Box Frame for Art

Art box frames

In the art world you will frequently see art pieces presented in a box frame (occasionally referred to as a ‘shadow’ box frame). These type of picture frames offer a 3 dimensional effect to the artwork item or items whilst still keeping them protected behind glass. An ornately carved box might also be a thing of beauty in its own right. Usually the art painting is recessed or sunk behind glass but other box frame are constructed first and then the canvas is stretched across the box so that the artist paints on the front and the painting will have 4 deep sides to it. Quite often box frames can be fully sealed and are used as preserving boxes for rare herbs and beautiful flowers. The best and most common boxes are made from good quality wood but cheap photo frames in box format are available too, in cardboard and plastic.

Wooden frames

Art box frame

The securing clips (if the frame is to be wall mounted) must be very strong to handle the weight due to the additional items within this type of frame. The frame pictured has a lining of wool felt but the wooden items in addition to the wooden frames and glass used add to the weight considerably. The box shown is not a painting at all but a collection of miniature, physical items found in a traditional kitchen in Ireland (kitchen utensils plus home made bread and jams). Small pieces of wood, cloth and plaster casts were use for this piece which was hand made. Crafting these small artifacts is a skill in itself.

Box frame for art

Sizes and types

Types of box framing

The frames have a depth of 2 to 2½ inches deep, and quite often sporting occasions are recorded by placing miniature bits and bobs inside the frame: A golf frame would feature tees, gloves, a golf ball and miniature trophy plus a photograph of the winning team members. Baseball, Softball, Fishing, Tennis and many more sporting frames are available. Heritage ones featuring a country, state or county are available and are popular purchases of tourists when they visit places of interest. If you decide to get a box made professionally you will be able to choose the sides, depths, colors and material finish you want as well as the items you would like to have included. If you love art and small artifacts then the box frame is the ideal way to display the items.

Alternative non-box frames to consider

Apart from cheap plastic frames or cardboard photo frames one might consider the more expensive silver frame to display photographs of family members celebrating important events like new arrivals and weddings. Baby photo and wedding photo frames are frequently made of silver or silver plait. Circular and oval frames are often used to display graduation photographs. Other metal frames are cheaper such as pewter frames which are ideal for graduation photos, weddings, new babies, anniversaries, pet photos and first day at school pictures. Tubular metal box frames have now become available in light weight metals. Chrome and brass picture frames are generally small in size and would be unsuited to large art or photos due to the prohibitive cost.

Wood is best box frame

The wooden box frame can be so natural looking in any home as it compliments wooden furniture but even with non woodworked furniture the frame still has a natural feel to it and will fit in anywhere. The warmth of wood and the tactile nature of wood are reasons why wood is tops of many people’s shopping lists. The other lovely thing about wood is that, with a little practice, and a few carpentry tools, you can make your own frames. Another reason why I like the box frame is for its ability to keep mementoes safe and on permanent view as a constant reminder of life achievements which might consist of medals, ribbons or awards.