**Revolutionizing Your Space: Samsung’s The Frame TV and Its Artistic Companion**
In the ever-evolving world of technology, Samsung’s The Frame TV stands out as a unique blend of innovation and aesthetics. As a journalist who’s covered consumer electronics since the 1990s, I’ve always been drawn to devices that offer more than just functionality; they should also enhance our living spaces. And Samsung’s The Frame TV, with its art-focused design and companion digital subscription service, the Samsung Art Store, does just that.
**A TV That’s Also a Masterpiece**
At its core, The Frame is a QLED 4K television, delivering stunning picture quality. But when it’s not in use, it transforms into a realistic-looking piece of art. The TV is flanked by magnetized, snap-on bezels that resemble a picture frame, allowing it to seamlessly blend into any home decor. This niche device, while commanding a premium price, has garnered praise from design enthusiasts of all genders, especially when it’s on sale during major holidays.
**The Samsung Art Store: A World of Art at Your Fingertips**
What I didn’t anticipate was the obsession I’d develop with The Frame’s lesser-known companion, the Samsung Art Store. This platform, built into The Frame TVs and now available on all Samsung 2025 QLED and Neo-QLED TVs, offers access to over 3,000 artworks. You can browse and display these pieces on your TV for as long or as little as you like. While there’s a free version with 30 monthly artworks, I find the $50 annual subscription (or $5 per month) for the full collection to be well worth it.
**Navigating the Art Store**
Accessing the Art Store is simple. On your TV, click the Home button on the remote and scroll to the Art logo on the left side of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile device. The interface is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to explore the vast collection, whether you’re using a Frame TV or not.
**Art for Every Taste**
The Samsung Art Store caters to every artistic taste, from classic masters like Basquiat and Monet to contemporary artists like Coby Cobb, and even design partners like Liberty of London. Daria Greene, the collection’s curator, has made it her mission to organize and editorialize the over 4,000 works for easier viewing and engagement.
“For me, it’s about taking the biggest real estate in your living room and changing its value,” Greene says. “We need to be able to curate, with enough content and with a thoughtfulness that lets consumers explore how they can have a personal relationship with art, all while changing how they feel about that black hole on the wall.”
**Curated Collections and Personalization**
Finding the perfect piece of art for your mood can be a delightful challenge with such a large collection. Greene’s curated collections are an excellent starting point. You’ll find approximately four to five different collections at the top of the Art Store, adjusted every few weeks. These can be organized by exciting new artists, newly acquired works, global museums, art shows, or even by seasons, colors, or holidays.
I’ve spent hours flicking through artworks, switching them out multiple times a week. I’ve gone from still life paintings to photographs, from abstract to surreal images, all bursting with the colors of the changing seasons. I’ve even found joy in holiday-themed collections, something I never expected to appreciate as much as I do.
Below the curated collections, you’ll find rows of even more adventurous works. While you’ll always have access to the masters, you can also explore categories like ‘Books Depicted in Art’, ‘Now or Nevermore’, ‘Love is in the Air’, or ‘Into the Wild’. I’ve found myself drawn into these collections, surprising my family with new images and learning more about my artistic preferences.
You can also personalize your art with five different matting options in 16 colors. This adds a realistic touch, but up until recently, I was frustrated by how the bevel matting would cover parts of my art. Greene revealed a trick: choose the ‘float’ option instead of ‘bevel’ to preserve the artwork’s shape and integrity, creating a shadow effect.
**Exploring Digital Art**
The Frame was a pioneer in the new category of art-forward TVs, with competitors like TCL, LG, and Hisense following suit. While it’s impressive, some features could still be improved. My biggest gripe has been the lack of a dedicated search function within the Art Store. While there’s a universal search function on the Samsung Tizen OS, it includes everything on the TV, making it less efficient for finding specific artworks.
The realism of some digital art can also vary. Depending on the artwork and the room’s brightness, an image can look like a true-to-life painting or a backlit image. The 2022 Frame’s matte anti-reflection screen helps reduce glare, but it won’t fully replicate the interaction of surfaces, paint, and light in a real painting. The newest models, like the 2025 The Frame Pro, promise improved realism with local dimming and added brightness.
**The Art of The Frame**
The Frame’s ability to straddle the worlds of tech and lifestyle has always been a highlight for me as a tech reviewer. But the ability to use it as a personal art gallery was an unexpected bonus. Samsung’s commitment to curating its art collection bodes well for the future of this unique device.
In conclusion, Samsung’s The Frame TV and its companion Samsung Art Store offer more than just a high-quality viewing experience; they transform your living space into a personal art gallery. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of art, these devices provide a unique and engaging way to enjoy and interact with art in your daily life.
