Serving as attractive decorative pieces that add warmth and a personal touch to any room they are showcased, picture frames can define both your home's personality and aesthetic sense. At the same time, they capture and display important moments of your life, rendering them an important piece of home decor.

Where can you get your picture frames from?

Depending on what you're looking for, these can either be bought ready-made from a number of household goods, home design and home decor stores or from local frame makers. The former option tends to be more cost-effective, yet the variety is not limited, as you'll be able to select between standard-size photo prints and frames to fit awards and certificates, as well as canvases. These are usually equipped with a variety of materials, mouldings and mount boards that help them create perfect picture frames based on their clients' requests. As a result, they tend to be specialised in normal sized, as well as custom wood picture frames, photo frames and mounts. So whether you're an artist, interior designer, exhibition organiser, student, museum curator or just a private client who would like some of these products for home, you can find an assortment of stores and frame makers across Malta and Gozo.

Would you like to purchase other complementary items and services to go with your frame? Whereas commercial stores typically sell the ready-made variety, frame makers may offer other related services. These may include canvas stretching, mirror framing, mount cutting and photo framing of all sizes to name a few. Others may be able to cut mirrors to custom sizes and thicknesses, while they can be left with straight or bevelled edges.

Prices vary greatly depending on whether the product is ready-made or produced specifically for you, the materials used and quite naturally, the size. If you're opting for a bespoke frame, expect it to be ready in a few days' time to a week, though some stores may be able to offer an express service, whereby your item can be produced in as little as 24 hours, although this will greatly depend on whether the materials needed are in stock.

If you're after a handmade and bespoke item, ensure that the supplier is experienced and can guarantee a quality, one of a kind piece.

What are the different types of picture frames you can find in local stores?

When it comes to selecting the ideal product to enhance your space, the old adage the sky's the limit truly holds true with frames. Bellow, you may find some of the most popular picture frames that will work with any space:

Standard picture frames

Perfect in any home or office, these are typically plain and tend to sport just one solid colour. The choice, however, is abundant since you can choose any size and any colour ranging from black to bright and vibrant orange. As a result, you can mix and match at your will to add some interest to your space.

Silver picture frames

The go-to item for a nice yet not highly expensive gift, silver frames can be easily paired with any type of decor. However, why not elevate your space's decor with your very own silver frame? Whether you're looking for a contemporary design that features sleek, smooth edges and a thin border, a traditional style with bevelled design, gilded finishes and a thicker border or one with a distressed texture for that added rustic feel, silver frames can complement any style. Try hanging or placing one next to a metal mirror for a balanced look.

Shadow box picture frames

Deeper than the standard options mentioned earlier on, with shadow box picture frames you can display more than just photographs. Opt for the deeper frames if you're looking to showcase larger items such as sports memorabilia, yet go for the typical shadow box if you're going to add smaller things like badges and pins.

Novelty picture frames

Looking for something different? Then a novelty frame may do. Available in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colours, designs vary and may include anything and everything, from a 3D fairytale castle, animals or trees to sayings. Although this type may be commonly selected for children's bedrooms and playrooms, it may be a good gift for adults too.

Digital picture frames

When digital picture frames were first available, they were only affordable to the very few. Yet, as their popularity has soared and pricing has gone down, they have become highly sought items by the masses. What has made them so desirable? For starters, you are not limited to displaying just one sole image, but instead, you can have a number of rotating images. More sophisticated models may even have built-in speakers, allowing you to play music while showcasing the photos, whereas some do not limit the type of images to just JPEGs. Increasingly, BMP and TIFF images are also accepted.

Floating picture frames

Holding your image between two pieces of glass, this type gives the optical illusion that your picture is floating. It is the perfect option if you'd like your photograph to be the central point, but make sure you avoid it if you're looking to hide any imperfections on your wall. The glass means that the frame is totally see-through and therefore small blemishes are easily noticeable.

Multi-picture frames

Why choose just one picture when you can include a bunch? Do you have a long and empty corridor or a boring white wall? Display more than just one photograph and cover up any blank spaces with multi-picture frames. Also known as collage frames, ensure that the images you'd like to include centre on one specific theme for a cohesive look.

Is the shape of picture frames important?

The shape can greatly affect the overall look of your space. Square and rectangular frames are perhaps the most common types and what sets one style apart from the other is the thickness of the frame. Bear in mind that the wider the frame around a work of art, image or picture, the more striking it will appear to whoever is looking at it. Oval and round are other alternatives that add instant class. Available in both the hanging and tabletop variety, these type of frames tend to be fancier than others so if you prefer a toned down decor, these might not be the ideal option. Also, remember that if you decide to include these, you will have to cut the images to fit the frames, so if it's a highly sentimental photo, you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, if you don't mind doing so, you may use the picture that's usually included with the frame as your guide.

You might also want to give the size of the frames some thought. Opt for a large one to make it the focal point of your room or group a bunch of smaller ones to cover a white and boring wall, transforming it into an eye-catching picture gallery instead.