What Are Ready-Made Picture Frames?

When it comes to framing your cherished photos, artwork, or memorabilia, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a custom frame or a ready-made one. Both options have their unique advantages and are suited to different needs, styles, and budgets. To help you make the right choice, we’ll break down the differences between custom and ready-made frames, highlighting their benefits and ideal use cases.

The Basics of Ready-Made Frames

Ready-made frames, also known as pre-made frames, are mass-produced in standard sizes and styles. They are widely available at craft stores, big-box retailers, and online shops. These frames are designed to fit popular photo and artwork sizes, such as 8x10, 11x14, or 16x20 inches.

Advantages of Ready-Made Frames

1. Affordability: Ready-made frames are typically more budget-friendly than custom options because they are produced in bulk. This makes them a great choice for those looking to frame multiple items or stay within a tight budget.
2. Convenience: With ready-made frames, you can simply pick one off the shelf and start framing your piece immediately. This is especially useful for last-minute projects or gifts.
3. Variety: Ready-made frames come in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, from sleek and modern metal frames to rustic wooden ones. While the variety may not be limitless, there’s usually something to suit most tastes.
4. Quick Availability: Because they’re pre-made, these frames are readily available and don’t require waiting for custom work to be completed.

Drawbacks of Ready-Made Frames

• Limited Sizes: If your artwork or photo doesn’t fit standard dimensions, you may struggle to find a ready-made frame that works without additional modifications.
• Basic Design Options: While there’s a range of styles available, ready-made frames don’t offer the same level of personalization as custom frames.
• Quality Variability: The quality of ready-made frames can vary widely, with some made from lower-grade materials that may not stand the test of time.

The Appeal of Custom Frames

Custom frames are made specifically for your piece, tailored to your exact dimensions, style preferences, and design needs. This option involves working with a framing professional or using an online custom framing service to create a frame that’s uniquely yours.

Advantages of Custom Frames

1. Perfect Fit: Custom frames are made to precisely fit your artwork, photo, or item, ensuring a flawless presentation without the need for resizing or awkward matting.
2. Personalization: With custom framing, the design possibilities are endless. You can choose from a wide range of frame materials, colors, finishes, and mat styles to create a look that perfectly complements your piece and your space.
3. High-Quality Materials: Custom frames are typically made with superior materials and craftsmanship, which means they’re more durable and offer better protection for your artwork or photo.
4. Specialized Options: Custom framing allows for unique solutions, such as shadow boxes for three-dimensional items, UV-protective glass to prevent fading, or acid-free matting for archival preservation. These options are especially important for valuable or sentimental pieces.

Drawbacks of Custom Frames

• Cost: Custom framing can be significantly more expensive than ready-made options due to the specialized labor and materials involved.
• Time: The process of creating a custom frame takes time, which may not be ideal if you’re on a tight deadline.
• Complexity: With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to design a custom frame without the guidance of a professional.

Choosing Between Custom and Ready-Made Frames

The choice between custom and ready-made frames ultimately depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:

1. The Item You’re Framing:

• If you’re framing a standard-sized photo or print, a ready-made frame is likely to meet your needs.
• For unique or oversized pieces, custom framing is the better option as it ensures a perfect fit and proper support.

2. Your Budget:

• Ready-made frames are ideal for those seeking a cost-effective solution, especially for multiple items or less valuable pieces.
• Custom frames are worth the investment for special or irreplaceable items that require high-quality materials and protection.

3. Aesthetic Preferences:

• If you’re looking for something quick and simple, ready-made frames offer a range of attractive options.
• For a cohesive and personalized look, custom frames allow you to choose designs that match your home decor or the style of your artwork.

4. Preservation Needs:

• Valuable or sentimental pieces, such as original artwork, heirlooms, or signed memorabilia, deserve the archival-quality materials and specialized care that custom framing provides.
• For everyday items like posters or prints, ready-made frames are usually sufficient.

Combining Both Options

In some cases, a combination of custom and ready-made framing can be the perfect solution. For example, you might purchase a ready-made frame and customize it with your own mat board or backing for a semi-personalized look. Alternatively, you can use custom frames for high-value pieces and ready-made frames for smaller or less critical items.

Final Thoughts

Both custom and ready-made frames have their place in the world of framing, and each offers unique benefits. Ready-made frames provide a quick, affordable, and convenient option for standard-sized items, while custom frames offer unparalleled fit, quality, and design flexibility for special pieces. By considering your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences, you can confidently choose the framing solution that works best for you. Whether you go custom, ready-made, or a mix of both, the right frame will enhance and protect your cherished memories and artwork for years to come.

Written by Mark Rogers

Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.