Blog

A Guggenheim frame goes by many names: museum frame, gallery frame, box frame and float frame. Here I explain what truly defines this quiet, minimalist style, how to recognise it, how it differs from an American Box frame, and how I build each one from solid wood, made to measure, in my workshop. more

A moulded, shaped-profile frame can lift a classical painting and swamp a modern one. Drawing on my workshop practice, I set out which artworks suit a moulded picture frame, which need something simpler, and why the right profile depends on the work itself. more

A marble picture frame from my workshop is not printed or wrapped in stone. It is hand-painted, a traditional faux marble finish built up in layers over a solid timber moulding, so the veining and depth belong to that one frame alone. Here is how I marble a frame by hand, how to tell a painted finish from a printed one, and how to choose the right marble tone for your artwork or mirror. more

A floating picture frame holds a canvas inside an open surround with a narrow shadow gap, so the whole painted surface stays visible. Here is how I build floater frames from solid timber, which artworks they suit, and how to get the gap, depth and finish right. more

A large gold-framed mirror is more than just a functional accessory – it’s a statement piece that transforms interiors. Its golden frame adds elegance, sophistication, and a touch of luxury, making it a central element of any room. The reflective surface of a gold mirror brightens up spaces and makes them appear larger. Whether in modern or classic interiors, it’s always a winning choice. Why choose a large gold-framed mirror? A large gold mirror is both practical and decorative. It reflects natural light, visually enlarges the space, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Key Benefits: Enhances brightness in the room Creates the illusion of more space Adds a touch of timeless elegance An antique gold-framed mirror adds vintage charm, while a rectangular gold... more

Stylish picture frames are more than just decoration. They can transform an interior, adding elegance, harmony, and refined character. With a well-matched frame, a painting gains new depth, and its colors and details become more expressive. Importantly, frames not only highlight the beauty of the artwork but also protect it from dust and damage. This is why more and more people choose high-quality picture frames available through convenient online shopping. Buying from an online store allows you to freely select from hundreds of models, styles, and materials. Why Invest in Stylish Picture Frames? A properly selected frame: enhances the artistic value of the painting, protects the canvas from damage, harmonizes with the interior design, becomes the focal point of the... more

Custom picture frames are not just protective elements – they are an artistic way to emphasize the beauty of a painting, drawing, or photograph. A well-chosen frame harmonizes with the artwork, highlights its character, and makes it a central part of the interior. In my workshop, I create handcrafted wooden frames made to measure. Each one begins as raw wood, then goes through a meticulous process of cutting, sanding, and finishing. I use traditional methods such as water gilding, patination, and hand-painting. This means that every frame is unique – never a mass-produced item, but rather a piece of craftsmanship designed for a specific artwork. Why choose custom frames? Personalization and fit Ordering custom picture frames allows full personalization. Whether you want to... more

A black framed mirror is one of the easiest ways to give a room a strong, elegant focal point. In my workshop I build black mirror frames to measure: matt, satin, high gloss, distressed or with genuine gold leaf details. Here is how to choose a finish and profile that will suit your interior. more

A black frame is the strongest outline you can give a mirror: it defines the reflection, grounds the wall and suits almost every interior style. Here is how I build and finish black framed mirrors in my workshop, from matt paint to high gloss lacquer and gilded accents. more

A frame does more than protect your artwork. It is a decorative element that can change how people see your piece. The right frame highlights colors, adds depth, and makes your painting or print harmonize with the interior design. Why invest in custom picture frames? Custom-made frames are perfect for anyone who values aesthetics and precision. Beyond protection, they provide your artwork with a unique finish. A well-chosen frame will: enhance the tones and details of your artwork, complement the style of the room, give the piece a new, refined dimension. Types of frames we create Our workshop specializes in handcrafted, high-quality frames. Here are some of the options: Wooden frames Timeless and versatile. Wooden frames work beautifully with both classic and... more

  When art collectors, conservators, or enthusiasts talk about a "Dutch frame," they’re usually picturing a very specific type of object: a dark, ebonized or stained wooden frame, often with a subtle inner gilded lip, featuring a profile that slopes outward — the so-called reverse profile. This image has taken root as the embodiment of Protestant modesty: the frame should complement the painting, not overshadow it. It’s the frame we associate with Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the masters of 17th-century Holland. But is that image the whole truth? Indeed, the reverse profile was popular in certain circles and fulfilled an optical function — drawing the viewer’s eye into the composition while avoiding glare from ambient light. However, historical Dutch framing practice was far... more

Introduction Dutch frames are a unique form of artwork presentation that has remained consistently popular among artists and collectors alike. They offer a rare combination of subtlety, classic design, and practical benefits, enhancing the expression and presence of a work of art. With their refined construction and restrained elegance, Dutch frames have been a favoured choice for centuries – especially for oil paintings, portraits, prints, and still lifes. Although their origins date back to the 17th century, today – thanks to artisans like myself – they are enjoying a revival, adapted to contemporary interiors and expectations. Origins of Dutch Frames This frame style emerged in 17th-century Holland during the Golden Age of Dutch painting. Also known as "canal frames" or... more

Comparing Gold Leaf and Dutch Metal Genuine gold leaf, especially of high karat (e.g., 23 karat), is a noble metal that remains unaffected by air, moisture, and most chemical agents. Consequently, gilded items retain their freshness, luster, and color even after many years. In contrast, Dutch metal, while offering a similar visual effect initially, is significantly less durable. The copper and zinc components are prone to oxidation over time, leading to darkening, patina formation, and loss of original shine. Protective lacquers can delay this process, but they may eventually crack or degrade, especially under fluctuating environmental conditions. more

Exclusivity, Longevity, Personalisation – Frames for True Connoisseurs Genuine Gold Leaf – An Elegant, Uncompromising Choice Each frame crafted by Karol Milwski is gilded with authentic gold leaf — no substitutes, no imitations. Clients can choose their preferred gold tone, from cool to warm hues, available in various alloys and leaf textures. These differ not only in colour, but also in structure and thickness. Additionally, the selection of bole — a traditional clay base applied beneath the gold — enhances its radiance and character, allowing for a bespoke finish tailored to the artwork’s needs. more

Casina 2 is built the traditional way: chalk gesso, red bole and 22 carat moon gold leaf laid by hand over worked Flemish corners. Here is what happens at each stage in the workshop, why the clay under the gold is red, and how the same profile is made up as a mirror. more

  A frame is not just a protective border for a painting – its shape and profile can dramatically alter how the artwork is viewed. Among the most distinctive frame types are the Reverse Frame and the Coved Frame, each offering a unique way to enhance an artwork’s composition and depth. In this article, we will explore their characteristics and how they can be used to complement different styles of paintings. Reverse Frame – Creating Depth by Receding the Artwork What is a Reverse Frame? A Reverse Frame is designed with a higher outer edge and a lower inner edge, creating the illusion that the artwork is recessed into the frame. This effect adds depth and a sense of spatial perspective, making the artwork appear further back within its surroundings. Applications of the... more

Minimalism is about simplicity, harmony, and breathing space. But does that mean frames and mirrors have no place in such interiors? On the contrary. A well-chosen frame or mirror can subtly enhance a minimalist space without disturbing its balance. Here’s how to make the right choice more

Some things can never be reprinted: a diploma, your wedding photographs, a medal, an heirloom passed down the family. In my workshop I frame keepsakes like these so they are protected as well as displayed, from the right mount and UV glass to a deep box frame for anything three-dimensional. Here is how I approach each type, and how to choose a frame that keeps a precious memory safe for years. more

A frame can change the way a painting is seen, even before you notice its decoration. In this guide, I compare the picture frame styles I make in my workshop, from carved and gilded designs to quiet black, white and minimalist profiles. I explain how proportion, colour and construction affect the result, and how I choose a made-to-measure frame for a particular painting, print or photograph.   more

A guide to the main types of mirrors and how to match them to your interior: framed, frameless, bevelled, full-length, ornate and gilded. I explain what each type does best and when a made-to-measure mirror in a frame is the right choice. more

An oil painting needs a frame that carries its weight, houses the stretcher and shows the paint without glass. I frame oil paintings by hand in my workshop, milling each profile and rebate to the work, then finishing it with water gilding or a hand-painted surface. Here is how I do it, and how to commission a frame for your own painting. more

Lustra są nie tylko praktycznym elementem wyposażenia wnętrz, ale również ważnym elementem dekoracyjnym. Wybór odpowiedniej ramy do lustra może znacząco wpłynąć na jego wygląd oraz atmosferę w pomieszczeniu. W artykule tym przyjrzymy się różnym rodzajom ram do luster, analizując ich materiały, style i funkcje, aby pomóc Ci wybrać idealną ramę do Twojego wnętrza. more

Mirror frames shape the balance between the glass, the wall and the furniture around it. I make wooden frames and mirrors to order in my workshop in Czarna Białostocka, Poland. This guide will help you choose the proportions, finish and practical details for your room. more

Lustra są nie tylko praktycznym elementem wyposażenia domu, ale także stanowią ważny element dekoracyjny, który może zmienić wygląd całego pomieszczenia. Jednak, aby wybrać odpowiednie lustra i ramy, warto wziąć pod uwagę nie tylko estetykę, ale również praktyczne aspekty ich użytkowania. Oto praktyczny przewodnik, który pomoże ci wybrać idealne lustra i ramy do twojego domu. more