Alternatives to Framing a Fine Art Print
by Chris Nicholson

The commonly accepted method of displaying a fine art print is to frame it and hang it on a wall. I think that looks nice. And so does my framer.

But there are alternatives to framing a print — alternatives that fit varying decorative styles, and alternatives that fit varying budgets.

Here are three ideas for how to display a fine art print without using a frame.

Think Inside the Box

Paint a large rectangle on the wall, and then fasten the print in the center. This is, in effect, framing a photo without a frame.

Mountains in Lake Dillon. Nikon F5, Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8. More Mountain Scene Pictures.

Pick a paint that coordinates both with the wall color and with a color in the print, much as you would choose a mat color. Measure off the area you want to paint, and mask the boundaries with tape. Paint in the rectangle (or any other shape, if you want to be even more creative) and let it dry. Repeat with a second coat, if needed.

As for the print, you could mount it directly to the wall using a spray adhesive (be sure to use one that's acid-free so it won't harm the paper). But adhering the print directly to the wall is a viable option only for posters or inexpensive prints that you don't consider part of a permanent collection, as they will certainly be damaged if you ever need to remove them.

The better and more flexible option is to have the print dry-mounted and then mount that to the wall. This latter option gives a slightly three-dimensional effect, but use care in choosing the mounting board; if you've kept your paint colors to a scheme, you may want to choose board with a core color other than white. White isn't always bad — it can do a nice job of visually setting the print off from the wall, but you should make that a conscious decision.

Shelve the Project

Have your print (or multiple prints) matted or dry-mounted, and then prop them on a shelf (or a coordinated set of shelves). You can do this on any type of shelving, but shallow ones work best if all you're displaying is the art.

Rocket City Daylilly. Nikon F5, Nikkor 105mm f/2.8. More Flower Pictures.

Ikea sells a small lipped shelf that's only about three inches deep. This product is the perfect size to keep the shelf discreet while allowing enough room for the print to tip back against the wall securely. You can even paint the shelf to coordinate with the colors of the wall and the print.

If you'd like to display other decorative items aside the print(s), a deeper shelf may be more appropriate.

Display it Easely

Lean the mounted or matted print on an easel, and place the easel among your décor, perhaps in a corner or aside a chair. (You can also do this nicely with a framed print.)

Blue Hill Bay Light, Maine. Nikon N90s, Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8. More New England Lighthouse Pictures.

This option will almost certainly be as expensive as a good frame, but it looks visually interesting in a room, essentially turning a fine art print into a piece of furniture. You could use a new easel, or you could try to find a nice antique model; your choice between the two could be determined by the subject or look of the print or by your existing décor, and your choice will likely narrow your options for how to mat or frame the print.

Using an easel is probably best limited to larger prints, as it would dwarf smaller ones.