BY ELLEN WHYTE

WALKING into a picture frame shop can be overwhelming because there are so much choices. I sometimes forget what I want and go for a frame that I like, rather than one that suits the job. After some painful mistakes, this is my list of do's and don'ts for the next time I shop for picture frames.

Think about the big picture
Is this a poster that's going to go in the hall or will it be a focal piece in the living room? Does it have to match anything (for example, perhaps you have an art deco living room but a Tudor hallway)?

Look at the piece itself
A frame can highlight certain aspects of the art. For instance, you can use a coloured frame to pick up on a particular colour in the picture. Alternatively, you may want to opt for a gold baroque fram to complement a classic painting, whereas a thin metal frame might be a better fit for a modern charcoal drawing.

Mats matter
For photos, paintings and collages, mats (the coloured bits of paper surrounding the work) can lift and highlight the work. In art galleries, you'll see that the mats are mostly neutral shades such as oyster or the palest of creams.

You might choose to go electric blue to make a splashy contrast with your red frame, but in general an understated style works better for classic displays.

Glass has to be picked too
It costs a bit more to have non-reflective glass, but it's usually worth it just to eliminate all those nasty reflections that detract from the enjoyment of a piece.

Even if you plan to hang this piece in a hallway without natural light, you may move the work to a different place in the future.

Seek advice from an artist
It always helps to have expert advice, so if there is someone in your shop who paints or sculpts, ask him for help.