CUSTOM FRAMING THE HOSPITAL

​Often we think of custom framing as a something that is specially designed to showcase an artwork’s best features and look stunning on the wall. When it comes to our commercial clients, ‘custom’ refers to both the design and what it needs to do.

One of our most recent projects was destined to decorate the walls of a local hospital. Aside from budget and design, safety and security were the primary concerns. A busy hospital corridor has beds, wheelchairs and other equipment bumping into the walls all day long. These frames needed to be hospital-proofed!
 
We tackled this challenge in several ways. Throughout the design process, we kept the safety and security issues in mind so as to make the best decorative choices that met all the project's needs. We settled on a modern-styled black frame and double mat that complimented each photograph and gave a uniformed look to the entire presentation.

​To make them as light and as safe as possible, we chose a poly-resin frame and acrylic glazing instead of glass. Not only did these two options reduce the weight of each piece, the acrylic prevents against any dangers coming from broken pieces of glass throughout the hall in case of an accident. Also, by working with a black poly-resin frame, any dents or chips the frames may receive are less apparent because the material is solid black all the way through and scuffs can easily be touched up with a black marker!

​Lastly, instead of the usual hanging hardware, we went with security hangers, which lock the frames into position on the wall. This is an option we often use on commercial installations to prevent against theft in areas open to the public, however in this case it ensures that the artwork doesn’t get knocked out of position or off the walls due to the busy and sometimes chaotic traffic in the corridors.

​Once finished, the frames were packaged and delivered to the hospital where they were expertly installed. Addressing all the needs of a project and coming up with custom solutions is key when working with commercial clients. Now the hospital has beautiful corridors filled with artwork and peace of mind that the installation meets all their safety concerns.