Picture framing can seem expensive, and there are three main reasons. The materials cost money: good wood or metal mouldings, acid-free mounts and UV-resistant glazing all add to the price. The labour is skilled, done by people trained in picture framing. And most frames are made to order for one picture, not mass-produced.
Here is a closer look at where the money goes.
A little history
People have been putting borders around pictures since ancient times, and frames as we know them, carved from wood, appeared in medieval and Renaissance Europe. They were made from fine hardwoods such as walnut, and later mahogany, often with intricate carving, inlay or gilding. They were expensive to make and very heavy, so a frame was a luxury.
What goes into the price
Every part of a frame affects its cost: the style of moulding, the type of glazing, whether there is a mount, the size, and the labour. Mass production brings all of these down, but quality usually goes down with them.
The time it takes
A big part of the cost is time. A framing job can take anything from half an hour to several hours. It involves measuring the artwork, choosing the moulding, cutting and joining it, cutting the mount and glazing, fitting the backing and the hangings, and assembling and checking the finished frame.
What does 'expensive' mean?
We think framing costs a good deal less than people expect. But 'expensive' means different things to different people. It comes down to how much you value displaying and protecting a picture, and each price level has its advantages and disadvantages.
The extras
Options such as premium wall fixings and better materials all affect the final price. It helps to understand what they are when you compare quotes or design a frame.
Consider the value of the artwork too, because the price you pay affects how well it is preserved. We would not suggest framing an open-edition or throwaway print in the same way as a limited edition or something irreplaceable.
Why do prices seem to rise?
The simple answer is that the cost of running a business rises with the cost of living. The price of materials, wood especially, has risen sharply in recent years, and shortages during and after the pandemic pushed prices up again. That feeds through to the price of frames.
Is framing worth it?
Yes. Whether it is a casual snapshot or a formal portrait, a frame keeps a photo looking good for years, and keeps it where you can see it.
The old saying that you get what you pay for holds true in framing. The cost reflects the time and care that go into each job. If you value a picture and want it to last, a good frame is worth it. Our picture frames are made to measure, and you can see the price as you design one.
Call EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are happy to talk it through even if you do not want to buy.