place the frame in the safest place. If setting it atop a table or other flat surface, keep it out harm's way by selecting a corner location or one where a toddler's curiosity or a child's flying ball will not find it. A wall frame should be mounted in an area that others can easily see in an area that does not encounter much activity. Kids bouncing in the room may shake pictures loose from their mooring and cause them to fall and become damaged.

You may want to have a professional person, such as a carpenter or handyman, hang your picture on the wall if that is your plan. Crumbling plaster and stripped screws can be frustrating when trying to secure a frame to a wall.

Dust the frame carefully to avoid scratching it. Then enjoy your newly framed piece!