Are you looking to frame your art but struggling to understand what it'll cost? Traditionally, picture framing was a notoriously pricey service reserved for art enthusiasts and the wealthy. Today, custom framing has become a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your interior without breaking the bank. But how can the price of a frame vary so much? Several factors affect the overall price you pay.
Let's start with the obvious. A 20x30cm frame will cost less than a 100x70cm frame.
The bigger the frame, the more expensive it becomes because we have to use more materials. It's also important to note that we don't distinguish between standard "readymade" sizes and bespoke sizes. All frames are made here in the UK in the same way.
With the premium prices seen in high street framers, it's no wonder many people have suffered from sticker shock, leading customers to assume that all custom framing is expensive. However, we don't pay for expensive retail space as an online manufacturer and instead invest in streamlining production processes. This means we can afford to reduce the cost of framing substantially and pass the savings onto you.
Three essential materials go into making a made to measure frame.
- The moulding - the bit most people think is the frame itself, which can be plain, highly decorative and everything in between
- Glazing - either UV acrylic or 2mm float glass
- Mountboard - a card insert with a window opening designed to enhance the overall look of your framed piece.
Generally speaking, the simpler and narrower the moulding, the less expensive it will be. But there are other factors, like the material of your moulding.
For instance, solid oak is more expensive than pine.
The default glazing we use in our custom frames is an ultra-high quality UV resistant perspex that galleries, photographers, and artists enjoy. We call this our Clarity+ Acrylic, and not only is it beautiful to look at, but it's also strong and transports a lot easier than glass.
If you choose to order our 2mm float glass, we have to build in additional costs for enhanced packaging (to keep it from breaking when shipped).
As we mentioned, mounts are designed to increase the 'wow' factor of your framed picture whilst helping to preserve your picture for longer. They do, however, increase the price of a frame. So choose a basic mount if you want a mount whilst sticking to a lower price point.
If you're ordering more than 1 of the same frame, you can benefit from our
quantity discounts. They're automatically calculated and applied in your basket.