Thinking "Inside" the Box

Shadow boxes are a great way to display and protect objects that don't fit into conventional frames. Almost any object or collection will work in a shadow box frame. Vacation souvenirs, mementos from a grandparent, a favorite collection, a child's outfit or almost anything you can think of is a possibility. A custom shadowbox can be made to almost any depth to create a dramatic and unusual piece of art for a space in your home or office.

A Wedding To Remember 

Wedding flowers surrounded by a favorite photograph, invitation and other mementos from the special day will be a proudly displayed treasure. A shadow box accommodates the combination of three dimensional objects and photographs in the same frame, capturing the beauty and feeling of the occasion.

Celebrate A New Baby

Welcoming a new baby to the family provides a wonderful opportunity to create a display of items. Consider birth announcements, photographs and other pieces that convey the significance of this happy time. Use your imagination to create a collage celebrating the new arrival. Perfect for a nursery wall now, the shadow box will be a valued keepsake in the years to come.

Showcase An Autographed Collection

Sports memorabilia is often displayed in shadow box frames. In addition to a sports jersey, you can include ticket stubs, team pictures and other items to make an impressive display for a den, game room or office. The combination of several objects will make your display more interesting and help tell a story that will be preserved for years to come.

Souvenirs From An Outdoor Adventure

Almost any collection can be arranged and given a new life in a shadow box. Souvenirs from a hiking trip or an outdoor adventure can be protected and preserved in a shadow box frame. The example above emphasizes the beauty found in nature while helping to preserve the fragile items.

If you have an item or a collection that you would like to incorporate into a shadow box, visit Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. Our 27 years of experience can help guide you toward a creative and beautiful design that will showcase your special items and last a lifetime.

It's Never Too Big!

A very large piece of art can help an ordinary room look and feel extraordinary. A large poster or fine art original makes a statement, creates drama and can become the focal point of a room. Chosen properly, it can bring the decor to life and give your space a unique personality without looking out of place or dwarfing the room.

Oversized art can have a great effect in any room of your home. Any large wall can potentially accommodate a piece of oversized art. Don’t be afraid to use larger pieces in living and dining spaces, bedrooms, or hallways and foyers.

Illusion of More Space

In this relatively small seating area, the art gives the space personality and actually makes the room feel larger. Much like adding another window, it opens up and expands the room. In the evening, the attached picture lights enhance the illusion of space. The picture also accentuates the colors of the furniture and decorative accents, and creates a relaxing, restful environment.

Create a Backdrop

This example illustrates the dramatic effect that large art can have in a larger space. The light colored abstract painting creates a stunning backdrop for the contemporary furnishings and helps to brighten an otherwise dark corner. Like the example above, the art repeats colors that are already present in the room.

Focal Point

A single piece of beautiful art creates more drama than multiple smaller pieces by drawing your eye to one central area. This art was carefully chosen to enhance the tranquil and rejuvenating feel of the bedroom. Restful to the eye, this bedroom is a terrific example of how art can set the tone of the room.

Drama and Mood

 

Finally, this side-by-side example illustrates how a hallway, entryway or foyer can benefit from unique oversized fine art. The pieces shown above seem out of scale for their location, but are completely well-suited to the spaces they occupy. They provide mood and personality while welcoming those who pass through to the main rooms with a lasting visual impression.

Masten Fine Framing & Gifts can give you tips for selecting the right artwork and then help you select a frame that will complement your piece of oversized art beautifully. You can choose from thousands of frame samples to find the look that enhances the art and the space in your home.

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Creating the Illusion of More Space in Your Home

Today, the concept of small-space-living is increasingly popular. Not only are small spaces more affordable, but they are readily available in urban areas. Living in a small space doesn’t have to feel cramped or tight. There are several innovative ways to make a small living space appear larger and well-proportioned.

One way to make a room appear larger is the strategic use of mirrors. They can mimic the look of windows, brighten a room by reflecting light, and make a room appear larger. A mirror can also be a beautiful accent; a piece of art in its own right. 

Illusion of Additional Windows

The above photograph illustrates how mirrors can be used to create the illusion of windows. Using multiple mirrors makes the dining room appear much larger by reflecting other areas of the room while also reflecting light and making it brighter.

Make a Bold Statement

 

 

A ‘statement mirror’ is a gorgeous addition to a space of any size. In a smaller room, it creates an illusion of additional space and also serves as a piece of fine art. In this example, the mirror is the primary focus of the room. It is so large, that it is leaning rather then hanging. The frame can be ornate or simple, and provides contrast while complimenting the furnishings and other elements of the decor.

Welcoming Mirror

A beautifully framed mirror in an entryway or foyer enhances the space while offering guests a spot to touch-up before entering or leaving a residence. A mirror in the entryway is warm and welcoming and provides a much-appreciated touch of hospitality.

Accentuating a Piece of Furniture

Mirrors enrich the beauty of a room and its furnishings by reflecting a combination of decorative elements. A mirror's reflection of the surrounding furniture and decor can add a sense of depth. A mirror also creates a warm, open environment by reflecting color and light to the best advantage. 

If you are considering an accent mirror for your home, but don't know how to start, measure the space and take a photo with your phone. Bring the measurements and photo to Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. We can help you select the perfect ready-to-hang mirror or make a custom mirror for less than the furniture stores charge. 

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