Custom Framing vs. Ready-Made Frames | DeSola
There are plenty of situations where a ready-made frame does the job perfectly well. There are also pieces where the limitations of an off-the-shelf frame become apparent very quickly.
The difference comes down to more than appearance. Custom framing gives you control over the fit, proportions, materials, protection, and overall presentation of the piece. Ready-made framing gives you a finished product in a predetermined size.
The right choice depends on what you're framing.
What Is a Ready-Made Frame?
Ready-made frames are manufactured in standard sizes and sold as complete frames. They're convenient, readily available, and usually less expensive than having a frame made specifically for a piece.
If you have an inexpensive 8x10 photograph, a standard-size print, or artwork that you like to change frequently, that simplicity can make a lot of sense.
The tradeoff is that your artwork needs to work with the frame rather than the frame being designed around your artwork.
How Is Custom Framing Different?
With custom framing, the starting point is the piece itself.
Its exact dimensions, colors, proportions, materials, and display requirements can all influence the finished design. The frame moulding can be selected specifically for the artwork, while matting, glazing, backing, and mounting can be chosen according to what the project actually needs.
DeSola’s custom picture framing services are built around that made-to-fit approach.
The Difference Is Easy to See in the Fit
A standard frame only comes in the dimensions in which it was manufactured.
Sometimes the artwork fits perfectly. Other times, making it fit means using awkward mat proportions, cropping the visible area, or simply accepting that the relationship between the artwork and frame isn't ideal.
Custom framing removes that restriction.
The dimensions of the finished piece can be determined by the artwork and the design rather than by whichever standard frame happens to be available.
That can be especially important with original artwork, unusual prints, older photographs, documents, and pieces produced in nonstandard dimensions.
You Have Much More Control Over the Design
Custom framing also opens up considerably more design possibilities.
Frame width, profile, material, finish, mat color, mat proportions, and other details can all be considered together.
That doesn't mean custom framing needs to look elaborate.
A simple black frame with a carefully proportioned mat can be every bit as custom as an ornate traditional frame. What makes it custom is that the combination was selected and sized for that particular piece.
Protection Can Be Just as Important as Appearance
For replaceable decorative artwork, long-term preservation may not be a major consideration.
For an original work of art, family photograph, signed print, document, or sentimental piece, it can be much more important.
Custom framing allows the materials surrounding the piece to be selected accordingly. Depending on the project, that can include preservation-focused matting and backing, appropriate mounting methods, and glazing selected with the artwork in mind.
DeSola also offers conservation picture framing for pieces where preservation is an important part of the project.
Some Things Simply Aren’t Made for Standard Frames
Not everything worth framing is a rectangular piece of paper.
Sports jerseys, textiles, memorabilia, dimensional objects, collections, and other unusual pieces can require additional depth or specialized mounting.
These projects are where the difference between ready-made and custom framing becomes particularly clear.
Instead of trying to make the object conform to an existing frame, the frame can be constructed around the object.
DeSola provides dedicated sports jersey framing and memorabilia framing for pieces that need something beyond a standard flat frame.
Is Custom Framing Always the Better Choice?
No.
If you're framing an inexpensive, replaceable print that already fits a standard frame, custom framing may provide benefits you simply don't need.
A ready-made frame can be practical when:
The piece fits a standard size
It's inexpensive or easily replaceable
You're happy with the available frame styles
Specialized mounting isn't necessary
Long-term preservation isn't a priority
Custom framing becomes more compelling when the piece itself deserves greater consideration.
When Is Custom Framing Worth It?
Original artwork is an obvious example, but monetary value isn't the only consideration.
A photograph of someone important to you may have almost no financial value while being completely irreplaceable. The same can be true of a diploma, wedding photograph, child's artwork, signed item, inherited print, or family document.
Custom framing is worth considering when you care about the finished presentation, the piece needs additional protection, the dimensions are unusual, or the item requires a framing solution that simply isn't available off the shelf.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Piece
You don't have to decide whether something warrants custom framing before speaking with a framer.
Bring the piece with you. Seeing the actual artwork makes it much easier to evaluate its dimensions, condition, construction, and framing possibilities.
DeSola Glass, Art, & Frame Gallery has served the area since 1984. For pieces where fit, presentation, or protection matter, explore the full range of picture framing services
