Ready Made vs. Custom Picture Frames

Want to know how to pick out the best frame for your dollar? Then, you need to first understand the difference between ready made picture frames and custom frames. This may seem really simple but it can make a big difference in what you spend, so let’s clarify these terms.

Ready made picture frames are frames that are assembled at a manufacturing facility and are boxed up ready for the customer. They come with everything you need- glass, backing and framing hardware already installed. Ready made frames can either be put on a tabletop or hung on a wall and come in standard sizes. You can buy ready made frames just about anywhere- you can find them at framing or photography stores, online frame retailers, department stores and at big box stores like Target. With ready made frames, all you have to do is take it out of the box and put in your picture.

Custom picture frames, on the other hand, are made just for you. Custom frames often have unique dimensions and/or depths and are commonly used for framing special art pieces like watercolors, oil paintings, poster prints and large size photographs. You pick out a specific type of molding, give the specific frame dimensions you want and a framer makes it for you.

You can get the frame just by itself without any glass, hardware or backing (generally called a wall frame) or you can have the framer put your frame and picture together so it’s ready to hang. Because the framer gets it ready for you to hang, many framers call them “ready made frames” but they are really custom frames. This is important because any custom made frame will be more expensive than a frame that’s been manufactured so just know what you’re buying.

So when would you want a custom frame vs. a ready made frame?

Custom frames are really the primary solution to framing custom artwork that you want to hang on a wall. Custom frames can accommodate the wide range of thicknesses and unique dimensions that can be used with different types of artwork like canvases, fabric or multiple photo mats. Plus, you can select a frame that complements your artwork without being limited by a specific frame size.

The only downside of custom frames is the additional time and money it takes to make it. But, if you have a beautiful piece of artwork, you’ll be more than happy with the results for years to come.

Ready made frames are perfect for gifts and for someone who wants a frame for their tabletop, dresser or wall. Ready made frames come in a wide range of standard picture sizes and can be used for just about any picture.

This versatility makes ready made frames the frames of choice for most people. Most ready made frames come with an easel back so you can either stand the frame vertical or horizontal or just hang it on the wall. You can get ready made frames in just about any finish, material, color, style, theme or price. And if you want to customize your ready made frame, you can add a mat to add dimension and color or personalize them with engraving.

Once you decide whether a custom or a ready made frame is best for you then it’s time to start selecting your frame. If you want some tips to how to select your frame then check out this article How to Select the Perfect Picture Frame or get help from our free design consultation services that will help you find the right frame for your picture.