You have a beautiful print, a treasured photograph, or a spectacular piece of original art ready to be displayed, but one crucial step remains: choosing the frame. The sheer number of online options and local workshops can feel overwhelming, leaving you worried about making the wrong choice. How can you distinguish between a cheap, flimsy frame and one built with genuine craftsmanship? Finding the right picture frame shop isn’t just about finding a border; it’s about finding a trusted partner to protect and elevate your art for years to come.
Consider this your expert guide to making that choice with confidence. We’ll embark on a journey to demystify the world of bespoke framing, helping you understand the key differences in materials, what to look for in premium services, and how to spot the signs of a truly skilled artisan. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to select the perfect framer who will give your artwork the stunning, protective home it deserves, ensuring it becomes a cherished centrepiece in your space.
Online vs. Local Picture Frame Shops: Which is Right for You?
In your quest to find the perfect frame, you face a modern dilemma: the endless choice of online stores versus the hands-on expertise of a local picture frame shop. Each offers distinct advantages, and the right choice often depends on your specific project, budget, and confidence in your own vision. Understanding the strengths of both can help you make a decision that beautifully honours your artwork.
To help you weigh the options, this short video breaks down some crucial factors to consider before you buy.
The Case for Online Frame Shops
Online framers offer unparalleled convenience, a vast selection, and often competitive pricing. They are an excellent choice for standard-sized photos, posters, and digital art prints where the requirements are straightforward. The best sites provide clear measuring guides and visualisation tools to help you see the final product. However, it’s crucial to do your homework: always check customer reviews, understand the material specifications, and be clear on the return policy before ordering.
The Enduring Value of a Local Framer
A local framer provides something the internet cannot: tangible, expert consultation. This is essential for valuable, original, or deeply sentimental artwork that deserves conservation-grade protection. In person, you can see and feel the textures of mount boards and wood grains. An expert can guide you through every component of the picture frame, from UV-protective glazing to acid-free backing, ensuring your piece is preserved for generations. This bespoke service is perfect for framing 3D objects, delicate textiles, and cherished memorabilia.
The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
Why choose when you can have both? Some businesses, like ours, bridge the gap by offering the convenience of an online gallery backed by a physical workshop. This model allows you to browse a curated collection from the comfort of your home and then visit in person for that final, expert touch. You get the advantage of premium, bespoke craftsmanship combined with a hassle-free selection process. It’s the perfect way to feel confident in your investment. Visit our Falkirk gallery to see our quality firsthand and discuss your project with our passionate team.
What Makes a Great Picture Frame Shop? 4 Key Qualities to Look For
When you invest in a piece of art or a cherished photograph, the frame is more than just a border; it’s a vital part of its preservation and presentation. Not all framers are created equal, and the quality is truly in the details. Whether you’re browsing online or visiting a local workshop, use this checklist to find a partner who values your art as much as you do.
1. Quality of Materials
The foundation of a lasting frame is the materials used. A reputable picture frame shop will be transparent about their supplies and prioritise longevity. Look for:
- Frame Mouldings: Solid wood or high-grade aluminium offer durability and a premium finish, unlike cheaper MDF or plastic which can warp or break.
- Mountboard: Insist on acid-free or conservation-grade mountboards. Standard boards contain acids that will yellow and damage your artwork over time.
- Glazing Options: A good framer provides choices beyond standard glass, such as UV-protective glass to prevent fading or anti-reflective glass for crystal-clear viewing.
2. Expertise and Craftsmanship
True craftsmanship is evident in the final product. An experienced framer combines technical skill with an artistic eye. A great framer acts as a consultant, offering professional advice on what best suits your artwork, from the colour of the mount to the style of the frame. For a deeper dive, Christie’s offers expert tips on choosing a frame that highlight this collaborative process. Always check for cleanly joined corners, a dust-free finish under the glass, and ask about their conservation framing techniques for valuable or sentimental pieces.
3. Range of Services
Your needs may change from one project to the next, so a versatile framer is a valuable find. The best shops offer a comprehensive service that goes beyond standard sizes. Do they provide fully bespoke framing for unusual dimensions? Can they handle more complex projects like framing football shirts, medals, or deep canvases? Top-tier services often include fine art Giclée printing, creating a convenient one-stop solution for printing and framing your images perfectly.
4. Customer Service and Consultation
A great framing experience should be collaborative and reassuring. A passionate framer will ask questions about your art and where it will be displayed to help guide your choices. They should provide clear, upfront pricing in pounds (£) with no hidden fees, making you feel confident in your investment. Before committing, read online reviews to see how they communicate with customers and handle any issues. Ultimately, you should feel informed and inspired, never rushed.
A Deep Dive into Framing Components: What Are You Paying For?
Ever wondered why the price of a custom frame can vary so significantly? The secret lies in its anatomy. A professionally finished frame is more than just four pieces of wood; it’s a carefully constructed package designed to both enhance and protect your art. Understanding the three core components—the frame moulding, the glazing, and the mount—empowers you to make informed choices. Each element plays a crucial role in aesthetics and preservation, and knowing what you’re paying for is the first step to a beautiful, lasting result.
Choosing Your Frame Moulding
The moulding is the structure itself, the literal ‘frame’ that borders your artwork. The material you choose sets the tone for the entire piece and is a key decision at any picture frame shop.
- Wood Frames: Timeless and versatile, materials like oak, ash, and pine bring a natural warmth and classic feel to any piece of art.
- Aluminium Frames: For a modern, sleek aesthetic, aluminium is a durable and lightweight choice, perfect for larger prints or photographs.
- Polcore Frames: Made from recycled polystyrene, Polcore is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative that comes in a vast range of finishes and profiles.
Beyond the material, consider the profile—its width, depth, and shape—to ensure it complements, rather than overpowers, your art.
Understanding Glazing (The ‘Glass’)
The glazing is the protective shield for your artwork. While it might all look the same, the type of glazing makes a significant difference in both clarity and preservation.
- Standard Float Glass: The most common and affordable option, suitable for general-purpose framing where budget is a key factor.
- Acrylic (Plexiglass): Lighter and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for large frames or shipping. It also offers a degree of natural UV protection.
- Anti-Reflective Glass: A premium choice that minimises glare and reflections, offering crystal-clear viewing even in brightly lit rooms.
- Conservation/UV Glass: Essential for valuable or sentimental pieces, this glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays to prevent fading over time.
The Importance of the Mount (or Matboard)
Often overlooked, the mount is a vital component. It’s the card border that sits between the frame and your artwork, creating visual “breathing space” that draws the eye inward. More importantly, it serves a critical protective function by preventing the artwork from touching the glazing, which can cause damage from condensation. Always insist on acid-free or conservation-grade mountboard to prevent discolouration. For a detailed look at the science behind this, the Rochester Institute of Technology offers an excellent preservation framing materials guide. The colour and width you choose can dramatically alter the final presentation, turning a simple print into a spectacular centrepiece.
Bespoke vs. Ready-Made Frames: Making the Right Choice
One of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is whether your artwork needs a bespoke, custom-made frame or if an off-the-shelf solution will suffice. This choice impacts everything from the final cost and aesthetic to the long-term protection of your piece. A professional picture frame shop will always offer expert guidance, but understanding the core differences empowers you to choose with confidence.
When a Ready-Made Frame is the Perfect Fit
An off-the-shelf frame can be a brilliant, cost-effective solution for many common projects. They are often the ideal choice when you are working with standard sizes and want a quick, beautiful result. Consider a ready-made frame if your project involves:
- Standard photo or paper sizes, such as A4, A3, 8×10″, or 5×7″.
- Framing posters, decorative prints, or family snapshots where conservation is not the primary concern.
- Creating a stylish and uniform gallery wall with a consistent frame style and colour.
Even when choosing a ready-made option, look for premium quality. A well-made frame crafted from real wood with proper glass will always elevate your picture more than a cheap plastic alternative.
Why and When to Invest in Bespoke Framing
For pieces that are valuable, irreplaceable, or simply outside standard dimensions, bespoke framing is an essential investment. This is where true craftsmanship comes into play, ensuring your art is perfectly presented and preserved. You should always opt for bespoke framing for:
- Unique Dimensions: Artwork that is an unusual size or shape and won’t fit a standard frame.
- Valuable Pieces: Original art, limited edition prints, or sentimental items that deserve the highest level of protection with conservation-grade, acid-free materials.
- Complete Creative Control: A bespoke service allows you to hand-pick every element—the frame material, the exact colour, the mount style, and specialist glazing options like anti-reflective glass.
Beyond Pictures: Framing Memorabilia and 3D Objects
What if you want to frame something with depth? This is where the expertise of a specialist picture frame shop truly shines. For cherished items like sports shirts, medals, certificates, or other precious keepsakes, a custom-built ‘box frame’ or ‘shadow box’ is required. This technique creates a stunning 3D display that protects and showcases your memorabilia beautifully, turning it into a true work of art.
These projects require precision and skill to mount the items securely and elegantly. Ready to display something you love? Get a quote for your bespoke framing project today.
The Perfect Frame for Your Masterpiece Awaits
Choosing the right frame is the final, crucial step in honouring your art. As we’ve explored, the best choice comes from understanding the value of true craftsmanship, the difference between bespoke and ready-made options, and what to look for in both online and local retailers. Ultimately, the perfect picture frame shop is one that combines deep expertise with a genuine passion for art, ensuring your cherished work receives the attention it deserves.
At First 4 Frames, we embody these qualities. With over 20 years of professional framing expertise, our passion is tangible in everything we craft in our Falkirk, Scotland workshop. We are specialists in creating beautiful, bespoke frames for spectacular Giclée fine art prints from leading artists, offering a truly premium service from our physical gallery right to your home.
Ready to transform your space? Let our craftsmanship be the bridge between your room and your art. Browse our gallery of framed art and discover your perfect piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for custom picture framing?
The cost of bespoke framing varies widely based on your choices. For a small A4-sized piece, you might expect to pay between £40 and £80. Larger or more complex projects can range from £100 to £300 or more. Key factors influencing the final price include the frame material (solid wood is more premium than MDF), the type of glazing selected, the size and style of the mount, and the overall complexity of the craftsmanship involved.
How long does bespoke framing usually take from order to delivery?
A typical timeframe for a bespoke framing order in the UK is between 7 and 14 working days. This allows our artisans the time needed for precise craftsmanship, from cutting the mount and frame to expertly assembling the final piece. This can sometimes be faster for simpler jobs or slightly longer during peak periods. We always provide a clear estimated completion date when you place your order, ensuring you are kept fully informed throughout the process.
Can you frame my own artwork, or only the prints you sell in your gallery?
Absolutely. While we offer a beautiful gallery of fine art prints, we are passionate about framing your personal treasures. A professional picture frame shop takes great pride in handling and protecting customer-owned pieces, whether it’s an original painting, a family photograph, or a child’s first drawing. We treat every piece with the utmost care and respect, helping you find the perfect bespoke frame to preserve and display it beautifully for years to come.
What is the real difference between standard glass and UV-protective glass?
Standard picture frame glass offers basic protection from dust and physical damage. However, UV-protective glass, often called conservation or museum glass, is an essential investment for valuable or sentimental artwork. It is specially coated to block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays, which are the primary cause of fading and discolouration over time. Choosing UV glass ensures the vibrancy and longevity of your piece, preserving its original beauty for decades.
How do I accurately measure my artwork for an online frame order?
For a perfect fit, precision is key. Lay your artwork on a flat surface and use a steel tape measure. You must measure the exact dimensions of the image area you want to be visible—not the full paper size. Measure the width and the height in at least two different places to check for any slight variations. Record the measurements in millimetres for the greatest accuracy, and always double-check your figures before submitting your online order.
Is it safe to ship a large, glazed picture frame?
Yes, it is perfectly safe when handled by professionals. We use specialist, robust packaging designed to protect frames in transit, including reinforced corner protectors, bubble wrap, and sturdy double-walled boxes. For very large or valuable pieces, we often recommend high-quality acrylic glazing instead of glass. It is lighter, shatter-resistant, and offers the same beautiful clarity and UV protection, providing complete peace of mind during delivery anywhere in the UK.