Knowing the difference between custom frames and ready made picture frames is important when you’re shopping for frames.  Having a good understanding of these two types of frames will help you get the right frame without spending more than you want.  So, what is the difference between ready made frames and custom frames?

A ready made picture frame is just that- one that is ready to be used directly out of the box.  Manufacturers of ready made picture frames assemble and package them so all you need to do is open the box, insert your picture and it’s ready to be displayed.

Ready made picture frames come in standard photo sizes. You can find ready made frames for photos, small keepsakes, standard sized art work and important documents like diplomas. Ready made picture frames come completely assembled in the box. They come with glass, backing, and some hardware for either displaying on a table or hanging on the wall. However, not all ready made frames include both hanging hardware and easel back stands.  If you’re not sure if something is included, check with your frame retailer to make sure you have everything you need for displaying your frame.

There are many different frame retailers that offer ready made frames online and in stores. With so much selection you should always be able to find exactly what you want.

Custom picture frames, on the other hand, give you more options than ready made frames. Custom frames are measured, cut and assembled specifically for you. If your photo or artwork is not a standard size, or if you need a unique depth or unusual shape, then a custom frame is definitely your answer.  With a custom picture frame, you can select the protective surface you want such as glass, acrylic, UV glass or UV acrylic and you can even choose a unique shape like a flat pane, convex or dome shaped covering. 

Custom frames allow you to create a look that is your own, from framing material to mats to the layout of your picture or artwork. Some customer framers refer to these as “ready made frames,” because they are cut to a specific size, but this process really is a custom made frame as they’re hand assembled.

Which type of picture frame is best?

The answer to that question depends upon what you plan to frame. If you have high quality or unique artwork, then a custom picture frame is your best choice especially if it’s a non-stardard size. A custom wood picture frame can accommodate a wide range of thicknesses and unique dimensions. With custom picture frames you have a lot of flexibility and options to choose from so it’s easy getting exactly what you want.

Something to consider is that ready made picture frames are usually a lot less expensive. Custom frames are created and assembled by hand which adds to the cost of your framing project.

So to choose between a ready made frame and a custom picture frame you should ask yourself a few questions.

Is it a standard picture size? If so, then you’ll have lots of options with ready made frames. Ready made picture frames come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, materials and sizes. You can find frames in everything from wood and metal to gold leaf, sterling and basic black picture frames. If you are looking for an efficient way to display your pictures without costing a lot, a ready made frame is your best choice.

If you have a photo that doesn’t fit into a ready made frame, one thing you can do is to use a picture frame mat that fits your photo and place it into a standard size frame. This is a great inexpensive option to avoid the cost of a custom picture frame.

However, as convenient and economical as ready made frames are, sometimes you need a custom size or look for your photo or artwork. If you have a unique piece of artwork, whether it’s a standard size or not, you may want the extra choices that a custom picture frame offers to best showcase your piece.

Once you have determined whether a custom frame or ready made frame best suits your framing needs, you are ready to start shopping for your frame. No matter what type of picture frame you choose, you’ll now be able to tell the difference between these two types so you can always get exactly what you want.

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