The finish:

Finishes refer to the final treatment applied to the surface of a material, in this case wood, with the purpose of protecting it, enhancing its aesthetic appearance, and modifying its tactile characteristics. In the context of picture frames and photo frames, finishes determine not only the visual appearance of the wood – which can be glossy, matte, satin, or antiqued – but also the feel and resistance of the material. Finishes can protect wood from wear, moisture, and scratches, as well as enhance or tone down the natural grain and texture. Choosing a finish means deciding the final effect you want to achieve, influencing the style and character of the object, which can range from rustic to modern, from natural to sophisticated.

Finish - Decapé : The decapé finish is a decoration technique that gives wood an aged and worn look. The term "decapé" comes from the French "decapare", which means "to remove". The process consists of treating the wood with varnishes or paints, which are then partially removed to reveal the natural colour of the wood underneath, especially in the grain and grooves. This effect highlights the grain of the wood and gives a vintage look, often associated with styles such as Provençal, shabby chic or country. It is an ideal choice for those looking for a rustic and decorative look.

Finish - Open pore : The open pore finish, on the other hand, enhances the natural structure of the wood while keeping the pores and grain visible. In this type of treatment, the wood is treated so as not to fill the pores with paints or covering finishes, thus allowing the texture and naturalness of the wood to be appreciated. This type of finish gives a more natural and material appearance, maintaining a sensation of authenticity to the touch. It is often used on woods with a marked grain such as oak or ash, and is appreciated in modern and minimalist contexts.

Finish - Matte : A matte finish is characterized by a non-glossy surface. This type of finish is smooth to the touch but does not reflect light, giving a more sober and discreet appearance. It is ideal for those who prefer a more natural and less reflective effect on the wood.

Finish - Satin : A satin finish, on the other hand, has a slight sheen. This type of finish is glossier than a matte finish but less shiny than a glossy or gloss finish. The satin surface reflects light very slightly, creating a slightly more elegant effect without being too shiny.

Finish - Glossy : The glossy finish is distinguished by its extremely shiny and reflective surface. This type of treatment enhances the appearance of the wood, making it smooth and polished to the touch, with a shine that captures and reflects light in a decisive way. The glossy finish gives the wood a sophisticated and visually striking appearance, accentuating the details of the grain and shades of the wood. It is often chosen for elegant or modern environments, where a brighter and more refined effect is desired compared to matte or satin finishes.

The frame style:

It refers to the aesthetic aspect and design it conveys, influencing the framed work or photo. Each style, defined by elements such as shape, decorative details and finishes, is associated with artistic movements or design trends. Classic frames are elegant and ornate, modern ones are linear and minimalist, while the Shabby Chic style has a lived-in and romantic look. The style of the frame helps integrate the work into the environment, enriching its aesthetics and creating a harmonious visual effect.

Shabby Chic (and Vintage) Style: The Shabby Chic style is characterized by a romantic and lived-in aesthetic, which aims to recreate the look of times gone by with a touch of elegance. Frames in this style often have a pickled finish, where the paint is deliberately chipped or worn to reveal layers of color underneath or natural wood. This effect gives an antiqued and delicate look, perfect for environments with a vintage, Provencal or rustic charm. The lines are soft and sometimes elaborate, with details that recall the past, creating a welcoming and nostalgic atmosphere.

Modern Style: stands out for its simplicity, cleanliness and essential lines, aimed at enhancing functionality and minimalism. Modern frames mainly use glossy, matte or satin finishes, which give a contemporary and elegant look. A glossy frame adds a distinctive shine, while a matte finish offers a more sober and discreet look. The satin finish, with its light shine, gives a refined touch without being excessive. The modern style is perfect for contemporary spaces where geometric shapes and neutral or bold colors predominate.

Classic Style:

Classic style is synonymous with timeless elegance and sophistication. Frames in this style often feature satin or open-pore finishes, which enhance the natural beauty of the wood without overpowering it. The satin finish offers a subtle, sophisticated shine, while the open-pore finish highlights the grain and structure of the wood, maintaining an authentic, natural look. The lines of classic frames are generally rich in decorative details, with ornamental motifs that recall traditional art, making them perfect for formal and refined environments.

Types of frames

Frame typology refers to the classification of frames into different categories, based on their structural, decorative and functional characteristics. This subdivision allows you to easily identify the various styles and shapes, facilitating the choice based on the desired aesthetic or the type of work to be framed. The main types of frames include:

• Flat frames , characterised by smooth and linear surfaces, ideal for those seeking simplicity and versatility.
• Pastel frames , decorated with raised patterns and often painted in bright or pale colours.
• Shaped frames , with curved and rounded profiles, which offer greater visual dynamism.

Cassette Frames: they can belong to one of the three types mentioned above (flat, pastel or shaped), but they differ in their greater depth. This feature allows to accommodate more mats or thicker works and to create a three-dimensional effect, further enhancing the framed work.

Flat frames are the simplest and most versatile, characterized by a smooth and square surface. Thanks to their essential design, they easily adapt to different styles of furniture, from modern to classic. They can have various finishes, such as glossy, matte or aged, and can be made of different types of wood or synthetic materials. They are ideal for those looking for a discreet frame that highlights the work without adding decorative details. Perfect for photographs, prints or minimalist drawings.

Pastel frames are distinguished by their embossed decorations, often with geometric or floral motifs. These decorations can be painted with bright or more delicate colors, hence the name "pastellate". Although the term may make you think of pastel colors, it can actually refer to a wider range of shades, both light and intense. They are perfect for those who want a frame that adds an artistic and decorative touch to the environment, without being too invasive.

Shaped frames have a non-linear profile, characterized by curves, bulges or other decorative details. This type of frame is perfect for those looking for something more distinctive than flat frames, as it adds movement and visual character. The variety of shapes available offers multiple styles, from classic to bold, making them ideal for framing traditional works of art or for more sophisticated design environments.

This classification helps to better understand which typology best suits the work, the stylistic context of the environment or the desired visual effect.