Any framing should complement both the work of art and the décor of the room where it will hang.

Mats. Most professional framers will add one or more colored mats to reproductions to focus the eye on the artwork. Mats increase the cost of framing because the finished size is larger and the cost of the mat must be included. Don't let this increase scare you away from adding the right finish to your work. You will have this piece for years to come and you want to be pleased with the final product. Lighter colors pull the eye into the piece and should pick up one or more of the lighter colors in the art. Darker colors become dominant and compete with the art for attention. Choose carefully any darker colored mats or use them when double matting a piece. Double or triple mat refers to the number of layers of mats you choose. Special cut guides the framer in understanding that you want a mat with detailed and unique design, rather than a basic straight cut. Filet is a narrow molding that is used with matting to highlight the artwork. The filet usually matches or complements the larger, outer molding.

Molding. The molding that surrounds your art does not have to match the furniture in your room. For example, just because your furniture is cherry wood does not require you to choose cherry wood molding. For a more formal look choose wood finish or gold leaf molding; metals and plastics are more casual.

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