The Journal · 3 min read
Matte Black or Natural Oak? Choosing the Frame for Your Piece
Every piece comes in two finishes. A short, honest guide to choosing between matte black and natural oak — and getting the size right for the room.
We frame every piece by hand in one of two finishes, behind glass, with a clean white mount. The choice is simpler than it looks, and it comes down to the room.
Matte black — the modern gallery
Matte black is the default for a reason. It disappears, so the work does the talking, and it suits contemporary rooms — glass-walled offices, white walls, modern homes. If you are unsure, choose black; it is the gallery-correct answer for almost any piece, from the Constitution to Leonardo’s line studies.
Natural oak — warmth and tradition
Natural oak brings warmth and reads as considered rather than clinical. It belongs in panelled studies, traditional chambers, libraries, and rooms with wood and leather. Against a warm document on cream stock, oak can be the more beautiful choice.
Getting the size right
For a wall behind a desk, the medium (18×24 framed) reads best. For a reception wall or a conference room, size up to the large (24×36). Small (12×16) suits a shelf, a gallery cluster, or a gift. Every size is hand-framed and arrives ready to hang. Start with the full collection, or read why we draw rather than print.
