As a teen, you may remember using thumbtacks to hang an ever-changing series of posters in your room. This was practical, because permanency wasn't the concern. One band or teen heartthrob's likeness might be replaced by another next week or next month, so investing in frames didn't make sense. However, when you get older and begin collecting artwork to decorate your home, you want to start framing your pictures. Framing and matting with the simplest of wooden frames can run into some money and is quite often, not the best choice in terms of showing your piece off to its best advantage. Let's take a look at some of the best applications for acrylic frames.

Photographs and travel posters usually contain a great deal of detail and range of color. Acrylic frames are a natural for showcasing this type of artwork. The clear, borderless acrylic frame emphasizes the detailed scene, whereas even the simplest of wooden or metal frames tends to confine the image.

Prints of famous masterpieces, produced on poster quality paper and color show to best advantage with an acrylic frame. You need to assess the quality of the print and decide for yourself. An inexpensive print may look ostentatious when framed in wood suited to the original. Unless you have a museum quality reproduction, consider a mat with an acrylic frame.

If the piece you want to hang is destined for a small room or area, acrylic can help avoid a cluttered look, particularly if you're hanging several small pictures. Expensive frames may not fare well in kid's rooms. Framing with acrylic offers a more kid-proof and washable surface which keeps on looking good.

The kitchen is another place where grease from cooking accumulates on frames just as it does the rest of the kitchen., Save yourself some cleaning chores with the durable, washable acrylic.

If your home's decor is of a modern, futuristic flavor, acrylic frames may offer the clean look reflected in your furnishings and accent pieces. It depends on the particular artwork as well. Consult a framing specialist for their advice if you're not comfortable with the decision.

Many websites which offer framing services allow you to virtually frame a piece with any style of frame, so you can see the different effects you might achieve, before you buy. As you 'try on' different frames, you get a visual of how each frame affects the overall appearance of your framed art.

Besides the other advantages of acrylic frames, you have one of the most inexpensive ways to frame your art. When working with standard framing sizes, framing is also an easy DIY project. Happy decorating!