Welcome back to our blog series with CEO Ann Priftis, where we explore the practical side of collecting—from care and display to placement and preservation.

Whether you’ve just acquired a new piece or are rethinking the layout of your current collection, how and where you hang your art matters. The right placement not only enhances how a work is seen, but also ensures it’s safely and thoughtfully installed.

In this post, Ann shares simple, expert-backed tips for hanging art in your home or business—so your collection always looks its best.

Let’s dive in.

Tips for Framing your Artwork.

The right frame can dramatically enhance or detract from an artwork.  The right frame should emphasize the unique characteristics of the work while complementing the aesthetic of the surroundings where it’s installed.  Working with a professional, like the Art Consultants at Off Piste, can make the process easy and fun. Here are some details to keep in mind when selecting a frame for your artwork: 

Work with only archival materials. 

Professional galleries and frame shops should use only archival materials to frame artwork. These materials include acid-free backing, mats and tapes that prevent staining, sticking and damage to the artwork.

Ensure your frame is using the correct hanging hardware.  

Picture wire, D-rings and hooks are common options but must accommodate the overall weight of the piece and work with the material of the wall where it will be installed.  In some cases, special hanging systems are required to install work on walls made of material like travertine or certain kinds of stone. 

Choose glass or acrylic for glazing.  

Acrylic is typically used to cover larger works because it’s lighter and shatter-resistant.  While glass is heavier, it usually offers better clarity.  UV or museum acrylic is a great option for more delicate works on paper and photographs, adding an extra layer of protection that filters out harmful natural and artificial light. 

Select the correct molding style and profile.

The term “picture frame profile” refers to the shape of the frame’s outer edge which can vary in thickness, depth and design.  For example, a low profile artwork frame is a frame with a sleek edge, clean lines and thin profile that blends well with modern and contemporary decor.  This style is typically low maintenance.  A complex picture frame profile is more intricate with multiple ridges, curves and levels.  These frames often have a layered appearance and are frequently used in more traditional or formal settings, working well with larger pieces where the frame itself can be part of the visual dialogue. 

Confused about how to frame your art? Off Piste Art Consultants offer expert recommendations and work with a trusted network of professional framers to deliver high quality, beautiful framing selections for every artwork style.

Ann Priftis

CEO

Thoughtful installation is an often-overlooked—but essential—part of caring for and enjoying your collection. By considering placement, height, spacing, and lighting, you ensure that each piece not only looks its best, but remains protected over time. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall, spotlighting a single work, or placing sculpture throughout your space, a few intentional choices can make all the difference. In our next post, we’ll continue exploring the many ways you can enhance, preserve, and connect with your collection—at home and beyond. Have questions about placement, or want help envisioning your space? We’re here to help. 

Let’s keep the conversation going.