Black and white are timeless colours. For many years they depicted real life in photography and cinema, until colour was first used in the late 19th century. This use of the colour spectrum provided more realistic imagery of a subject and thus the trend towards colourful prints continued unabated.
The early 20th century saw a shift back to monochrome, predominantly driven by artists who pursued new ways to express ideas. Black and white became popular once more and featured heavily in art movements like cubism and minimalism. The use of monochrome in art and design has seen much resurgence since then, but in this 21st century, its popularity remains constant.
While black and white prints may not be your cup of tea, displaying them in the right space with the right frame can make a seemingly boring piece “pop”. Alternatively, you can use them to the opposite effect, in such a way they complement a setting or artwork that you wish to showcase. A lot depends on the way you frame your piece.
Be Classical
White and black frames are universally the most popular choices for monochrome prints. Their elegance and timelessness have made them a constant in the design sphere, as in any setting they can dress a room up or down.
Both white and black frames complement a monochromatic print by highlighting the relevant colour while contrasting with its opposite hue. They are particularly popular in classic, neutral settings where there’s no clearly dominant colour.
The mount that you use when framing your black and white print also plays a pivotal role in the impact your piece makes. A black or dark grey mount with a black frame makes a bold statement, while not overpowering the space. A white frame with a white or light grey mount is understated yet elegant, and accentuates the contrast in the piece.
In a neutral coloured room, classic black and white frames provide versatility while maintaining the integrity of the space.
Make a Splash
Your black and white print doesn’t have to blend in to the background, or work to bring another piece to the forefront. It can be a standalone feature. Each print has a personality of its own, and powerful framing can accentuate this.
Using a coloured frame or mount can give your monochromatic print some pizazz and really make it pop. This kind of framing makes a big statement in a room with neutral décor. You can choose a lighter hue or pastel shade for a more subtle impact, but if you really want to be bold, go for a primary colour or a brighter hue that packs more of a punch.
Colourful frames don’t just add emphasis to neutral rooms. They can also enhance a room’s colour scheme. If your space has a dominant colour, carry this through in your framing, either in the frame itself, the mount that you use, or both.
Mix and Match
If you want to draw attention to your images while staying colour neutral, try mixing and matching your picture frames. By grouping multiple frames of varying sizes together you can create a feature in your room that is guaranteed to draw a person’s focus.
There are several ways that you can mix and match. You can use only black or white frames, or a combination of both colours for a more haphazard effect. Varying the sizes of the mounts allows you to give even the smallest images a greater presence. This method is particularly effective if your photos or prints are the same dimensions. It enables you to use a combination of different frame sizes to create that mix and match effect.
There’s no need to steer clear of colour altogether when mixing and matching your frames. Framing a couple of your favourite pieces with a coloured frame or mount gives them more presence and adds that splash of colour that we mentioned in our previous section.
You can mix and match any number of picture frames, but it creates more of a feature when you have a larger grouping than just three or four.
There are so many framing options for black and white images that can create just the right effect. It’s not a decision that you should rush into. Instead, take some time to evaluate your space with an objective eye. How would you like it to look? Visualise the finished product with your framed images in place. Also consider the subject of your images. How can you give each one greater emphasis?
If this all seems like too much to think about, don’t worry! Our master framers are in the best position to guide you in your framing decisions. Their trained eye and expert knowledge will help you to sort through all your options and find the best frames and mounts for your photos or art.