There is nothing quite like artwork and photographs to make your house a home.
But how do you show off your pictures to best effect?
These days there are multiple choices of mats, glass and frames. But once you decide on the frame you then have to hang your picture to its best aesthetic effect.
Here Denise Belvin, owner/co-manager of Frameworks, gives advice on how to get your artwork ‘picture perfect’.
Frameworks Ltd, established 1978, is a custom framing specialist. Mrs Belvin co-manages the business with her daughters, Keely and Anita.
“Bermudians love artwork and like everything to be done properly and to look nice,” said Mrs Belvin.
“People can be quite creative with their frames. Although custom framing can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. It depends on how you frame the picture, and we have other options.
“We cater to all walks of life and budgets — whether you want a ready-made $12 frame or a $1,200 custom framing.
“We also do stretching. It’s popular these days to print photos onto a canvas and this then goes onto a stretcher bar.
“We have experienced staff to offer you advice on frame design, and have a large variety of corner samples to help you choose which frame you want.
“You can also order from our catalogues or online — we carry all the main suppliers.”
Frameworks also offers a variety of options in mats, which can be custom-cut.
The choice of glass includes ultraviolet and museum glass, which has no reflection.”
Once you have selected your frame it is time to hang the picture, getting the balance right.
Mrs Belvin said: “As far as hanging is concerned, it depends on the wall. If you have Bermuda stone with plaster, this usually needs a wall plug and drilling.
“This is a bit harder than some of the newer walls, such as cement brick, for which there are hangers available and you don’t have to drill.
“We sell a variety of hangers and can give advice. If someone wants to do a collage, such as a photo collage, we can also design that for you.”
She added: “If you have something very heavy like a mirror it should be hung from two places, not on a wire. There are also professionals who do hanging if you are in doubt.
“Positioning will depend on your furniture and windows, but the usual rule of thumb is that the main subject of the picture should be at eye level, depending on how tall you are.
“If you don’t have a good eye you might want to use a small spirit level to get the frame even. You can even buy hangers with spirit levels in them these days.”
Frameworks Ltd is located at Paget Plaza, 163 South Shore Road at the junction with Point Finger Road. Call 236-6082 or e-mail frameworks@northrock.bm.