Which is the better frame?
Should you have a frame made to measure, or buy one ready-made? It depends on what you are framing, what you want to spend and how long you want it to last. The frame you choose can make the most of a picture or undersell it. This guide sets out the advantages and drawbacks of each.
The basics
Made-to-measure frames, also called custom or bespoke frames, are made to the exact size of the artwork, so they suit unusual sizes and shapes as easily as standard ones. You choose the moulding, the mount and the glazing, including options such as UV-protective glazing and acid-free mounts that preserve the picture. Because they are made to order, they take a little longer to arrive.
Ready-made frames come in standard sizes such as A4 or 10 x 8 inches and can be bought off the shelf. They are mass-produced, often in MDF or plastic, and suit everyday and temporary displays. The choice of finishes and mounts is limited, and the cheapest give little protection over time.
Cost
Ready-made frames are the cheaper option, and are ideal for displays you change often and for student rooms. There can be hidden costs if the picture is not a standard size, such as an extra mount, or the temptation to trim the print to fit, which you should resist with anything of value.
A made-to-measure frame costs more, though often less than people expect, particularly ordered online. For something irreplaceable, protective glazing and archival materials prevent fading and deterioration, and that is far cheaper than restoration.
Design
Made-to-measure framing gives you control. You can choose a moulding to go with your furniture, add a double mount or a coloured one, and make the frame part of the picture.
Ready-made frames follow fashion. Plain black, white and brushed gold frames suit contemporary rooms, and buying several the same makes a uniform gallery wall simple. What they cannot do is fit an unusual picture or give an heirloom the individual treatment it deserves.
Time and convenience
Ready-made frames win when you are in a hurry: a last-minute present, a temporary display, or a rented flat you will leave in a year.
A made-to-measure frame takes longer, though nowadays it is a matter of days more often than weeks. For anything awkward, such as an oversized print, a circular mirror or an old portrait, there is no real alternative.
Durability and preservation
A well-made frame in properly seasoned wood keeps its shape. UV-filtering glazing shields the picture from light, and acid-free mounts prevent yellowing. That matters for family photographs and valuable prints that you want to hand on.
Cheap ready-made frames in plastic or low-grade board do not last as well, and their mounts and backing are often acidic. They are fine for casual, short-term display, but not for anything of sentimental or financial value.
Personal value
A frame made for one object turns it into an heirloom. A small engraved plaque records the date of a wedding photo. A box frame holds a christening gown or a first pair of shoes. Touches like these give a frame meaning beyond its function.
Ready-made frames are deliberately neutral. For changing displays and plain, minimalist rooms, that simplicity is a virtue.
The environment
A frame that lasts a lifetime is less wasteful than several that do not. Look for wood from responsibly managed forests, whichever kind you buy.
Ready-made frames can be given a second life. Pass them on, or repaint and reuse them. A charity-shop frame with a new mount cut to fit is an inexpensive and green solution.
Mistakes to avoid
- Frames too small for the wall. A scatter of small frames on a big wall has little effect. A picture or group should cover a good part of the wall's width.
- Glare. In a sunny room, ordinary glazing reflects. Choose a non-reflective option.
- Poor mounts. Acidic mounts damage a picture over the years. For anything valuable, an acid-free mount is essential.
Conclusion
The best frame depends on the job. Made-to-measure is the right choice for heirlooms, unusual sizes and pictures you want to keep. Ready-made is right for quick, inexpensive and temporary displays. Most homes have room for both.
EasyFrame does not sell ready-made frames. Everything we make is made to order, from a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.