Beware: Proper Hanging Hardware

There is more to fine art picture framing than just aesthetics, proportions, and color theory; we are engineers who need to consider how to combat one of art’s great enemies: gravity. A beautifully made frame with matching mat and fillet are not very useful if they end in a pile of glass on the floor.

Here is a great example: A client used the wrong hanging orientation on their artwork, damaging the hanging hardware and risking an accident. The D-Ring hangers were originally mounted vertically for two hooks or for hanging on a picture rail. The later addition of a wire pulled the D-rings towards the center, twisting the metal almost apart. Yikes!

Do you have a question about the best way to hang a heavy piece of art or a mirror? Bring in your piece for a consultation, or send some photos to info@baasframingstudio.com and we’ll be happy to help!

Standard Wire orientation is a must for most framing projects: the gentle angle of the D-ring mimics the direction of the wire while it is hanging on the wall, thus relieving tension in the hook itself. For picture rail hanging systems, the wires must be directed straight up to attach to the picture rail itself.

D Ring picture hanger is bent out of shape by gravity and tension

Here you can see the difference: the D-Ring on the left is normal. The D-Ring on the right was not hung with proper wire orientation and the pressure has pulled the D-Ring out of shape. This can be dangerous if the hook fails all together.

Moral of the Story: when in doubt give us a call or email! We are more than happy to discuss the best options for safely hanging your art. We guarantee all our frames will have the proper hanging hardware and wire orientation. No bent hooks here!

MORE Best of 2023

So many unique framing projects in 2023, we couldn’t stop at just 6! Enjoy an encore of framing masterpieces!

We created a protective clear acrylic box for this antique ceramic statue from China. A linen base and hidden mounting pin complete the elegant and secure presentation for a precious object. Definitely one of our favorite pieces of the year!

Gilded gold frame and velvet liner on an engraved book plate from Davidson Galleries. (Browse their incredible collection to find more gems like this!) Museum Glass and a delicate filet were added to refurbish this vintage presentation.

A leather printing plate in the shape of a dragon was a memento of a client's travels in Indonesia. The heavy leather was sewn to a linen backboard and we used a deep, textured wood frame to create dimension and Museum Glass for crystal clarity.

psychadelic red groovy frame with yellow mat around acid sheet art

This wild and wonderful Frank Kozik print in an acid yellow mat and lipstick red "Gaudi" frame from Roma Moulding was a winner! Nothing subtle about it, which is perfectly psychedelic.

To Kill a Mockingbird bird with special signature in shadowbox

We worked with a new client to frame an autographed copy of To Kill A Mockingbird and a facsimile of the title page. A custom Conservation Plexiglas box holds the book securely without tape or glue. Flax linen and a walnut frame complete the look.

Created for the popular Magic: The Gathering card game, this illustration is all about duality and opposing forces. We extended the concept into the framing with a spliced mat and two-tone iridescent metal frame...Magical! Artwork by Kaja Foglio.

Best of 2022 Part 2

There were so many unforgettable projects from last year that we could not help but share a few more. Our staff looks forward to making YOUR framing dreams come true in 2023!

ski patrol shadowbox filled with mementos and pins

We created this Ski Patrol shadowbox to showcase the patches, pins and insignia collected over a lifetime of winter sports and service. Our framer Heather organized the many small items into a pleasing, balanced composition. We'd love to help you create a framed collection like this!

parisian mask in acrylic box with red and gold backing

One of the stand-outs! This Parisian Carnival Mask in a custom acrylic box looked simply stunning. We created a gold and red fabric platform to add some color and a touch of luxe. The box protects the feathers and mask from dust and light.

Ohtani jersey in shadowbox with sporty red and navy blue details

Signed jerseys are always fun projects, but this one stood out for the addition of collectible cards. We folded the jersey to keep the project to a reasonable size. The red filet adds a sporty touch to the black shadowbox frame.

The client wanted to have some fun with this original Bob Mackie drawing for his "Fantasy Goddess of Asia" Barbie design. We chose lime-green "Wasabi" silk matting and a rounded gold metal frame for a glam presentation befitting the designer.

A wine mishap led this customer to replace their linen liner. So we took the opportunity and upgraded not only her liner but added a dark wood frame and a perfectly matched fillet. The tones in the frame and liner play so nicely with the image that it creates a presentation that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Best of 2022

Welcome to the New Year, 2023! As we move forward we thought it would be fun take a look backward and share some of our favorite projects from the past year with you. It's always an inspiration to see unique and fun design ideas -- enjoy (some of) the best of 2022!

crow sits on a vintage toy top, about to take the plunge. The original art is framed in a metallic blue with a white mat on top of a yellow mat thereby matching the colors in the artwork

"Taking the Plunge", print by local artist Eileen Sorg of Two Dog Studio. Deep blue metallic frame by Fotiou highlights the glossy crow feathers, and we love that fun pinstripe of yellow!

Blue dress with flowers embroidered in pinks, yellows, and whites are sprayed across the dress. Framed in a clear box with an off white linen backdrop.

Vintage linen dress with fabulously embroidered flowers in a custom acrylic box. This lovely family heirloom is now on the wall, spurring conversations and memories! At almost 5 feet tall, this was one of the larger acrylic box projects we've done.

Contemporary original art of naked woman kneeling by a pool full of lilypads. Her forhead rests on the chest of a magical black panther with gold and silver wings. Framed in an art deco carved frame with silver and lilac accents to match the dreamy a

An ornate bronze and lilac-toned Art Deco frame on a lovely contemporary painting...a perfect match of frame and artwork. Utterly dreamy.

Traditional oil painting of President George Washington in a ornate gilded gold frame. Over the face is scrawled "U tried" in irreverent lettering

"U Tried", oil on canvas by Shawn Huckins. Framed in a gold-toned closed-corner frame for a period touch. Our vendor created a custom depth to accommodate the canvas for a seamless, historically appropriate presentation.

Turkish textile for a toddler is adorned with beads, shells, ties, tassels, and pieces of metal. The shadowbox is a dark wood with a taupe interior to show off the reds, blues, and greens of the garment

Child's costume from Turkey, circa 1930s. This fantastic textile piece was in storage for years. The client decided it was time to display her collection and we chose dark wood shadowboxes with taupe linen matting and Museum Glass for a warm presentation.

Seattle Met Shout Out!

Proud to be One of Seattle’s Best Shops for Custom Framing

Hermes silk scarf in orange tones is float mounted into a white shadowbox with white background


When we were contacted to be a part of this article for Seattle Met we were tickled pink! No matter how long we have been providing fine art framing, conservation, and inspiration it still feels good to be recognized. After 27 years we are very proud to be able to call ourselves a fixture in this community of artists and art lovers.


Check out the link below to read the full article!

Seattle Met Article