Frame your art. And I use the term “art” very loosely.

I generally stick to a clean, modern gallery frame in white, black, or a lighter natural wood finish, with a white mat. Here’s where I go for good-looking frames, from least to most expensive.

Budget option: Ikea’s Ribba frame (in size 8” x 10” and up; the smaller sized frames don’t have a big enough mat) is a cheap classic that adds instant polish to your walls. Target’s basic gallery frames with mats are also a great option.  I like to mix white and black frames together along with Ikea’s Hovsta frame in birch wood. This option is best for inexpensive and easily replaced things, like photos that can be reprinted if they fade from sunlight. I also love using a shadow box frame; I super-glue the contents to the back because I don’t like the way it looks to use the tacks that generally come with an inexpensive shadow box frame.

Mid-price: At the mid price point are semi-custom framing options like Art To Frames and Level Frames.  I’ve had mixed results with Framebridge which is why I don’t include them in this list.  These semi-custom framing options are good for when you need a larger frame or a non-standard sized frame, so for things like a large art print or even a smaller piece of original art, since you can choose upgraded UV-protecting glass.

Most expensive: I do custom framing at my local framer for really special and sentimental pieces or original art that I need to protect really well or ensure have a truly immaculate display. In Nashville, I love Hanging Around on 8th Ave; they’re so kind and lovely to work with. If I’m going to splurge on custom framing, I like to get art float mounted and raised off the mat, or if I’m doing a more traditional mat, I either do a linen mat in a creamy or natural color or an 8-ply mat, which is just a thicker mat that adds a level of dimension to the framing.  If I’m already paying to get something custom framed, I always pay the extra price for anti-reflective museum quality glass that will protect the artwork from fading.

I also always frame artwork that’s on a stretched canvas. Clients are often surprised when I recommend they frame these since they can be hung as is.  But they look so much more polished and complete with a floating frame.

I really like Artfully Walls for a two-in-one as they sell really lovely art prints and you can order them with the frame and mat, so they arrive at your doorstep ready to hang.

Then you can get to hanging!