Wow! So many different opinions! I know that the portraits need to be framed, and I'm aware that the sides are unfinished. I have always intended to get them framed. When ODS's portrait was finished, I propped it on the dresser while I waited for YDS to be old enough to have his painted. I wanted to wait until I had them both so they coud be framed alike. It would be my luck that ODS's frame would no longer be available when I went to frame YDS's. The portrait broker offered me these frames for free (long story). It never occured to me that they'd be this big or ornate. I was a bit shocked when I picked them up from the framer. The frames came from a to the trade wholesaler. She described them as "the quintessential portrait frame." I have art, both framed and gallery wrapped throughout my home. I just don't love these particular frames. Free is the key word here! We are in the final stages of adding a master suite, new HVAC, new hot water heaters, new roof, and having the entire exterior of the house painted. Plus, we had to pay for YDS's poartrait at the same time we were doing all of the stuff to the house because he hit the age that I wanted him to be for his portrait. I'd love to get them framed in something simpler and more tailored. They could even be gold - just not so much of it! Financially, it's just not in the cards right now. Popping them out of their frames would be a temporary solution. I guess the real question is which is the lessor of two evils for right now? Unframed, with unfinished sides or frames that are too large and ornate? Again, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to my question. I really have considered every opinion and suggestion that has been offered.

I like how you think, Amy. I love patronizing local artists. Buying "used" feels good too... keeps the money going 'round locally and keeps stuff out of the landfills. I also love making things myself when I can. I'm thinking I'm going to be painting some artwork for my house and for my son's house. Right now I'm working on a tray. It's aluminum (old) and I got tired of it leaving black marks on my sink. So I'm playing around with painting it and finding a way to seal it well. If it turns out fabulous I'll probably do some as gifts. If not, oh well. DIY can be the most fun, IME, and if I want to learn how to do something I usually can. Yes, yard sales can be great too. It's amazing what you can find. I also check CL frequently for things I want. I made a "killing" there recently on a coffee table I refinished and gifted to my son. I just wish my daughter weren't so hard to buy for. But I'm thinking if I make her some original artwork she'll be pleased. Right now I'm on the hunt for some frames -- but first I have to examine the ones I have and sell those I won't use.

I'm no expert on frames but over the years I've learned that groupings look best with similar themes and compatible frames. Personally, I wouldn't put a contemporary frame with traditional art, nor would I mix black/white art with color. As for how I choose my frames, I have an excellent framer who is great at guiding me. What I've learned from him, and to quote you, is that frames should follow the flavor of the art. I don't think you have to limit the type of frames you use within a room. In my FR, which is fairly large, I have a grouping of large B/W photos with black frames on one wall, the opposite wall has a group of antique prints with black/gold frames, a third wall has watercolor artwork with burnished gold frames. As you can see, black and gold follows thru in all my frames yet they all compliment the artwork.

"Traditionally" abstract art is displayed in a simple gallery frame so as to concentrate the viewer's eye on the content of the painting itself, not on the details of the frame. On a painting the size of yours I would allow no more than 5/16 inch to show, probably painted black or gray. Construction of a frame surrounding a painting on board is not quite as simple as it sounds, but I've drawn the construction detail of a two-piece frame for that purpose and a scaled view of your painting with an approximately quarter-inch frame. Using this plan about 1/8 inch on each edge would be lost to view. In a standard wooden frame you could expect to lose as much as 1/2 inch from each edge. Only a metal frame (easily ordered online in a wide range of colors should you so choose) could match that small a visual loss.Obviously, the choice of a frame is as personal a choice as the painting itself, so you should follow your own vision. This is simply an expression of mine.