Home Decorating with Framed Antique Prints

Framed antique prints are a popular way to decorate any room. Mounting antique bird prints and fish prints is a popular way to create a lodge-style feel in a country cottage. Creating groupings of antique botanicals, such as fruits, trees and roses, can be a simple way to create a soothing Green feel in any kitchen. Although millions mat, frame and mount their own antique prints for decoration, all have to choose between decorating with antique reproduction prints, or antique originals. Although the quandary is rarely debated by decorators and designers, the decision made has important consequences.

Although some observers state that antique original prints possess a surperb visual character quality that just cannot be reproduced, many other observers find it difficult to distinguish an original antique print from an alike reproduction print. This discrepancy mostly depends on the physical condition of any given original print. The amount of digital restoration done to a reproduced image prior to printing can also make an enormous impact on how the two match up to one another. Some things, however, such as the anitque look of aged and worn paper, cannot be reproduced accurately. Up until the 1990s there was virtually no question as to if an original antique was visually more appealing than the corresponding reproduction print. It wasnt until the current era of computer technology that antique originals were able to be scanned (either by scanner or camera), enhanced, and reprinted with such superb quality and detail that the reproduced prints rival the original sources. In some situations, viewers have found antique reproduction prints to have greater visual appeal than the antique prints from which they were sourced.

Regardless of individual opinion on how the two compare, there is no argument on the cost factor. Antique original prints are overwhelmingly more expensive, and, depending on the individual prints condition and rarity, can be anywhere from 3-100 times the cost of a reproduced of the same image. With this in mind, If many viewers would have a difficult time telling the difference, one must wonder, is the cost difference justified? Well, it all depends on the individual. For many professional interior decorators and DIY home decorators, the answer is no. Nevertheless, to many collectors of fine antiques, the vintage authenticity of a work of art that is several hundred years old is very desirable, making the cost totally justified. There is also something to be said about the investment value of select rare prints. Like many collectable items, the values of antique original prints can grow in the long run. For those who desire collectability just as much or more than they do decoration, this is something to take into consideration. Still, for a large portion of interior decorators it is more cost effective to seek quality antique reproductions.

Lower price isn't the only advantage to decorating with reproduced antique prints. They also provide flexibility and customization options that help fit a unique piece of art into an already well-decorated room. When trying to stay on a budget, look for publishing companies that print in Standard-Sizes: (5x7, 8x10, and 11x14). Because these sizes are widely used, one can seek out affordable framing materials. While only a few publishers offer these options, seeking out those who do may be an important element to adding desired effect without compromising the present theme.

About The Author Joe writes for http://www.ChartingNature.com - Visit our Antique Prints page at http://www.ChartingNature.com/antique-prints.cfm to view our stunning antique reproductions!