The Art of Framing Vintage Paintings: How to Choose the Right Frame

A good frame does more than hold a painting — it completes it. The right frame highlights colour, texture, and proportion, and helps an artwork sit naturally in your space. When it comes to vintage pieces, framing is also about preservation.

Here’s how to choose or update a frame that enhances the artwork while keeping its character intact.

1. Consider the Era

Start by paying attention to the painting’s period. A 19th-century landscape often looks best in a traditional gilt or carved wood frame, while a mid-century abstract suits something more minimal.

If the existing frame complements the piece — even if it shows a little wear — it’s often worth keeping. Patina adds authenticity and connects the work to its history.

2. Reframe When It Enhances the Piece

Sometimes a new frame gives a vintage painting room to breathe. If the original frame feels heavy, damaged, or out of sync with your home, a clean-lined modern frame can make the artwork feel fresh again.

Think of reframing as editing, not replacing. You’re creating a balance between old and new, where the artwork remains the focus.

3. Choose Materials That Last

When you do reframe, invest in quality materials that protect as well as elevate the piece.

• Solid wood adds weight and warmth.

• Linen liners provide a neutral border and help the art stand out.

• Conservation glass shields against UV damage and reduces glare.

Good framing should be discreet — it supports the art without drawing attention to itself.

4. Know When to Leave It Be

Not every painting needs intervention. Sometimes a slightly worn or chipped frame is part of what makes a piece feel genuine.

If the proportions and condition still serve the artwork, let it be. Imperfection often adds charm — and reminds you that the piece has lived a full life before yours.

5. Framing as Part of the Story

Framing isn’t about perfection; it’s about fit. The right frame connects the artwork to its environment, balancing history with your own sense of style.

When done well, you don’t notice the frame at all — only the art itself.