1. Choosing the Wrong Frame Size
The Mistake:
One of the most frequent framing mistakes is selecting a frame that doesn’t fit the picture properly—either too small or too oversized. A badly matched frame size can make the photo look awkward or cramped.
How to Avoid It:
-
Measure your photo or artwork precisely, including any extra space you want for a mat.
-
Make sure to choose a frame size that complements the dimensions of your piece. If you prefer to create some breathing room around the image, use mats or borders to achieve the desired effect.
-
When working with irregularly shaped or sized images, be mindful that using an automatic cropping solution — like the AI technology we use at Text To Frame It — can help ensure the photo fits perfectly without losing focus on the main elements.
- Always opt for recommended aspect ratios, such as 4:3 horizontal, 4:3 vertical, or square, to avoid unnecessary cropping and to help maintain visual balance.
2. Neglecting to Use a Mat <--
The Mistake:
Bypassing the use of a mat is a common mistake that compromises the overall visual impact of your framed piece. Without it, the photo can blend too closely with the frame, resulting in a flat, unremarkable look—especially for smaller works.
How to Avoid It:
-
Always consider adding a mat to enhance depth and balance the composition of your photo or artwork. The separation a mat creates between the image and the frame helps both elements stand out.
-
While not all pieces necessarily need matting, it can dramatically elevate the appearance of smaller images that would otherwise get lost in the frame.
-
Remember, matting isn't just decorative. It also has functional benefits, like ensuring that your photo or art print doesn't touch the glass directly, reducing the risk of sticking or damage over time.
3. Selecting a Poor-Quality Frame <--
The Mistake:
Choosing a cheap, low-quality frame may seem like a practical way to save money, but in the long run, it comes with hidden costs. A subpar frame can diminish the impact of your photo or artwork and may even corrode or warp over time due to weak materials or poor construction. Worse, some low-cost frames contain acids or other harmful compounds that could cause photos to discolor or fade prematurely.
How to Avoid It:
-
Invest in frames made from high-quality, sustainable materials. At Text To Frame It, all our products use eco-friendly materials sourced from trusted manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada. Not only do these materials look great, but they also ensure the longevity of your photograph or artwork.
-
Take into consideration what you’re framing. A delicate art piece, an heirloom photograph, or even a favorite snapshot deserves a frame that will protect and enhance it, rather than degrade it. We pride ourselves on offering options that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing better-quality frames ensures that your memories last, and when paired with our free shipping, you're getting value without compromising on integrity.
4. Mismatching Frame Colors with the Photo or Artwork
The Mistake:
Frame color is extremely important! A poorly chosen color can clash with the image or throw the whole composition off, harming the spirit of your cherished memories or art.
How to Avoid It:
- Always aim for a color scheme that either contrasts or matches the photo/artwork in a way that feels harmonious.
- Neutral frame colors like black, white, or wood tones often enhance photos more effectively without disrupting their natural color palette.
5. Ignoring Frame Orientation (Horizontal vs. Vertical) <--
The Mistake:
Some frames are better suited for specific orientations, such as landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical). Ignoring the original orientation of your photo can result in an awkward presentation that requires rotating either the image or the frame, disrupting the natural flow of the design.
How to Avoid It:
-
Always ensure that the frame orientation corresponds with the photo’s layout. A landscape photo should be accompanied by a horizontal frame, while portrait photos need vertical frames.
-
If you send us an image at Text To Frame It, our system checks the orientation automatically as part of our process, ensuring your framed result matches the original format.
6. Improper Hanging Techniques
The Mistake:
Improperly installing your frame can lead to crooked photos and potentially even damaged walls. Over time, ill-hung frames may slide or shift, causing unnecessary frustration.
How to Avoid It:
-
Use quality hardware when hanging frames and make sure you’re placing them at an appropriate height.
-
Check that frames are level before finalizing their position. If needed, lightly mark the wall with a pencil to guide placement.
-
Consider employing wall anchors if your frame is heavy. These help distribute the weight and prevent any last-minute crashes.
- If you're using one of our products at Text To Frame It, you’ll find that each framed canvas and poster is designed for easy, secure hanging. We use hooks on the back, so all you need is a single reliable nail or hanger, and you're good to go!
7. Not Accounting for Lighting
The Mistake:
Some people neglect to account for the lighting in their homes when choosing where to place their framed items. Too much direct sunlight, for instance, can cause photos to fade over time, compromising their vividness and longevity.
How to Avoid It:
-
Be mindful of where the light hits in the room where the photo will be displayed. Avoid placing framed artwork or photos directly in the path of sunlight or close to strong artificial light sources.
-
Opt for UV-protected glass if the frame will inevitably be exposed to natural light. This extra step can offer additional protection and slow down the deterioration of your framed prints significantly.
-
Consider the overall dynamics of the room, including shadows and glare, to prevent harsh reflections from artificial lights that can obscure the image or create unwanted distractions. Ideal lighting should enhance your framed photo's details, not overpower it.
8. Using Non-Conservation-Grade Materials
The Mistake:
When materials like matting and backing aren’t conservation-grade, they may contain acidic compounds that can damage photos or artwork over time. This common mistake might not result in immediate damage, but over the years, the quality of your photograph or art could deteriorate due to these reactive materials.
How to Avoid It:
-
Opt for frames, backings, and mats that are specifically labeled as “acid-free” or archival-grade. These materials are designed to protect your photo or artwork by neutralizing harmful environmental factors, such as moisture or light exposure.
-
Always choose high-quality, sustainable materials, like the ones we use at Text To Frame It, to ensure your memories stay pristine and sharp for as long as possible. When you text us a picture, not only are you getting professional framing, but you're also securing long-term protection for your image by choosing materials that prioritize preservation over degradation.
9. Overcrowding Your Wall with Too Many Frames
The Mistake:
While a gallery wall with many frames can be stunning, too many crowded frames on a single wall without adequate organization can end up looking chaotic. Overpacking the wall may draw more attention to the clutter rather than the individual photos or artwork.
How to Avoid It:
-
Space your frames evenly to ensure every piece gets its moment to shine. It's always a good idea to plan the layout on the floor before attempting to create a gallery wall look on your walls.
-
Use blank space to your advantage. Negative space between frames creates room for the eye to pause and appreciate the art without creating a visual overload.
-
Stick to a consistent theme for the frames and the artwork inside them. If frames are mismatched or don't share common tones, styles, or sizes, the result can feel disorganized.
- Choose a focal point—whether it’s a larger centerpiece or a single framed photograph—and let the other frames complement it in a more balanced arrangement. This approach ensures visual flow instead of a crowded jumble.
10. Cropping Photos Incorrectly
The Mistake:
When cropping a photo before framing, failing to account for its composition can lead to uneven or unappealing final images that don’t align with your vision. For example, important features may get cut off, or the photo may lose its balance and focal points.
How to Avoid It:
-
Be intentional with cropping, especially if the original photo wasn’t shot in the ideal dimensions, such as 4:3 horizontal, 4:3 vertical, or a square format.
-
Consider leaving the cropping to professionals or tools that assist with composition. At Text To Frame It, we utilize AI to automatically crop your images with precision, ensuring the most important focal points are preserved. By sending us your photo, you minimize the risk of uneven cropping, and we handle the adjustments seamlessly for you.
11. Not Customizing Frame Options
The Mistake:
Off-the-shelf frames may not always offer the best proportions or style that’s specifically tailored to your image. Customization is key to getting the best look for unique works but is often overlooked.
How to Avoid It:
- For custom framing solutions that meet your exact specifications and style preferences, consider working with services that offer flexible, high-quality customization—just like what we offer at Text To Frame It.
At Text To Frame It, we make the customization process entirely accessible through your mobile phone. All you need to do is send us the photo via text, and in about a minute, we automate the process to offer a framed product personalized to your image and preferences. This includes precise cropping using AI to ensure the best focus, options for multiple product types—including framed posters, canvas prints, and even puzzles—and the frame style that perfectly matches your photo dimensions.
For a sleek, effortless solution without the hassle of traditional custom framing, we handle the details from start to finish.
12. Forgetting to Clean Before Framing
The Mistake:
One often-overlooked step is failing to clean both the photo and the frame glass prior to framing, resulting in unwanted dust particles or smudges inside the display. Nothing is more frustrating than securing your image behind the glass, only to spot a stubborn fingerprint dead-center after it’s too late.
How to Avoid It:
-
Always clean your photo carefully with a microfibre cloth after printing to avoid smudges that can degrade the quality of the image once framed.
-
Wipe the inside of the frame glass, corners included, to remove any dirt, dust, or fingerprints before inserting your photo. Pro tip: Make sure the surface you’re working on is clean to avoid re-contaminating the glass.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common framing mistakes can make the difference between a clumsy framing job and a professional, polished masterpiece. From sizing and material selection to proper hanging techniques, a little planning goes a long way.
At Text To Frame It, we streamline the framing process to ensure your memories are preserved—and beautifully displayed—without the headache. Take the stress out of framing by texting us your favorite photo, and we’ll handle the rest!
