Darker option in my opinion

With the peaked ceiling above the fireplace and with the tv rectangle to its left, I actually suggest a round object above the mantle. Otherwise, the rectangle of the frame is going to fight that angle. It will also fight with the tv.

I think gold would look best.

It’s fine to have art/frames that don’t match curtain rod colors.

I think it depends as much on what is being framed as the room it is in.

Are you framing a mirror?

If artwork, then the frame color should be chosen to compliment the art. The art & frame are seen as a whole.

Black to add depth and pull it from the dark furniture over to the other side of the room.

Gold or maybe bronze. Darker is going to create too much of a "matchy-matchy" look.

I agree round with all the angles going on, and a mirror would be perfect in this location to reflect the light from the windows and to echo the window arch. Gold or bronze frame in this space.

Pierre Round Wall Mirror, Gold · More Info

I think gold would look nice.

There is no other gold finishes in the room and silver curtain rods…🤷🏼‍♀️very transitional room..can we see the art you are framing? What color is your fireplace surround?

Thank you all for your feedback! :) 

I've attached pictures of the art i would like to frame. One above the mantel and the others around the room, maybe dining area. I tried buying a round gold mirror before and did not like how it looked. I don't know why. 

The fireplace surround is the color sea foam by Benjamin Moore I believe. 

I initially wanted the color of the frames to be a light wood color like in one of the pictures (still kind of do honestly) I attached but also am afraid that it will make the entire room look even more muted. I already have light curtains, a light chandelier and a light colored table. I believe I'm going to paint the legs of my chandelier a dark chocolate color..not sure. 

I agree that gold isn't anywhere else in the room but maybe it doesn't have to be? Idk. Bronze isn't either. Black is...although I wanted to stay away from black but i agree that it would add depth and pull from black furniture. My kitchen countertops are also black. I would've loved an all white/light space but i have to work with the furniture i currently have.

Also, I'm not sure how a black frame would look with the art (neutral colors) i want to frame.

Seeing the art, my suggestion is still gold (it doesn’t have to match other elements, it’s art) … but will add that bronze would work nicely, too. I think silver wouldn’t do the art justice and black would be too heavy/contrasting and matchy (as Ida said).

Finishes don't have to match. There are warm tones, light tones, dark tones and cool tones in this space, which means any finish is acceptable. It comes down to choosing what one feels will create the most interesting look. Some prefer matching most elements, while others prefer the less contrived look of a mixture of finishes and materials.

In seeing your chosen artwork, I might look at a simple blonde wood frame. You are absolutely correct in thinking that the frame should first and foremost complement the art.

Hi. When designing, the entire room has to be taken into consideration. You have some very dark pieces and that can't be ignored.

Right now the fireplace is fighting with the very dark tv and console, which is grabbing all of the attention. Add light art to the fireplace and the fireplace is going to fade away.

Questions

1) do you use the fireplace?

2) Would you consider a different furniture arrangement?

3) Are those 2 sofas?

4) Would you consider removing one sofa and replacing with a couple of chairs?

If you would consider a different furniture arrangement, would you please post photos of all 4 walls of the room?

The OP stated they have to work with the furniture they already have.

Yes, Ida, but sometimes folks are willing to make small changes.

“Some prefer matching most elements, while others prefer the less contrived look of a mixture of finishes and materials.”

This.

And I think threads like this come down to how people feel about art.

Some of us love art as, well, art, not as decor to match everything in a room. We buy and love it because we enjoy looking at it and it means something to us. Of course we want it to look good in a room, but the primary focus is on our emotional attachment.

Others see art as mere decor. A cog in staging a room. More about math, measurements, matching. Technical.

(There can certainly be middle ground, too.)

No right or wrong in any event … I just think it helps to keep this in mind regarding advice from strangers on decor boards.

ETA before my post gets taken the wrong way — it’s simply expounding on Ida’s thoughts (and me rambling because I enjoy this topic). It’s not in any way directed at any other replies or suggestions here.

Ok…..so you want to start bringing in very organic looking wall art…would you consider adding some slipcovers into the room to cover your dark transitional furniture pieces to lighten the entire space to allow your light casual organic art and light blue fireplace to blend well? Trying to add this style art is just forcing it in….

I would say stick with the light wood frames it works well with the art and maybe down the road as you add more light organic elements they will blend well…maybe add a few light linen pillows to your sofas? Love the light throw…room looks great just keep adding in those lighter casual elements like your art, rug, poufs….(❤️ the poufs ) and keep adding texture too! Slipcovers are so much better than they used to be..always a option to keep in mind. Have fun!

I love taupe and blue greens together (much of my home has these colors). My first thought with your art was to do a blond wood frame, similar in color to your dining table. But when I looked at the art over your fireplace I felt like the fireplace was sticking out like a sore thumb, not connected to the rest of the room.

So I tried this - it is an aged copper frame (Michaels custom frame)

Custom frames are expensive, but you can often find inexpensive wood frames that are weathered - have a lot of grain or look wire brushed. You could use one of those frames and get a sample paint that is 2 shades darker than the paint you used on the fireplace and just brush it on the frame and wipe it off, leaving the color in the grain and the wood exposed.

I often shop Goodwill for framed art, use the frame and ditch the art. Far less expensive than buying a new frame.

Did you consider bringing in more of the blue of the mantel into the art and framing in black with a touch of silver on the rim of frame?

And would a mirror work on the dining room wall?

You asked what frame color would look best above the fireplace. My answer is black. A black frame would not look good with your art. IMO your art would look best with a light wood or gold frame. However, those colors seem out of place over your mantel but are fine if you have an emotional attachment to that particular piece of art as @Jilly mentioned. Some people don't care if art does not fit into their decor. My personal preference is for it to sort of fit, just a little.

Thank you all so much for all of your responses! Such good feedback from everyone. Great suggestions. 

I eventually would like to buy a new TV console that's lighter in color (I'll attach example). And we do need a new coffee table since the one we have is over 8 years old and is a $20 from IKEA. I don't want to rearrange furniture (need two couches) and we do want to use the fireplace. 

I think I'm going to go for a light wood frame or thought the custom copper frame looked interesting too. Thanks for the rendrings @JenniferHogan! 

I also loved the slip cover idea. Would get white ones. I just don't know if I could find one that would fit nicely with the type of couch I have (I'll attach a picture...the couch cushions are sown unto the back and are not flush with the top. Hopefully that makes sense after seeing the pic.). I found some in IKEA online. 

@Jinx, I agree with everything you said regarding decor and art. For now, I just want something that ties in with the room and that I enjoy looking at. 

Thanks again everyone!

Thanks. As a designer, I think of the entire room, so glad you are looking at that. The right balance of colors and contrast is important in a space, in my opinion.

I appreciate you sharing your future plans for the console, as that fits into the larger decision.

What I am seeing now is that the fireplace color is not relating to anything. Pardon me if you mentioned, but why is it painted that color?

What I recommend always is to post a photo of what you want the room to look like. You have described it somewhat, but a photo is best.

You: "I would've loved an all white/light space but i have to work with the furniture i currently have."

Without more information, I recommend painting the fireplace a rich taupe or deep brown to work with your art, rug and future plans. With the neutral art above it, it will command a larger presence. Also, you will be able to frame the art in a lighter color, as you want.

Always work toward the future, instead of trying to match what you don't like in a space.

If you are going to go with slipcovers, adding a darker tone to the fireplace will add a nice contrast .

Ale…I think with your sofas with attached cushions you would have to do a loose fit slipcover. The console you posted is beautiful and would be a nice addition to the room and will support the style you are working towards….again just keep layering all shades of neutral…if you don’t do slipcovers maybe add some linen pillows to your sofas…. even a couple lumbars across the backs would help break up all the dark leather….here is the slipcover that I think will work best with your sofa design.

Or any loose fit..I think they also have one with a squared off arm style…you will have to do a bit of searching..