Understanding the difference between ready made frames and custom frames is important when you’re shopping for picture frames.  Having a basic understanding of ready made frames and custom picture frames will get you exactly what you want without spending too much money.  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 frames are complete when assembled. 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.  Ask your frame retailer to make sure you have everything you need to display your framed picture.

There are many different online frame retailers and stores that offer ready made frames. With so much available you should 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 framed item is not a standard size, or if you need a unique depth or dimension for your artwork or keepsakes, a custom frame is the answer.  With a custom frame, you can choose the type of protective surface you want, whether glass or acrylic with a UV coating. 

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?

You should only choose a ready made or custom picture frame when you know what you want to frame. Original artwork is best suited to a custom picture frame since size sizes are usually non-standard and can vary wildly. 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 picture frames are cut and assembled by hand which will increase the cost of your framing project.

So, to decide between a ready made frame and a custom frame you need to ask yourself a couple of questions.

First of all, is it a standard size picture? If it’s a standard size then you’ll have lots of options with ready made frames. Ready made frames are available in a wide range of materials, colors, shapes 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 picture that doesn’t quite fit into a ready made frame, you can use a ready made mat insert to frame your picture and give it a custom look without the cost of a custom made frame.

However, as convenient, economical and nice looking as ready made frames are- sometimes you just want a custom look for your photo or artwork. If you have a special piece of artwork, whether a standard size or not, you may want the flexibility a custom frame allows in choosing the best way to 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 frame you decide on, you’ll know the difference between these two types of frames so you’ll always get exactly what you want.

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