Wooden picture frames have remained a classic, timeless choice for displaying art, photography and mementos. With a rich heritage that blends natural beauty and unmatched versatility, wooden frames continue to be favoured by homeowners, artists and interior designers alike.
But what makes wooden picture frames so popular, and what should you know before choosing one?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of wood picture frames, discuss the origins of the wood used, address responsible sourcing and delve into why these frames remain a timeless go-to choice for many Australians.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Picture Frames
Pros of Wooden Picture Frames
- Aesthetic appeal: Wooden picture frames exude a natural, organic beauty. They add warmth and richness to any decor, making them ideal for both traditional and modern spaces.
- Versatility: Wood can be stained, painted or carved, allowing endless customisation options. This versatility makes it easy to match wooden frames to any colour scheme or style.
- Durability: High-quality wooden frames can last for decades when properly cared for. Solid wood, in particular, is strong and resistant to wear and tear.
- Environmental benefits: When responsibly sourced, wood is a renewable resource. Choosing wooden frames from sustainable sources supports eco-friendly practices that deliver environmentally friendly frames.
- Timeless appeal: Wood has been used for framing for centuries, giving it a timeless quality that other materials lack.
Cons of Wooden Picture Frames
- Cost: Wooden frames, especially those made from high-quality hardwoods, can be more expensive than frames made from plastic or metal. We carry a wide range of wooden frame options instore including our Italian Classic range which are cost-effective, even compared to aluminium and synthetic frames.
- Sensitivity to humidity and temperature: Wood is a natural material that can warp, swell or crack with changes in humidity or temperature, especially in tropical or extremely dry climates. Most of the wooden frames carries by Frame Today are prepared and treated to virtually eliminate this risk.
- Maintenance: Wooden frames protect your artwork but the actual frame may require occasional buffing to retain its shine and prevent deterioration, particularly if it’s displayed in direct sunlight or high-moisture areas.
Sources of Wood for Picture Frames
Wood picture frames can be crafted from a variety of woods, each offering unique textures, colours and finishes. Common types of wood used for frames include:
- Oak: Known for its strength and durability, oak frames have a coarse texture and beautiful grain pattern, adding a rustic or classic appeal.
- Pine: A more affordable option, pine has a light colour that can be easily stained or painted. It’s softwood, so it may dent more easily but is lightweight and easy to work with.
- Maple: With a smooth texture and fine grain, maple wood creates elegant, high-quality frames that are popular for their sleek look.
- Walnut: Often darker in colour, walnut wood provides a rich, luxurious look with a tight, even grain. It’s highly durable and works well with classic or vintage styles.
- Teak: Known for its durability and natural resistance to decay, teak is a great option for frames exposed to changing temperatures. It is typically a more expensive option.
For a more detailed comparison of the types of wood used in picture frames, read our article here.
Geographical Sources of Wood for Picture Frames
Wood for picture frames is sourced from regions worldwide, including North America, Europe and Asia. However, wood type often varies based on location:
- Europe: Many European countries, particularly Scandinavian regions, provide sustainable pine, oak and beech. European wood suppliers often follow strict environmental standards, making them ideal for eco-conscious buyers.
- Asia: Asian wood types, such as teak and rubberwood, are highly durable and versatile. Teak, native to Southeast Asia, is renowned for its water-resistant properties, while rubberwood offers affordability and a sustainable option.
- North America: Common woods such as maple, walnut and oak are widely available in North America, known for their robustness and rich grains.
The Importance of Responsible Sourcing for Wooden Frames
As awareness of environmental conservation grows, responsible sourcing has become a crucial aspect of the wood picture frame industry.
This is what we believe responsible sourcing entails and why it matters:
- Sustainable forest management: Responsible sourcing ensures that the wood used for frames is harvested sustainably, without depleting forests. Sustainable forestry practices include selective logging, which involves only cutting trees that meet specific age or size criteria, allowing younger trees to grow.
- Certification: Organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) provide certification for wood harvested through responsible practices. FSC and PEFC-certified frames assure customers that their frames come from sustainably managed forests.
- Carbon reduction: Forests play a key role in capturing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Sustainable sourcing reduces deforestation, which in turn helps mitigate climate change.
- Support for local communities: Many sustainable forestry operations provide economic benefits to local communities by creating jobs and fostering a sustainable local economy.
- Choosing recycled wood: Another eco-friendly option is using reclaimed or recycled wood, which helps reduce demand for newly cut trees and gives a new purpose to wood that may otherwise be discarded. You can even recycle your old frames!
Why Wooden Picture Frames Continue to Be Popular
Despite the availability of metal, plastic and composite frames, wood picture frames remain a preferred choice. Here are a few reasons why they have such lasting appeal:
- Natural look and feel: The warmth and texture of wood are hard to replicate with synthetic materials. Wood brings an organic element to home decor, which is increasingly valued in modern interiors.
- Versatility in design: Wooden frames work well in diverse settings, from minimalist interiors to rustic cottages. The ability to paint, stain or shape wood makes it adaptable to any style.
- Durability: With proper care, wooden frames can withstand years of use, making them a worthwhile investment for treasured artworks or photographs.
- Sustainability: As people become more eco-conscious, the preference for wood over synthetic materials has grown. Responsibly sourced wood aligns with the values of sustainability, creating a natural appeal beyond aesthetics.
- Customisability: Wood’s natural texture and grain patterns mean that no two wooden frames are exactly alike. This uniqueness adds to the charm and personalisation that wood frames bring.
How to Care for Your Wooden Picture Frame
To maintain the beauty of wooden frames, it’s essential to care for them properly. Here are our tips:
- Avoid direct sunlight because prolonged exposure can fade the colour and dry out the wood, potentially causing cracks.
- Dust regularly to keep your frame looking fresh using a microfiber cloth to prevents scratching.
- Control humidity levels where possible because, as discussed earlier in this article, wood is sensitive to humidity, so try to maintain a stable humidity level to prevent warping and avoid placing frames in bathrooms or other high-moisture areas.
- Apply furniture polish if needed, to enhance the wood’s lustre and protect it from drying out.
Wooden picture frames continue to captivate and delight, providing a blend of natural beauty, versatility and durability. From the wide range of wood types available to the growing importance of responsible sourcing, there’s a lot to appreciate about these frames. Whether you’re framing a family portrait, a piece of art or a memorable keepsake, wooden frames offer an elegant and environmentally friendly option.
By choosing a wooden frame, you’re not only investing in a timeless piece of decor but also supporting practices that promote forest conservation and sustainable living. With proper care, your wooden frame can last a lifetime, providing a beautiful backdrop for your cherished memories.
By understanding the origins, environmental impact and enduring appeal of wooden picture frames, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision for your next framing project.
Visit your nearest Frame Today store where you can choose a style, consider a responsible source and enjoy the timeless elegance that wood frames bring to any space.
