When it comes to preserving and showcasing your artwork, photographs, or cherished mementos, the choice of frame can make all the difference. While ready-made frames are widely available and often more affordable, custom framing offers unmatched quality, protection, and personalization. For those who want their pieces to stand out and be preserved for the long term, investing in custom framing is a decision that pays off. Here, we’ll go over the benefits of custom picture frames vs. ready-made frames and
What Are Custom Frames?
Custom frames are tailor-made to fit each piece of art or photograph perfectly. They allow you to choose the picture frame material, color, and finish to complement your artwork perfectly. Working with a professional custom framer has several advantages. Some of the benefits of custom frame options include:
High-Quality Materials
Custom frames are crafted using premium materials, ensuring your artwork is protected and preserved for years. Whether you choose wood, metal, or a combination of materials, the quality of a custom frame is often superior to that of ready-made options. This investment in durability is particularly important for valuable or sentimental pieces.
Control Over Design
Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more ornate, traditional style, custom framing allows you to match your specific taste and the character of the artwork. You can also choose a specific color or style of matting to help enhance and protect your art. This ensures that the artwork and the frames work together to meet your gallery wall’s aesthetic goal.
Customization of Frame and Finish
One of the biggest advantages of custom frames vs. ready-made frames is the control you have. You can select the exact frame style, color, and finish that complements your artwork and home décor. This ensures that the frame enhances the visual appeal of the piece rather than detracting from it. Although they’re more expensive than ready-made frames, custom frames are generally considered a part of the artwork rather than just a protective addition.
Ability to Choose Your Glaze Type
Custom framing also allows you to select the type of glazing used to protect your artwork. Options include standard, plexiglass, UV-protective, non-reflective, and even museum-quality glass. Each type of glazing has benefits that many store-bought frames don’t. Still, the materials used for more customized options help preserve the colors and integrity of your artwork over time.
Perfect Fit for Artwork
Unlike ready-made frames, which come in standard sizes, custom frames fit your artwork perfectly. This precise fit ensures that the piece is securely mounted and looks as it should, without the need for awkward mats or borders.
Better End Result
All in all, the biggest difference between custom and pre-made frames that come straight from the manufacturer is their impact on your artwork. Combining high-quality materials, precise fit, and personalized design results in a better end product. Custom framing protects your artwork and elevates its presentation, making it a true focal point in any room.
What Are Ready-Made Frames?
Ready-made frames are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and designs. Every aspect of the frame is determined before it gets to the shelf, so you can’t customize it. Pre-made frames can be purchased at several retail stores, online, or at craft stores, making them a convenient option. However, store-bought frames are typically made using low-quality materials that won’t offer a high degree of protection to your photographs or artwork.
Although they’re affordable and readily available, the biggest drawback of ready-made frames is the lack of options and diversity for your art. Several ready-made picture frames have acidic backing that can damage high-quality photographs over the years.
How to Choose Between Custom and Ready-Made Frames
There are several differences between frames that are custom-made and those that are mass-produced. Consider the following to help you choose a frame that complements your artwork without breaking the bank.
Consider Your Budget
If you have a limited budget, ready-made frames can be economical. However, if you have the means, investing in a custom frame can be worth it for its quality and longevity. It’s also important to understand that a ready-made frame may lead to the deterioration of the artwork over time, so if it’s an expensive piece, it’s worth spending a bit more for the investment.
Think About the Artwork
That said, custom framing offers better protection and a more polished appearance for valuable or sentimental pieces. Ready-made frames may suffice for less expensive or temporary displays. They’re also fine for personally printed photographs and store-bought decor, which might cost significantly less than a custom frame.
Determine Personalization Needs
If personalization and design are important, custom framing is the clear choice. Choose custom framing to find the best frame that complements your artwork. This is one of the easiest ways to personalize the art and ensure that your frame fits the picture perfectly. Ready-made frames offer limited options, so if you need a specific look or size, custom frames will better meet your needs.
Finding a Professional for Custom-Made Frames
At Peterson Picture Co., we take pride in exceeding expectations and providing curated art for businesses in various industries. Our specialized art consultants follow guidelines derived from scientific studies and interior design strategies to ensure that the art in your healthcare facility creates a tranquil, therapeutic, and inviting space.
In addition to custom framing, we extend our artistic capabilities to create custom art in various media, tailoring each piece to complement style, size, and corporate image. When you’re looking for a partner dedicated to transforming your vision into reality, turn to Peterson Picture Co. Contact us today to learn more about our services.