Art Blog #75: Why Certain Dimensions of Floating Frames Are More Affordable Than Others
10. November, 2024 - Reading time 11 Min. - Peter von Hauerland
#FramingCosts #FloatingFrames #FrameYourArtEfficiently #FramingKnowHow
When shopping for floating frames to display art, you might notice that certain frame sizes can be surprisingly more affordable than other similar dimensions. This price difference isn’t just due to aesthetics or demand; it's rooted in simple mathematical principles that influence the cost. Understanding how these principles work can help you make informed choices when purchasing frames—and might even spark a newfound appreciation for the science behind the art!
GREAT THINGS ARE NOT DONE BY IMPULSE
The Mathematical Laws Behind Framing
The cost of a frame is often determined by the amount of material needed to create its outline. This length—or perimeter—grows with the dimensions of the artwork, but not always in the way we might expect. Here’s why: for any two-dimensional shape, increasing the length or width of a frame increases its perimeter, but not always at a consistent rate.
Take a closer look at how this applies to rectangular or square frames. For a given area, certain proportions actually require less outline to enclose, which means less material, and ultimately a lower cost. This explains why you might find a 10x12 inch frame costs less than a 9x14 inch frame, even if both are similar in area.
Why Similar Frame Sizes Can Differ in Price
Think of this like a ratio: a square frame with a 10x10 inch area requires less outline than a rectangular frame with the same area but in dimensions like 5x20 inches. Frames that have more extreme proportions (long and narrow or particularly tall) tend to need more material to enclose the area, which raises the cost.
Moreover, the cost of materials and the time required to assemble and finish these more complex frames can add to the price. Slight differences in dimensions can sometimes translate to significant shifts in the outline required.
Discovering These Price Patterns in Our Gallery
We invite you to explore these subtle but fascinating price variations in our online gallery. There, you’ll see how mathematical relationships between frame outlines and areas are reflected in real-world pricing. With an eye for these principles, you may even spot ways to save on framing by choosing dimensions that are both visually appealing and cost-effective.
Understanding these price variations reveals that the art of framing is as much about numbers as it is about aesthetic harmony. Whether you're framing a steel sculpture, a painting, or a photograph, finding the right frame with the perfect proportion of outline to area can enhance the piece—and maybe even save you a little money along the way!
