As design trends continue to progress, your works of art and the frames that enhance them often follow suit. Today’s homeowners seem to be leaning toward pieces that are more personal than your average poster. Anything from a framed vintage swimsuit to a wedding veil provides a one-of-a-kind look that makes a statement.

With so much mass production in the home decor category, it’s refreshing to see original works that can’t be copied. This holds true for family photos on canvas that can be framed for a finishing touch without protective glass, or an invitation from a special occasion that’s been preserved in a picture frame. Read on for more ideas of how to preserve and display your favorite items and images.

WORKS OF ART

When standard sizes won’t fit, custom framing isn’t the only option. In some cases, adding a mat to a ready-made frame might do the trick. You can also be resourceful with a vintage window frame to showcase postcards or photos, or a rectangular tray as an impromptu frame for a small print.

Framed pieces can have a practical side, like a screen that lets you display your jewelry in a charming way. A chalkboard is a great place for daily messages and a corkboard is perfect for pinning reminders and inspirational finds. Custom mirrors can be made to go above a bathroom sink for a distinctive look.

ART FROM THE HEART

Though a child’s drawings may already be a masterpiece in the eyes of a parent, you can take your little one’s creations to the next level with the right frame. Don’t be shy about mixing different styles for unexpected pairings, like a simple doodle with a more ornate frame.

Framing something you feel connected to goes a long way toward personalizing a space. Whether you have a penchant for wandering that can be conveyed through travel mementoes, or you’re a nature buff who arranges a series of pressed leaves, there are many ways to express yourself through the art you display in your home. Though regular and nonglare glass are readily available, conservation glass helps to preserve your piece and museum glass is a step above the rest.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

What you frame doesn’t have to be flat: think seashells, gardening tools, trophies, and more. You can even commemorate something like your favorite beverage with a bottle inside a shadowbox frame. Always ensure breakables are safely secured by consulting with a professional. While double and triple matting was once popular, single styles with more color and texture are trending now.

Search your home for unique pieces with sentimental value, like a souvenir from your honeymoon or a costume you made for a school play. Covers from your favorite magazines pack a graphic punch when framed and placed together in a cozy reading corner. Consider paying tribute to a beloved pet that has passed away with a framed collar.