Can I get custom framing for non-standard artwork sizes?
Can I get custom framing for non-standard artwork sizes? is a frequently asked question we hear in telephone and WhatsApp enquiries. This is probably because many people when either buying a piece of art online, while on holiday or receiving posters and prints as gifts, first look online for ready-made framing solutions.
The main reason for this is because people who are new to art collection (and buying a painting, whether it be street art or something seen in a gallery or an antique’s shop abroad, for example, is art collecting) are often unaware that professional picture framers like us exist. Walking into our workshop is a doorway to a whole world of possibilities, not just in protecting and displaying of artworks of all types but also of a centuries old craft.
The limitations of ready-made frames
Unfortunately, ready-made picture frames are only available in a small range of fixed sizes. These are usually the A sizes. A4 is the size of the kind of paper you fill the office or home printer up with. The other A sizes are simply multiples of A4. For example, two sheets of A4 arranged side by side, long sides touching each other, is A3. And so on and so forth. Much bought art is not in an A size.
Other fixed sizes are available but again you are limited with what fits. Another issue is that the framing options are also severely curtailed. Most ready-made frame ae designed for the artwork to be put into the frame and then closed up. Shadow floats, flat floats are options that cannot be entertained. Occasionally these type of off-the-shelf frames come with pre-cut window mounts. However, these are again in fixed sizes and often do not fit the artwork correctly.
Pros of ready-made picture frames
- These types of picture frames are readily available online and in certain stores like habitat, IKEA, M&S etc.
- They are available in a wide range of standard paper sizes (A4, A3, A2 and A1 are the most popular) as well the old-school photographic print sizes. For example, 6 x 4, 7 x 5, 8 x 10, 10 x 12 are the most popular (please note these figures always refer to the imperial measuring scale and so denote the framing or glass size in inches).
- Relatively Inexpensive.
Cons of ready-made picture frames
- Only available in fixed standard sizes as detailed above.
- Offer little room for adaptation. Meaning that your standard sized artwork may still not fit properly as the measurements of the frame can vary a little to what is stated as well as the actual artwork.
- Limited moulding and profile selection.
- The quality of materials can vary greatly. Some are very poor, 0and yes, we bought various ready-made picture frames for different retailers as well as online framers offering “bespoke” options to find out for ourselves just how good (or how bad) these frames were.
- The materials used in the construction of these types of frames are usually NOT recommended for conservation or archival standard framing.
- Often poor overall build quality.
- Durability is questionable.
- Ready-made frames are often a compromise between what is available and what is actually best for the particular artwork, both in terms of protecting the artwork as well as aesthetically.
The solution!
So, can I get custom framing for non-standard artwork sizes? Yes, you can, and it means finding and then employing the services of a professional picture framing workshop like ourselves. Please take a look HERE for an unbiased guide to finding and selecting a picture framer.
Pros of Professional Picture Framing at SohoFrames
- We can frame any size of artwork, standard or non-standard.
- Picture frames of almost any shape are possible.
- Ultimate flexibility and possibilities in terms of the actual picture frame’s design, size, style and finish. And yes, you can even design your own frame.
- Frames made to exactly suit the artwork and the client’s personal taste.
- Conservation, archival and museum quality materials as standard.
- The entire framing process is carried out by a team of highly skilled and experienced picture framers.
- Free expert advice in all areas of picture framing, including artwork repair, the framing of materials like silks and wool, etc. No obligation ever.
- Clear upfront costs.
- Our hand-finished picture frames are built to last a lifetime.
- All work is guaranteed.
- Other associated services offered in-house. These include Giclée printing for photographic, graphic art, edition prints, posters, etc. Engraving both on frame and for metal plaques. We also make mounts or mats onsite, often on a while-you-wait service. No need to go to other places.
- Sameday and nextday framing possible.
- Professional canvas stretching. A necessary first step when framing a work on canvas or some other material.
- Frame literally anything. Art, photos, posters, canvases, football shirts, sports memorabilia and records, etc.
Conclusion
We are here to help with the framing of all artworks in both standard and non-standard sizes. For us it makes no difference. We can and do frame artworks as well as objects of any size and shape (up to the maximum size we can accommodate in our 5-storey Central London Soho workshop, which is approx. 2m x 1.5m outside frame size).
Everything we do is made to fit exactly and so to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting result, a framed piece of artwork that you will enjoy looking at for many years to come whatever the actual monetary value of the artwork. If you love it, then frame it like you do, as we say.
So, can I get custom framing for non-standard artwork sizes? You can at SohoFrames. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Advice is always free and there is never any obligation.