You’ve found that photograph, print, poster, work of art – or another type of item– that you can’t wait to display on your wall. But how do you know which frame is going to best complement your piece, ie. should it be ready-made or custom designed?
Sometimes, the decision-making process can feel like an art-form in itself. That’s why it’s always best to deal with a professional picture framing service. Not only do they have the technical know-how but they also have a wealth of handy advice at their disposal.
Here, the team at Boldon Framing lets you in on what to look for in selecting between frames that come ready-made and those that are specially tailored.
From the moment you think about getting something framed, you need to decide whether to go for something ready-made or a custom frame design. Ready-made frames are very convenient. However, they may not fit all types of pictures and you might not be able to find the exact one that you had in mind. To put it simply, they are just not customised.
That’s where the specialist services of a professional framer will come into the picture. While you can buy ready-made picture frames at Boldon Framing, you will, of course, also find them at a range of random retail outlets. The difference between buying from a dedicated frame shop and a variety store amounts to the level of mass production and quality control.
If you desire something truly unique, a custom frame is always your best bet. It allows you to add your own personal touch. However fantastic the ready-made route may be (and with Boldon Framing there is no compromise on quality) it’s like comparing apples and oranges when you stack it up against custom framing.
Getting a clearer picture
At the end of the day, it’s your personal choice whether you prefer a ready-made frame or a custom made frame that is personalised to you. Here’s a summary of the main pros & cons of each option:
Ready-made frames
- Pros/cons – Fast, convenient and they make it easy to switch up your decor. Budget-friendly (especially if you are prepared to fit your item yourself). Quality can vary, depending on where you buy from.
- Suitable for – can be used for anything that will fit. Especially suitable for framing inexpensive prints, posters and similar.
Custom frames
- Pros/cons – entirely made to fit whatever it is you need to be framed. The sky’s the limit when it comes to presentation. You can go with any style you like. And you have the opportunity to handpick all the materials that go into your frame. This may take a fraction extra time but nothing too extensive.
- Suitable for – anything and everything, but particularly those items that are awkward/challenging to frame.
