Picture Frame Styles Explained: From Baroque to Minimal

Picture frames have evolved over centuries, from elaborate gilded masterpieces to sleek minimalist profiles. Understanding the major frame styles helps you select the perfect frame for any artwork and interior. This guide explores the four main categories of frame styles and when to use each.

The Evolution of Picture Frames

Frames weren't always about aesthetics. The earliest frames in medieval Europe served practical purposes—protecting valuable artworks and integrating them into architectural settings. Renaissance artists began designing frames as integral parts of their compositions.

By the Baroque period, frames had become works of art themselves, featuring elaborate carvings and gilding. The 20th century brought a dramatic shift toward simplicity, eventually giving rise to today's minimal and floating frame styles.

Understanding this evolution helps explain why certain frames feel "right" with particular artwork styles.