Custom Framing Art Tips, Cost, and Frame Selection Ideas
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time at my local framer’s… which is honestly one of my favorite places and design tasks. While I love a good budget frame or am happy taking the DIY approach, some art or photographs really warrant the assistance of a professional. Take it from an interior designer who has selected hundreds of frames over the years, framing can really make or break a work of art. Today, I’m sharing what custom framing costs (which is probably less than you might imagine), how to find & work with your local framer, and I’m spilling my best frame selection & layout ideas. Check it out!
Custom Framing Cost
First, I wanted to share a little insight on budgeting for custom framing, because the cost can really vary. I’ve paid anywhere from $40 per work to $250. What causes the vast price difference? Frame style, material, and complexity. Frames made of resin are significantly less expensive than wood frames, and the more ornate or decorative- the higher the price. Frame material (or mouldings as they’re referred to in the industry) can range anywhere from $5 per linear foot to $90. You can always request an estimate from your framer, which will include the frame itself, glass (if needed), and a mat (depending on your design).
Some cost examples throughout my home? The horse gallery in my home office cost around $500 to frame (for all five, so $100 per piece). Derby, our beloved horse portrait (last seen in my holiday living room) cost only $50 for a simple floated canvas frame… and it’s an oversized work! The four giant photographs in the maroon guest room – those cost around $400 for the set.
How to Process Works
By now, my framer knows me and my aesthetic very well, so his suggestions are always spot on. The pros always have the best ideas, so don’t hesitate to as your framer to brainstorm. I always show up with a general idea of what I’m looking for. I arrive with the following…
- Art in hand… ready to go.
- An idea of frame color or style.
- Swatches (if color matching).
- Rough size or scale parameters.
- A budget.
Now you’re ready for the fun part… playing with materials and making a framing mood board of sorts. Here’s how the process works…
- Let your framer know your price range.
- They’ll guide you to frames within your budget or make suggestions, in which you can pull samples from the wall to play with.
- You can also grab mats to mock up alongside the different frame styles.
- Once you land on a combination you love, you’ll need to specify the size (frame size and mat size).
- You’ll also need to decide on glass, if applicable.
- Your framer will price it out for you, in which you’ll approve the design.
- My framer is usually 3-6 weeks booked out, so that’s my typical lead time for picking my artwork up.
Tips for Choosing a Frame & Mat
Curious about the most recent item I dropped off to my framer? The above artifact is an antique tattoo needle from our recent trip to Thailand that Emmett obsessed over, and I’m finally getting it framed for him. He wants to hang it in his office at Mapleleaf. Dimensional objects are especially fun to put in deep frames atop a linen mat. This frame size will be oblong. Anyway, moving onto tips for choosing a frame & mat of your own…
Here are some ideas for choosing a frame and / or mat. It’s fun to get creative with the materials and scale.
- Try repeating a color found within the artwork when choosing the frame.
- Play with scale… I love an oversized mat with lots of negative space.
- Weight your mat toward the top or bottom- the artwork doesn’t always have to be centered.
- Choose classic frame colors and materials- I love wooden frames and gilded options… as well as linen mats.
- Don’t forget about dimension… deeper frames create more dimension and you can have your artwork floated.
- Consider your personal aesthetic. When going custom, I love to design something that seamlessly blends with the decor in my home or has a vintage / antique look.
FAQ
No- those actually came from a local shop, but I found the same ones that I added to my Amazon frame board! I framed those little ones myself. Like I said, I do appreciate a good DIY!
My framer is a wholesale framer (to the trade), but I always rely on word of mouth from friends, Google (good reviews), and every time I’ve moved to a new area… I’ve wandered into multiple frame shops just to take a peek.
Absolutely! I like to lean art on a ledge or against a wall, but I love an easel vignette. We just added these new brass frame easels to the shop (pictured below in Jordan’s house). We also have some budget friendly notched easels and plaster easels.
Related
Having a BA in Fine Art and Art History, I’m really into collecting unique pieces, vintage art, originals, I try to keep the Tuesday Made shop well curated, and I always have my eyes peeled for works that fit in our own home. A big part of being an art lover, includes the frame (and picture lights, too!). I hope this post was helpful, if you’re planning to have any pieces framed. Looking for more artwork related posts? I’ll link some good ones for you below!
- Creating Your Own Photographic Art
- Where to Find Vintage Ski Prints & Winter Artwork
- Designer Trick : Artwork Installation
- How to Hang Artwork in Front of Curtains
- Design Discussion : Nude Art
- Best of Etsy : Equestrian Art
- Framed Block Print Fabric Art
- 15 Designer Gallery Wall Combination
- Original Framed Landscape Paintings
We’re working to wrap up our basement kitchen renovation, which will definitely include some new art… and old favorites! Do you have any art that needs framed? I have a stack just waiting for me to take the time. Here’s to a great week ahead, that may warrant a trip to the framer!