If you’re thinking about adding some new artwork to your walls or looking for a way to preserve some treasured family photos, consider investing in custom picture frames. It’s not as expensive as you might think, especially when you consider the overall benefits of working with a professional to add just the right finishing touch to your decor.

Art helps to create a more personalized environment in the home. It reflects individual tastes and interests and can bring years of pleasure whether it’s an original oil painting for over the living room fireplace or a great flea market find that you want to add to your bedroom wall. The same is true for those family photographs that have been handed down through the generations or the pictures you snapped last month on your Caribbean vacation.

By investing in custom picture frames, you provide your art or photographs with an appropriate showcase; one that reflects your taste and style just as much, if not more so, than the pieces on display. After all, you wouldn’t expect to see the original Mona Lisa thumb-tacked to a wall in the Louvre, would you? So, why would you provide anything less than the appropriate showcase in your home for something that is just as important to you?

Where you decide to have your artwork framed is a matter of individual choice. Sometimes, it’s easy to find a custom framing store no further away than the local mall. Or, the yellow pages may offer you a choice of trades people in your town who create custom picture frames. In addition, there are numerous Web sites on the Internet that welcome questions ranging from what type of frame to buy to how custom picture frames are actually constructed. Doing a little homework ahead of time, whether on the Internet or at the local library, will allow you to ask more knowledgeable questions when you get ready to proceed, whether you want a metal frame in a matte finish to something more elaborate in natural wood.

Whoever you choose to consult and ultimately create your frames, remember to take your time and select the most appropriate styles because, chances are, they will be a part of your décor for many years. If your budget is limited, there are simple, inexpensive frames that can still complement your décor. Costs can range from under $100 into the thousands, depending on the type you select and the size of the picture.

An experienced framer can advise you on the different styles of custom picture frames that range from the traditional to the contemporary in colors that vary from brushed gold to vibrant shades of red, or include all types of wood finishes. Some styles are virtually invisible but still provide needed support and protection for your investment.

You want to pick a color that coordinates with the rest of the furniture in a particular room. But, even more important, you should select a style of frame that will complement the art, not overwhelm or clash with it. So, if you were thinking about adding an ornate gilt-edge frame to that abstract contemporary piece you want to display in your dining room, you might want to spend some time talking first to a professional, who can assist you accordingly. An additional touch to consider when having a piece custom framed is a matte insert, a colored sheet of heavy cardboard, which creates an even more distinctive look for the picture when combined with the right type of frame. But, it is key to remember that the matte comes second to the art, so it’s often best to stick with a neutral tone.

Having custom picture frames constructed for your art might seem a little extravagant to some but it is an ideal way to preserve something that you enjoy. In the end, it all comes down to individual taste. Whether you enjoy formal surroundings or a more eclectic environment, there is no right or wrong style--just whatever works best for you.