How To Create A Framed Grouping

Grouping frames or creating a collage of images can be a wonderful way to create an impressive accent display while highlighting pieces that have a common theme. No space is off limits. You can use a space over a couch or other large piece of furniture, a bare wall over a staircase, or the wall space running the length of a hallway. There are several ways to create an eye-catching, interesting collage that will enhance a space in your home or office.

Using a Frame Border

The example above illustrates how you can use one or two larger pieces placed in the center surrounded by smaller ones to create a border. This technique is especially good for a flat space that will be used as a visual accent above a piece of furniture. This grouping is easy to master by following a few simple guidelines: a) Use complimentary color or black and white images to achieve continuity. b) Select frames in the same color or two complimentary colors and arrange them to showcase the images to their best advantage. c) Experiment with a contrasting wall color to really make the frames and images ‘pop’ against the background.

Working With a Center Line

Establishing a common center line separating two rows of images creates the continuity needed to generate visual interest by varying heights and shapes at the top and bottom of the collage. This technique is especially good for long continuous spaces like hallways because it gives the viewer a chance to see each image as part of the group and individually. The same guidelines suggested above apply, although there is a bit more room for variation if the collage is especially large. You can also employ this technique at an angle to work your way up a staircase wall.

 Linear Hanging Images

Selecting frames of approximately the same size and color in different shapes, and using images that are either color or black and white enables you to hang them from a cord, ribbon or wire vertically. Although the frames appear to be hanging from the ribbon, the ribbon is placed first and then the frames are hung from picture hooks. This is especially attractive when using wedding photographs or pictures of children. Often seen in a child’s nursery, this is a fun way to display pictures with special sentimental value.

So…What’s Wrong With This Grouping?

Now that you’ve learned about some different methods used to group images, look at the example above and try to figure out what’s missing. Something makes it incomplete. How would you fix it? 

Now It's Complete...

By making the suggested correction, a better balance is achieved and the entire collage is more attractive and interesting.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use craft paper or cardboard sized to duplicate your frames and find the arrangement you like best by moving them around on the wall. Once you settle on an arrangement, start hanging the frames. Before you know it, you’ll have created a fantastic photograph or art collage.

Masten Fine Framing and Gifts can help you with ideas, materials and framing to assure your project will look great! 

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The Masten Story

27 years ago, Reed Masten worked as a graphic artist for a government agency in the Denver area. Driven by a desire to make and sell things from an early age, Reed recalls selling handmade acorn pipes door-to-door at age eight. Years later, that same entrepreneurial spirit drove him to change his life and open his own business.

With a degree in Fine Art, Reed focused on picture framing which was a natural fit for his artistic skill and talent. He opened Masten Fine Framing & Gifts in the historic Uptown Denver neighborhood in July 1986. Specializing in hand-gilded custom picture frames for fine artists and galleries, the business grew to include full-service custom framing for everything from posters to fine art originals.

Before long, Reed expanded the space at Masten to include a fine art gallery. Five years later, the gallery once again transitioned to include antiques. As business continued to grow and change, Masten phased out antiques to make room for unique home accents, gifts, jewelry and greeting cards.

In 2008, Masten found itself in need of additional space. Again, the shop expanded to accommodate a dedicated framing area with thousands of frame samples for customers to choose from.

Today, in addition to the best custom framing in town, the store is packed with unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. Greeting cards and gift bags make it a one-stop-shop for Denver’s discerning customers. 

The merchandise is always fresh and rotates frequently, so shopping at Masten is a fun and new experience anytime. Drop in to say hello to Reed and his staff and, of course, Oscar the shop dog!