When you picture a framed piece of art, your mind likely defaults to a classic rectangle. But what if your artwork is calling for something different, something with softer lines and a more unique character? Perhaps you’ve dismissed the idea, worried that a round frame might look dated or that the process would be too complicated and costly. The truth is, the right frame is the perfect bridge between your art and your decor, and premium custom circle and oval frames offer a spectacular way to make a truly personal statement.
At First4Frames Gallery, we are passionate about beautiful, bespoke craftsmanship. In this complete guide, we’ll demystify the entire journey, from concept to creation. We will explore the stunning aesthetic benefits of curved frames, guide you through the available materials and finishes, and show you exactly how to measure your piece with confidence. Prepare to discover how to commission the perfect frame that will transform your art into an extraordinary centrepiece for your home.
Key Takeaways
Learn how the curved lines of a circular or oval frame can soften your interior design and create a captivating focal point.
Discover the key customisation options, from wood types to unique finishes, to ensure your frame perfectly complements your artwork.
Our step-by-step guide demystifies the process, showing you how simple it is to commission beautiful custom circle and oval frames.
Gain confidence with practical tips on hanging, styling, and budgeting for your unique frame to ensure it looks stunning in your space.
Why Choose a Circle or Oval Frame? Thinking Beyond the Rectangle
In a world dominated by straight lines and sharp corners-from our walls and windows to our furniture-introducing a curve can be a breath of fresh air. A frame is the essential bridge between your artwork and your décor, and choosing a non-rectangular shape is a powerful design statement. Opting for bespoke custom circle and oval frames allows you to soften a room’s aesthetic, create an undeniable focal point, and add a touch of timeless elegance that a standard frame simply cannot match.
To see the beautiful craftsmanship involved in creating these unique shapes, take a look at the video below:
The Unique Aesthetic: Creating Softness and Focus
A round or oval frame immediately breaks the visual monotony of a space. Its gentle, continuous lines draw the eye inward, naturally guiding the viewer’s attention directly to the heart of the artwork. This effect makes it perfect for highlighting a specific subject. Whether you are aiming for a vintage, classic, or even a whimsical feel, the curved silhouette provides a sense of intimacy and charm that makes the piece feel special and distinct.
A Nod to Tradition: From Victorian Portraits to Modern Heirlooms
Oval frames have a rich history, most notably gaining popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries for portraiture and mirrors. This classic shape carries an inherent sense of elegance and nostalgia, instantly elevating a piece to feel like a cherished heirloom. While the history of Picture frame shapes is diverse, the oval has remained a symbol of sophistication. Today, these traditional forms are being reimagined in modern interiors, creating a beautiful contrast between classic and contemporary styles.
What Artworks Shine in a Curved Frame?
While any piece can be enhanced with the right frame, some artworks are particularly well-suited to a curved presentation. Our custom circle and oval frames provide the perfect showcase for:
Portraits and Silhouettes: The shape naturally complements the curves of the human face and form, creating a classic and focused presentation.
Botanical Prints & Delicate Illustrations: The soft edges of the frame enhance the organic and graceful nature of floral and natural subjects.
Single-Subject Compositions: Artwork with a clear central focus, from a single animal to an abstract shape, is beautifully contained and highlighted within a circle or oval.
Creative Displays: Think beyond prints! These frames are perfect for showcasing antique mirrors, intricate embroidery, or treasured family memorabilia.
A Guide to Customisation: Materials, Styles, and Finishes
Creating the perfect bespoke frame is a journey of artistic discovery, where every choice contributes to the final masterpiece. A frame is more than just a border; it is the bridge between your art and your interior, a carefully crafted combination of three key elements: the wood, the finish, and the profile. Understanding these components empowers you to design a piece that not only protects your art but elevates it, turning a simple picture into a spectacular focal point.
Choosing the Right Wood: From Classic Oak to Sleek Walnut
The foundation of any premium frame is the wood itself. Each species brings a unique character and grain, setting the stage for the final look. The beauty of creating custom circle and oval frames is that the continuous curve of the wood is always on display.
Classic Oak & Ash: For a timeless, natural aesthetic, the prominent grain of Oak or Ash brings texture and an organic feel, perfect for both traditional and contemporary settings.
Elegant Walnut & Cherry: These hardwoods offer a richer, more formal feel with their deep, warm tones and subtle grain, adding a touch of sophisticated elegance.
Versatile Tulipwood: As a premium paint-grade wood, Tulipwood provides a flawless, smooth surface, making it the perfect canvas for any custom colour you can imagine.
Finishes That Define the Mood: Natural, Painted, or Gilded
The finish is where your frame’s personality truly comes to life. It can be used to create harmony with your artwork or a stunning contrast that demands attention. We offer a finish to suit every piece and every home.
Natural & Stained: A clear wax or a carefully selected stain celebrates the wood’s inherent beauty, allowing the natural grain to remain the star of the show.
Custom-Painted: From subtle neutrals to bold, dramatic hues, a painted finish offers limitless possibilities. We can match any colour to seamlessly integrate the frame with your decor.
Gilded & Ornate: For a touch of classic luxury, a gilded finish in gold or silver leaf provides a truly opulent look, ideal for traditional portraits, mirrors, and fine art.
Understanding Frame Profiles: From Simple Curves to Ornate Details
A frame’s profile is its cross-sectional shape-the contours and curves that give it depth and character. This detail has a powerful impact on how the artwork is viewed. The concept of using a frame to draw attention to a subject has deep roots, with the ancient origins of picture frames found in Romano-Egyptian mummy portraits, demonstrating a long history of this beautiful craft.
Minimalist Profiles: Simple, gently rounded profiles offer a clean, contemporary aesthetic that allows the artwork to take centre stage without distraction.
Decorative & ‘Scooped’ Profiles: More traditional profiles often feature a ‘scoop’-a concave curve that draws the viewer’s eye inward, directly towards the art. These add a wonderful sense of depth and detail to custom circle and oval frames.
The Bespoke Process: How Your Custom Frame is Made
Embarking on a bespoke framing journey might seem complex, but our process is designed to be a simple, collaborative, and rewarding experience. We believe that creating the perfect frame is a partnership between your vision and our expertise. From the initial measurement to the final polish, we guide you at every stage, ensuring you feel confident and inspired as we bring your unique frame to life.
Step 1: Consultation and Measuring Your Artwork
The journey begins with the essentials: understanding your art and your space. We’ll guide you on how to measure your piece accurately-for a circle, we need the diameter at its widest point; for an oval, both the height and width. This is more than just a measurement; it’s a conversation. We discuss your vision, the artwork’s character, and where it will be displayed to ensure the final frame is a perfect complement to your home.
Step 2: Design, Material, and Glazing Selection
This is where your creativity truly shines. Together, we explore our extensive collection of premium materials to find the ideal wood, profile, and finish that acts as the perfect bridge between your art and your décor. We also help you select the right glazing to protect and enhance your piece:
Standard Glass: For a clear, classic finish.
Anti-Reflective Glass: To minimise glare and maximise clarity.
UV-Protective Glass: To safeguard your artwork from fading over time.
We’ll also consider mounts and other finishing touches for a truly professional result.
Step 3: The Craftsmanship in Our Falkirk Workshop
Once the design is finalised, our skilled artisans in our Falkirk workshop begin their meticulous work. Crafting seamless custom circle and oval frames requires a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern precision. Every curve is expertly shaped and every joint is flawlessly finished, transforming high-quality, conservation-grade materials into a frame that is both beautiful and built to last. This is where our passion for craftsmanship truly comes to life.
Step 4: Final Fitting and Finishing Touches
The final step is where your artwork and its new frame become one. We handle your piece with the utmost care, fitting it securely within its new bespoke home. A final, rigorous quality check ensures every detail is perfect, from the smooth finish to the secure backing. Your unique, ready-to-hang masterpiece is then carefully prepared for you to cherish for years to come.
Practical Advice for Displaying Your Round and Oval Frames
Once you’ve commissioned your perfect bespoke frame, the final, exciting step is displaying it with the confidence it deserves. A uniquely shaped frame can transform a space, but it often comes with questions about cost, hanging, and styling. Here is our expert advice to ensure your beautiful new frame looks its absolute best.
What Influences the Cost of a Custom Shaped Frame?
The artisan craftsmanship required for custom circle and oval frames is more intricate than for standard rectangular ones. Bending and joining wood into a perfect curve is a highly skilled process. The final price is influenced by several key factors:
Size: A larger diameter requires more premium materials and labour.
Wood Choice: Hardwoods like oak will differ in cost from softer woods or custom-painted finishes.
Profile Complexity: An ornate, detailed moulding is more complex to shape than a simple, minimalist one.
We encourage you to view your frame not as a simple accessory, but as a long-term investment in protecting and elevating a piece of art you love.
Tips for Securely Hanging Your Frame
Due to their shape, round and oval frames hang best with specific fittings. We recommend using two D-rings attached to the back of the frame, roughly at the ’10-to-2′ clock positions. A strong picture cord is then strung between them, allowing the frame to hang securely from a single, well-anchored wall hook. This method prevents the frame from tilting or spinning. For maximum visual impact, hang your piece at eye level (around 57 inches from the floor) or use it to create a focal point above a piece of furniture like a console table or headboard.
Creating a Cohesive Look: Mixing Shapes on a Gallery Wall
A circular or oval frame can be a spectacular anchor for a gallery wall, breaking up the monotony of straight lines. To create a balanced and harmonious display, let your shaped frame be the hero. Place it centrally or slightly off-centre and build your arrangement of rectangular frames around it. Tie the collection together by using a consistent element-such as a similar frame material, colour palette, or artistic theme-to create a visual bridge between the different pieces. A cohesive look feels intentional and professionally curated.
For more beautiful examples and inspiration, we invite you to view our gallery.
Bring Your Vision to Life with Bespoke Framing
Choosing a frame is about more than just protection; it’s about presentation and personality. As we’ve seen, circular and oval frames offer a wonderfully elegant alternative to sharp corners, creating a softer, more focused viewing experience. By understanding the bespoke process and the rich variety of materials and finishes available, you are perfectly equipped to commission a piece that truly complements your art and your home.
At First 4 Frames, our passion is bringing these unique visions to life. With over 20 years of bespoke framing experience, we combine time-honoured techniques with premium, conservation-grade materials. Every one of our custom circle and oval frames is meticulously hand-crafted in our Scottish workshop, ensuring a spectacular, lasting finish for your treasured artwork.
Are custom oval and circle frames more expensive than rectangular ones?
Due to the intricate craftsmanship involved, custom circle and oval frames are typically priced higher than standard rectangular styles. The process requires specialised techniques and precision cutting, which results in more material waste. However, this investment ensures you receive a truly unique, handcrafted piece that provides a spectacular display for your art, making it a worthwhile centrepiece for any room.
How do I correctly measure my round or oval artwork for a frame?
Measuring for your bespoke frame is a simple, precise process. For circular artwork, measure the diameter-the widest distance from edge to edge, passing through the centre. For an oval piece, you will need two measurements: the height at its tallest point and the width at its widest point. We always recommend measuring twice to ensure perfect accuracy before placing your order so our artisans can craft a frame that fits flawlessly.
What is the typical turnaround time for a bespoke shaped frame?
Our passion is craftsmanship, and perfection takes a little time. The typical turnaround for a bespoke circular or oval frame is between 7 to 10 working days from order confirmation to dispatch. This allows our expert framers to give your piece the dedicated attention it deserves, ensuring every detail is finished to our premium standards before it begins its journey to you. We believe the spectacular result is always worth the wait.
Can you put a mount inside a circular or oval frame?
Absolutely! A professionally cut mount can be a beautiful addition. It creates a visual space between the artwork and the frame, drawing the viewer’s eye inward and adding a layer of depth and sophistication. We create bespoke mounts to perfectly follow the curve of your frame, providing a seamless and elegant border for your piece. It’s the perfect way to elevate your art and give it a professional, gallery-quality finish.
What kind of art looks best in a round frame?
The soft, continuous lines of a round frame are incredibly versatile. They are particularly stunning for portraits, creating an intimate, focused feel reminiscent of classical miniatures. Botanical illustrations, detailed still life scenes, and even abstract pieces with circular motifs look spectacular. Ultimately, these unique frames offer a beautiful way to break from tradition and turn any piece into an unforgettable focal point in your home.
Do you offer different types of glass for custom frames?
Yes, we offer a selection of premium glazing options to protect and enhance your artwork. Our standard offering is a high-quality 2mm float glass, perfect for most environments. For rooms with significant light, we recommend our anti-reflective glass to minimise glare and improve clarity. To preserve your fine art for a lifetime, our UV-protective glass is the ideal choice, blocking harmful rays that can cause fading over time.
