Framing is often treated as the finishing touch, something you think about once the painting has already been chosen. But in my experience, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right frame can completely transform how a vintage painting feels, while the wrong one can make it feel heavy, dated or out of place.
After nearly five years of sourcing and reframing vintage art, particularly French and Scandinavian paintings, I’ve learned that framing isn’t about rules or trends. It’s about balance, proportion, and understanding both the artwork and the space it’s going into.
Why framing matters more than people think
A frame does far more than simply surround a painting. It affects scale, mood and how old or modern a piece feels on the wall. Many vintage paintings come with original frames that don’t always suit contemporary interiors or reflect how we live with art today.
Reframing isn’t about erasing a painting’s history, it’s about allowing it to sit comfortably in a modern home. Done well, it can make a piece feel timeless rather than dated. I try to keep pieces in original frames wherever possible.
There are no hard rules but there are principles
One of the biggest things I’ve learned over time is that framing is subjective, its very marmite. What works beautifully for one painting may not work at all for another. Taste develops with experience, and instinct plays a huge role.
That said, there are certain principles I return to again and again and ways of thinking about framing that help guide decisions without feeling prescriptive.
The main framing choices and what they bring to a painting
Gilt frames
Gilt frames add warmth and can lift colour in a painting without overpowering it. They work especially well with expressive brushwork, landscapes and richer palettes, bringing a softness and glow that feels considered rather than showy.
Wood frames
Oak and walnut frames create calm, clean lines and add warmth in a softer way. The grain is always different, which means each frame feels subtly unique. Wood often suits softer, more tonal paintings and interiors that favour a relaxed, natural feel. I tend to not use Walnut with any too black, I love it with blues. Oak works with pieces that are a little bolder, anything too soft and it feels washed out.
Painted frames
Painted frames can feel understated, particularly when colour-matched carefully. They work best when the painting itself is simple and the frame is there to gently support rather than distract.
French and Scandinavian framing traditions
Because I source a lot of French and Scandinavian paintings, I’ve come to really appreciate how distinctive framing traditions can be depending on where a piece comes from.
French frames, particularly on older paintings, often lean more ornate. One style you’ll see frequently is the Montparnasse frame, a classic French framing approach where the painting sits within a deeper, often painted inner surround. Montparnasse frames add depth and emphasis, helping to draw the eye into the artwork itself. They can feel expressive and romantic, and when paired well, suit French paintings beautifully.
Scandinavian frames, especially Swedish ones, tend to be far more restrained. Slimmer profiles, simpler finishes and a quieter overall feel are common. This simplicity works perfectly with softer palettes, cooler light and more tonal landscapes, allowing the painting itself to take centre stage.
Neither approach is better than the other, they’re simply different. Understanding these traditions can be incredibly helpful when choosing how to frame a vintage painting today, whether you decide to honour its origins or introduce contrast for a more contemporary feel.
Silver frames and how Scandinavia changed my mind
For a long time, I’ll admit that silver frames weren’t my first choice. I found them harder to place and cooler than gilt. But the more time I’ve spent sourcing Swedish art the more I’ve come to love them.
Silver frames are incredibly common there, and they make complete sense on the right painting. A vintage silver frame can feel elegant, quiet and refined, never shiny or cold.
It’s worth noting that vintage silver frames are very different from modern chrome finishes. Like most things in art, context is everything, and over time they’ve completely won me over.
Ornate frames: when they work and when they don’t
Ornate frames can be beautiful, but they need careful pairing. Unless the balance is just right, they can sometimes feel heavy or overly decorative, particularly on vintage paintings.
I often love the contrast of a small painting in a larger, simpler frame — it can give a piece space to breathe and feel more contemporary. In many cases, mixing old and new creates far more interest than matching a painting strictly to its period.
Professional framing is always worth it
One thing I always encourage is leaning on professional framers, they are experts, and incredibly knowledgeable. A good framer will advise on proportions, finishes, mounts and protection, often suggesting options you might not have considered yourself.
Many framers can also paint frames and colour-match to well-known brands, which is especially helpful when tying artwork into an existing interior scheme. Professional framing protects artwork long-term as well as enhancing how it looks on the wall.
I do love IKEA but when it comes to original artwork, I always recommend investing in proper framing. Original paintings deserve frames that support and protect them structurally as well as visually. In my experience, professional framers also offer far better value than people expect, especially when you consider longevity and finish.
Where frames are made and why it matters
Many high-quality frames are still made in Italy, using traditional moulds and techniques. This is often what gives professionally framed artwork its depth and character, details that are difficult to replicate cheaply.
There is a rise in prints of old paintings being displayed in vintage style frames as an affordable art option but its not one I can get onboard with I'm afraid, I love the craftmanship of framing done well. I think you see the quality difference in the finish.
Framing isn’t just an afterthought; it’s part of the artwork’s story, and plays a huge role in how a piece ultimately feels.
A few framing principles worth remembering
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The frame should support the painting, never compete with it
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Slimmer frames often feel more modern
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Gilt adds warmth, wood brings calm
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Silver frames can be beautiful in the right context
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Professional advice is always worth taking
How we frame vintage paintings at Hue
At Hue, we work closely with a trusted professional framer in Bath and make these decisions, so you don’t have to. Every painting is thoughtfully framed and arrives ready to hang.
Buying art should feel joyful and accessible, not daunting. Taking care of the framing is one of the ways we try to make that process as easy and considered as possible.
Trusting instinct over trends
Choosing the right frame for a vintage painting isn’t about following rules or chasing popular styles. It’s about understanding the artwork, the space it’s going into, and trusting your eye.
When those elements come together, framing stops being a finishing touch and becomes part of what makes a painting feel truly at home.
