How to frame your mosaic artwork without disturbing its charm
(3 min read) Mosaic art is different from painted art in so many ways, but the effect of both can be quite similar at times. On that note, mosaic wall art is usually created in a rectangular shape which is visually quite similar to rectangular paintings on canvas. Keeping in mind the fact that paintings look best when they are properly framed, that can also be true for mosaic art.
Just like paintings, mosaic wall art can also be framed with any type of stained wood. Visually, wooden frames work best for smaller mosaic artworks. This type of framing is done by making a framed base by gluing thinner plywood into a wooden picture frame.
This wooden frame option is particularly convenient because it’s relatively cheap. You can even go thrift shopping for a wooden frame and be lucky enough to find exactly the size you need. However, you have to be careful and look for a sturdy frame without any wonky parts, and strengthening the corners with some aluminum is always a good choice too.
There is one important thing we advise if you are going for a wooden frame — go for a 3mm glass as a base that will hold your mosaic artwork. Glass should be thicker than the usual photo-framing glass, simply because you want to be sure that your beloved mosaic artwork is safe and sound hanging on your accent wall.
Keep in mind that wood, even when lacquered, is not particularly reflective, so it will work best with equally light-neutral tesserae. Wooden frames will work best with marble and ceramic mosaic artworks. Wood won’t complement the glass as well, and if you opt to use it for glass mosaic artwork, the display may end up looking shabby and incoherent.
On the other hand, a bit pricier option, but perfect for glass mosaics, are aluminum frames. Angle aluminum is already available in three sizes and you can choose the size according to the size of your mosaic artwork. However, keep in mind that the narrower the edges, the harder it is to put a screw through them.
When framing with aluminum, a good base to glue the artwork on would be concrete backer board and thick plywood. The wholes for screws are drilled through the plywood, so the aluminum frame can be drilled to the side of the mosaic. This type of framing requires some craftiness with the tools, so you may want to let a pro whitesmith do it.
One of the main advantages of an aluminum frame is that it doesn’t rust, so it is quite resilient just like a mosaic. Aluminum also possesses a nice metallic shine, so it will complement glass mosaic tiles fabulously. Aluminum can give your already amazing glass mosaic artwork a whole new dimension and make it even more captivating.
In the end, if you want to display your mosaic wall art differently, but you don’t want to bother with frames, you can always opt for an easel. I see them more and more these days, as they seem to be gaining popularity due to their clean-cut and yet interesting look. However, keep in mind that, unless you have a spacious home or office, easels are quite impractical.
Here at Mosaics Lab, we are fans of mosaic art in all of its glorious shapes and forms, and if you want to make a frame to complement one of our marvelous artworks, we will help you do it! If you like that finished and rounded look frames tend to give to the artwork, but you were uncertain about how they’ll fit your mosaic art, we hope our advice helped.
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31 Comments
The type of frame used influences the look of the mosaic. It can be great to display in the home.
I love these ideas. I really think an understated frame is the best option for mosaic art.
Great information! I always prefer when a frame doesn’t take away too much attention from the piece of art itself.
These selections do fit well with the paintings they are framing. All of them. The cherry selection is striking to me. It really stood out as a great fit for that particular mosaic.
Mosaics are much heavier than traditional photos or paintings. So finding a good quality hardwearing one must be important x
Framing mosaics is something I’ve not really seen. It makes it stand out as a piece of art.
The black frames look nicer, well, in these photos you used. There is something off when a light shade frame is used.. Hoping its not just me lol
I love how art looks with wooden frames and it’s how I prefer to frame any type of artwork. However, I was not aware of aluminum frames and this is the first time I am hearing about it. I do love how it looks and it does bring the painting to life!
Maureen
Absolutely stunning. I love the ship…I could just get lost staring at each of these pieces. What a stunning collection.
Mosaic arts needs deserve a stand-alone space. It’s the only way to see the beauty.
I really like the simple black frames. They are so elegant and don’t distract from the beauty of the mosaics.
Those are some great tips and will keep them in mind for future use when I get a mosaic art I want to frame.
This is something I had not thought of, but do know how the corrrect framing really can make a piece of art
While I have never tried to make mosaics I am very inspired by this article and all the beautiful pictures of mosaics. I can’t imagine framing one isn’t any easier than trying to frame a puzzle.
Wow, those big mosaic artworks look very lovely! It looks good on plain walls. I love it.
I never saw a framed Mosaic. These are absolutely beautiful.
that’s a great idea! I like it when mosaics can be present as a form of art as well but proper frame is never easy to find, I think I’d simply go with as little frame as possible
Wow, I never realized there was such a process for framing a mosaic artwork. But it makes sense since it’s much heavier and thicker than typical artwork.
Framed mosaics are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing these ideas.
Yes indeed, the frames are just as important as the artworks
thanks for the steps BUT it looks a bit too complicated for me and I think I should leave the framing to the professionals hehe
The aluminum frame is my favorite for mosacis. It looks great!
Wow! These are wonderful masterpieces. I also prefer an aluminum frame since it doesn’t rust. Thank you for these tips. Bookmarking this post for future reference. 🙂
It’s helpful to understand what’s needed to support this artwork, as stunning as it is, it also needs to be practical. Thanks for the tips.
The framed mosaic looks so cool and classy. I love it.
Great info! That Klimt’s Kiss mosaic mural framed with a thick wenge colored frame look so stunning 😍. Thanks for sharing this idea with us, I’ll keep it mind 🙂.
I have never thought about framing mosaic artwork before this. Some great ideas on using minimal and black framing to emphasize the artwork
It is nice to choose something that doesn’t compete with the art. I like the slim lines of these frames.
Mosaic art is a very beautiful style. Love this post thank you so much for sharing.
There are some really lovely mosaics here for sure. I loved the Jade-golden mosaic mural with a subtle black frame with the horse. Very cool for sure xx
I love mosaic artwork. It looks good in a frame, to keep it clean and classy.