Summer is a season of creativity—longer days, brighter light, and time off often lead to more DIY projects, family photos, and art made by kids or collected on travels. Whether you're framing a watercolor painting made on vacation, a photo snapped at the beach, or a child’s sunny school project, the right picture frame can elevate your summer art into a polished and lasting piece of decor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect picture frame to complement your seasonal artwork and bring a breezy, fresh feel to your home.
Choose Light and Natural Finishes
Summer decor often leans light, airy, and natural. To keep that look consistent, opt for picture frames in soft wood tones or white finishes. These colors won't overpower the art and tend to work beautifully with seasonal artwork—especially anything inspired by nature or the beach.
Best choices:
- Whitewashed wood: Gives a coastal feel and pairs well with beach photography and watercolor prints.
- Natural oak or maple: Works beautifully with botanical prints and kids’ art.
- Pale or bleached wood frames: Add softness and warmth without heaviness.
Match the Mood of the Artwork
Is your piece vibrant and playful? Calming and subtle? The frame you choose should support the tone of the art, not fight with it. Bright abstract prints can handle bold or colorful frames, while delicate line drawings or pressed flowers often look best in minimalist or neutral settings.
Tips:
- Vibrant or mixed-media artwork: Try a solid-colored wood frame in navy, coral, or teal for a fun pop.
- Muted or pastel pieces: Choose frames in light neutrals or soft greys for a gentle touch.
- Black and white sketches or photos: Float them in crisp white or black frames for contrast.
Consider Where the Art Will Be Displayed
Summer art projects often end up in casual spaces—entryways, kitchens, sunrooms, or even seasonal cottages. Think about the wall color, surrounding decor, and light levels when picking a frame. You want the art to feel intentional, not like an afterthought.
Things to keep in mind:
- Bright spaces: Choose non-glare acrylic or glass to reduce reflections.
- Busy walls: Go for simple, clean-lined frames that won’t compete with the surroundings.
- Gallery walls: Mix similar-toned frames for a cohesive yet collected look.
Highlight Unusual or Handmade Pieces
Many summer projects have irregular dimensions or unexpected textures. Rather than trimming or forcing them into a standard frame, look for custom framing options or use float mounting to preserve their character. Shadow box frames are also perfect for 3D items like pressed flowers, seashells, or collage work.
Creative ideas:
- Float-mount a child’s finger painting to showcase the edges and texture.
- Use a shadow box for ticket stubs, travel mementos, or layered paper art.
- Mat your art in a bold color for a playful summer statement.
Frame Summer Memories with Style and Ease
Framing your summer art projects is about more than preservation—it’s about celebrating the creativity and memories that this season inspires. With the right picture frame, even the simplest piece can become a highlight in your home. Choose finishes that reflect the lightness of summer, match the tone of your art, and don’t be afraid to experiment with custom or playful presentations. When in doubt, Frametolia is here to help you find a wall frame or tabletop frame that fits both your artwork and your space—beautifully. Happy Decorating!
