2021 Ultimate Buying Guide for Custom Frames

custom framed painting

The possibilities for custom framing are endless. That can be somewhat overwhelming if you haven’t chosen custom frames before. The last thing you want to do is choose a frame that overwhelms your artwork or photograph, right? The whole idea is choosing custom frames that complement and accentuate the piece. The frame and piece should work together to create an eye-catching display. You just can’t get that with off-the-shelf standard frames at your corner store. answering the questions in this custom frame buying guide can help you with your choices.

Why Choose Custom Frames

Custom frames are created to fit your photo or artwork. At Suburban Frames in Atlanta, we have over 50 years of experience making custom frames. Store-bought alternatives can be tricky, and you really don’t want to trim an expensive piece down, so it fits a cheap frame. We have compiled some of the most important considerations when buying custom frames.

What are you framing?

Of course, you want to custom frame your piece to display it for the world to see. But a durable, premium-quality custom frame does more than that. It also offers protection for your expensive artwork, a valuable antique, or a family heirloom. Along with protection, it allows you to hand and display it in a unique way.

custom framed photos

Here are a few questions from our custom frame buying guide to ask yourself before you start choosing a custom frame.

  • Does the item you are framing have special meaning?
  • Is the item irreplaceable?
  • Where do you plan on hanging the framed item?
  • What style of frame do you prefer?

One of the benefits of a custom frame is that it can be any size you want. The thickness and value of a piece help determine the type of framing material, mat board, type of glass, and the frame thickness. At Suburban, we can custom frame just about anything. Of course, our most popular items are photographs and artwork. We can also create custom frames for:

  • Prints and paintings
  • Children’s artwork
  • Sports Jerseys
  • Movie Posters
  • Documents and Diplomas
  • Tapestries and Garments
  • Mirrors
  • Puzzles

Custom Frame Buying Guide Questions

Now that you know what you are going to be framing, here are some questions to help narrow your options down to what you really want.

Where will the custom-framed piece be displayed?

Before you talk to your Atlanta custom framing professional, think about where you want to hang the piece once it’s completed. You will want it to match the interior design of the area where it will be displayed.  Do you want a modern, clean look? Or do you prefer a more traditional style? How about an eclectic mix? The type of frame you choose will vary if you hang it over the fireplace or display it in the kitchen.

Your Opinion and Open-Mindedness Matter

We will ask you what you had in mind for your piece. Your ideas are important when choosing custom framework. We’ve been doing this for a long time, so we may toss out some ideas of our own. The result should be a work of collaboration between you and our professionals. Some people ask for a basic color because all their other frames are that color. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little bit to make your piece look stunning. We will help you choose a color that completes your piece and makes it stand out.

Remember Art Fundamentals

Most of us took an art class at some point during our schooling. Remember the fundamentals of art are line, shape, color, and texture. These are the elements in your piece that we will use to make custom frame suggestions. The perfect frame is going to highlight at least one of these aspects, if not more.

Does size matter?

Frame size matters a lot. If the frame is too big and bulky, it will stick out like a sore thumb. The perfect frame will complement your piece and make it stand out. A frame that is too thin can take away from the aesthetics of your piece. We will help make sure you get the right-sized frame.

Ready to get started?

After answering the questions in this custom frames buying guide, our hope is you know more about what you want. Maybe it will help you ask the right questions! Contact us at Suburban Frames in Atlanta and let us help you create a memorable display. Let us put our years of experience and expertise to work for you.