ROUND FRAMES
We produce beautiful hand-finished round picture frames crafted on-site from a variety of woods and in a wide selection of profiles and finishes. Oval, triangular, in fact almost any shape of frame in almost any profile is possible, along with customised colours and finishes. Custom designed joints are also available. For more information please contact us. The images show a few of the circular frames that we have made for clients.
Available Woods
Walnut
Cherry
Tulip
Purple Heart
Sapele
Wenge
*Please note that pictures are for reference only. Wood is a natural product and colour can change from what is shown. Almost all our frames are made from one piece so the grain flows around the entire frame, though this may not be possible with larger frames. You are welcome to choose the wood yourself from our stock. Please just ask.
ROUND PICTURE FRAME PROFILE SELECTION
ROUND FRAME PROFILE OPTIONS
Here are some of the most common profiles we make.
We can custom mill almost any shape, in any size and in any wood.
ROUND FRAME PROFILE OPTIONS
We can also make all the profiles listed below in all woods. Costs would vary depending on wood type. Please contact us for details.
ROUND PICTURE FRAME JOINING SELECTION
PUZZLE JOINT FRAME
One of our speciality joints for joining together the different sections of a circular picture frame. This picture shows the joint in a frame made from Cherry wood.
BUTT JOINT FRAME
A simple joint that really shows off the way the light strikes the wood as the direction of the grain changes around the frame. This frame is actually held together by butterfly shaped wedges milled into the underside of the frame to give it the required strength. This example made from solid American walnut.
SPOON JOINT FRAME
The most popular way of joining an oval or round picture frame, strong and beautiful. This example again made from walnut.
JOINT DETAIL
This photograph shows puzzle and spoon joints at the end of the separate sections that make up the finished picture frame. The number of sections depends both on the size of the frame and the actual profile size of the section. We use sections to minimise end grain.
COMMON PROFILES
Ranging from 25mm to 20mm front face widths, these are very popular profile size and work well in all three of the different joints we make. We can make circular and oval frames in almost any wood, oak, walnut, cherry, sapelie, and also upcycle scrap wood too. Please just ask for details.
KW CIRCULAR FRAME
We created these beautiful 80mm wide x 30mm deep frame profiles to suit the many prints we frame by a very popular and talented artist who produces a range of gorgeous circular art. We offer this profile in both circular and rectangular form. From left to right you can see this profile made from solid walnut with a dark chocolate finish, natural walnut with an oil finish, tulip wood with a mirror gloss finish and finally a matt white custom sprayed finish. Other woods available along with hundreds of custom colours, which can have matt, satin or gloss lacquer applied to them. We can also mill the same profile shape in different widths to suit your requirements. Please just ask.
LARGE WALNUT CUSHION
This beautifully finished curved section suitable for any round or oval frame is carved to order from walnut plank, which is then stained a little darker than the natural wood and then oil polished. This wide example, which can be viewed and handled in our workshop has profile dimensions of 100mm wide x 38mm deep. Everything is customisable, wood type, colour, finish and of course width, depth, shape, curve radius.
MEDIUM WALNUT CUSHION
The same profile shape as its larger sibling. The profile dimensions of this round picture frame example are 70mm wide x 35mm deep.
SMALL WALNUT CUSHION
This example completes the cushion range, which describes the profile shape. The width is 40mm and depth 28mm. We can make this profile shape in sizes ranging from 20mm wide up approx 150mm wide. Larger widths are possible, but the wider the actual frame profile is the greater the number of sections required to make the finished frame. Please just send us your requirements and we can get back to you with a computer render of what the finished frame would look like.
WALNUT CUSHION JOINT
In this range of picture frames the individual sections are joined on the underside using walnut butterflies. These make for a super strong joint as well as looking pretty, even if they face the wall!
WALNUT MAHOGANY
Walnut is such a beautiful and versatile wood and is therefore one of our favourites to work with. It is also appreciated by many of our clients. We made this range of example profiles from plank, coloured them with a rich mahogany stain and then applied a resin lacquer which was then polished to a mirror finish. The profile sizes here are, from left to right, 50mm x 50mm, 40mm x 40mm, and 20mm x 20mm. Every size in between and beyond those shown available too, no problem. Stain colour and finish also customisable.
BROAD HOCKEY STICK
Carved from walnut with a hockey stick profile this example has profile dimensions of 40mm x 40mm. It is made from two pieces to demonstrate one of the simply gorgeous joints we do here in our workshop. The original puzzle joint used in our round frame ranges was designed by Alex Vintilescu, but this sample was made in-house by Curtis O’Dell. You are welcome to pop in and see him (by appointment).
CUSHION 1
A very popular profile shape. This was again carved from walnut and finished with a hard oil polish. The two sections that make up this sample were joined together with the same style of puzzle or jigsaw joint you see often on our custom carved work. Spoon and Butt joints, which you can also see on this page, are available too, depending on client preference. This sample is 53mm x 53mm.
CUSHION 2
This has the same cushion profile shape as before, but with slightly smaller dimensions being 50mm wide x 25mm deep. It’s actually the same shape as the three walnut mahogany samples you can see towards the top of this page.
FLAT WITH STEP
This sample has a profile size of 35mm wide x 17mm deep. Any size is possible, any width, and depth, can be any wood any any colour too. Whatever you would like, if technically possible, we can make.
ROUNDED CORNER FRAMES
TOP SPLINE ROUNDED CORNERS
These examples show three profiles of our Hand Finished walnut frames but with rounded corners, the actual joins of which are covered by a decorative top spline. The top spline can be any thickness and even a different colour wood if desired. The spline also increases the strength of the corner joint. The profile sizes shown are 15mm x 45mm, 15mm x 30mm, and 17mm x 17mm. We can round the corners of most profiles, and like almost all our Hand Finished Frames, everything is customisable, both wood type, profile size and shape.
PLAIN ROUNDED CORNERS
A selection of our own rounded corner frames, but with time without top splines. We call this style “plain,” but think it is beautiful in its own right. We can make this type of rounded corner picture frame from almost any wood and in any profile size and shape. Woods shown here are walnut, oak, and sapelie.
WALNUT ROUNDED CORNER 1
Walnut is probably the most popular wood and we select our own timber for every project. These two examples, both of which can be seen in our workshop, have profile sizes of 40mm x 40mm and 20mm x 30mm. The larger has a square shape and the smaller had a rounded top as well as a radius on the actual corner. We call this shape Hockey Stick.
CUSTOM COLOUR ROUNDED CORNER FRAMES
We can make these gorgeous rounded corner frames using a base of Tulip wood or Medite MDF, depending on specification. The above examples were sprayed in our beige and lavender Desert Colours. Everything customisable of course!
LIQUID METAL
ROUND LIQUID METAL 1
Example profile shapes carved from Medite MDF and finished with a process we call Liquid Metal. It’s cold to the touch, conducts electricity and tarnishes unless lacquered. From left to right, bronze, brass, and pewter. Profile size is 40mm wide x 30mm deep.
ROUND LIQUID METAL 2
A smaller example profile with this very custom finish. Profile size is 30mm wide x 30mm deep. Cost depends on what exactly is required so please contact us.
ROUND LIQUID METAL 3
This profile size is 20mm wide x 25mm deep. We carve and finish these to order so almost any profile shape and size is possible. However, due to the lengthy polishing process needed the shape must be smooth, flat, rounded, cushion are all fine, but carved details or ornate frames cannot use the liquid metal finish. For this we would guild. Please contact us for details.
CUSTOM COLOUR
TWO-TONE PEARL
We created this stunning range of round frame examples with different radii to showcase some of the very bespoke paint finishes we offer here. These examples were made with a blue base colour and different top coat colours, which were then coated with pearlescent lacquer. Any mixture of colours is possible and of course, every frame we make on this page is made to exact client specifications.
SINGLE COLOUR PEARL
These four examples were made with different base colours, which we again then applied a pearlescent lacquer to. The range of colours is virtually limitless. We can spray in all standard RAL colours, match Pantone colours, home decor colours like F&B and Little Green and all in a variety of different finishes, matt, satin, gloss, polished gloss. Please see our Custom Colour Page for more information.
CUSTOM CARVED DESIGN
ISLAMIC INFLUENCE
A real example carved onsite in our workshop by Curtis O’Dell. Influenced by Islamic art, it was carved from walnut plank with a satin oil finish. The inside of the profile is gold, which can be metallic paint as pictured or gilded in 23k gold depending on the taste of the client. It can also be natural wood too. This picture frame profile was designed to bring a lightness to the overall effect despite the 80mm width x 40mm depth. Carved to order both the filigree design and profile dimensions can be customised.
QATAR
This design began with a sketch and from this we made several picture frame samples, some of which you can see on our Custom Carved Designer Picture Frame page too (coming soon). This example, carved from walnut plank in our own workshop has profile dimensions of 50mm wide x 35mm deep. We can of course alter the design to fit any front face width. The depth can also be adjusted, for example, to fit a deep canvas and yes, we can also make tray or canvas floater frames with any of our designs as well as your own designs. Available in different woods, in custom colours or even gilded. Please just ask.
TRIPLE ROW STUDDED 1
We created this range of studded frames for a client wo requested a “Punk Rocker” frame (which we carved to order and sprayed in gloss black). This version we made in walnut with a hard oil finish. Profile size is 50mm wide x 25mm high to the top of the studs. Any size available.
DOUBLE ROW STUDDED 2
Larger studs in the same walnut wood. Profile size is 50mm wide x 30mm high to the top of the studs. As with all our custom carving everything is customisable.
SINGLE ROW STUDDED 3
We used a fancy piece of walnut plank to make this one, but please remember that grain pattern and colour can vary greatly across even the same piece of raw timber. Profile size is 30mm wide x 35mm high to the top of the studs.
GALLERY
Carved from a single solid piece of walnut, which we then engraved with the client’s branding. A spacer keeps the glass away from the shadow floated artwork.
A large oval frame carved in three lateral sections from Tulip planks. Profile width was 100mm and depth 50mm. Frame was then gilded by the client.
One of most popular custom carved round frames. Profile was 25 x 25, spoon jointed polished walnut.
A round frame made from oak, butt jointed in two sections.
Custom carved from Medite MDF and then custom sprayed white with a low satin ten-percent finish.
Custom carved and then sprayed with the most popular ten-percent finish.
Another gorgeous circular picture frame in solid walnut with spoon joints.
More walnut! Print by Takashi Murakami. Frame by us. Lovely spoon joint designed by Alex Vintilescu.
Cherry wood round frame with puzzle joints designed by Alex Vintilescu.
More walnut! Print by Takashi Murakami. Frame by us. Lovely spoon joint designed by Alex Vintilescu.
Custom sprayed on Medite MDF. Carved in one piece.
We frame many prints from this artist in all sorts of custom carved frames from contemporary profiles such as this one see here to wider more traditional cushion shapes.
Shadow floated example of custom sprayed white round frame. Photo courtesy of the client.
A round tray or canvas floater frame, but not for a painting on canvas. We also make these types of specialist picture frame for sculptural pieces and other 3D artworks and objects.
Custom carved frame for one of the many KW artwork frames we make. We offer this profile in a variety of different woods and finishes as well as almost any paint colour.
Same profile as the previous photo.
Chocolate stained round walnut frame.
A circular tray or canvas floater frame, custom carved with a custom spray-painted finish.
Round Frames FAQs
What is a round frame?
For us it means any picture frame that has a radius incorporated in to its structure. This normally does mean a circular frame, but it can also mean an oval shaped frame, a figure-of-eight, as well as picture frames with rounded corners, etc.
Where can I go to get a picture frame in a different or unusual shape?
You can go to Sohoframes. We make picture frames in almost any shape. We can and have made triangular frames, irregular shaped frames, heart-shaped frames, and more. Some of which you can see on the pages of this website. Please contact us with your ideas.
What materials do you use for your round frames?
We use solid hand-selected timber of various types as well as sheet materials like Medite MDF, Valchromat, acrylic, etc. It depends on the project specifications.
What projects do you use MDF on?
Often for sprayed frames that require a smooth flawless finish. Medite MDF is typically less expensive than solid wood.
What is the main advantage of using MDF apart from cost?
We often carve round, oval frames in one piece, which guarantees a flawless paint finish. We also carve all our internal spacers from MDF too for the same reason.
So why use wood at all if MDF is so great?
Timber is beautiful! We make many of our round frames using walnut, tulip, oak, ash, sapele, cherry, pine, and more, finishing them to show off their grain and patterning as per client specifications.
Are all your timber round and oval frames made in sections?
Almost all, yes. The exception is when a frame is very small and can be carved from a single plank width.
Why is this?
There are several reasons. One is plank width. These are generally between 250mm and 350mm wide which means we cannot make a complete circular frame from one piece unless it is within these limits. Carving in sections also allows us to control how the grain flows around the frame, which means we avoid end grain, which can be difficult to polish, and the joints, although often very subtle, give the finished frame a beautiful decorative quality as well.
So I can’t have a large frame in one piece?
When custom paint spraying is required, we often make these by carving the frame from one piece of Medite MDF. Our circular frame spacers are also usually carved from one piece of Medite MDF so they have an unbroken look. The maximum outside diameter is approx 1100mm for a single piece round picture frame.
I would like a custom sprayed frame with a larger diameter. Say, 1.5m. Can you do it?
Yes, we can. But in this case, we would carve sections from Tulip wood, which has a close tight grain suitable for spraying, join it together and once joined grain-fill, prime and spray.
Can I design my own round picture frame?
You can. Just get in touch with us and let us know what you would like.
Why can’t you find wider planks for my solid wood picture frame?
Very occasionally we can find very wide planks of timber, sometimes 500mm wide, but these are usually enormous in length and we would have to charge for the entire plank. The only woods we have seen with such a large plank size are Beech, Tulip and Sapelie. Wide planks can also suffer cupping issues which means they are not useable for our purpose.
So it has to be jointed. What joints do you use?
You can see the most popular joint designs on this page, something we call “spoon” as well as “puzzle” and “butt.” Not all joints can be used on every frame. For example, a very slender frame profile won’t have enough width space for spoon or puzzle joints. For slender circular picture frames we tend to use butt joints and sometimes also side splines.
Can I design my own joint?
Of course. Please send us your idea and we will take a look at it and see how it might work.
What about finishes?
The finishes found on our Hand-Finished Frame page, and Custom Colour Frame page can all be used on our round and oval frames.
I want a gold or maybe a silver circular frame. Can you do this too?
We can. Depending on the profile shape, patterning etc, we would either use liquid metal or hand gild the picture frame.
Do the framing styles found on the Framing Styles Page also apply to round and oval frames?
They do. Artwork in circular picture frames can be window mounted, framed straight to edge, as well as float or shadow floated.
How long does it take to make me a round frame?
Turnaround times are typically 2 weeks. Very large or frames that require more intricate carving, gilding, etc, can take longer. Once we know the brief, we will always give a time estimate.
I guess you can also make round frames for mirrors too?
We can. And we can also supply the mirror.
I want to paint my own frame. Can I order a “blank” frame so to speak?
You can, in both Medite MDF and timber. Just let us know what you would like.
I would like a round frame made from solid timber, but painted in a custom colour with the grain showing. Can you do this?
There are two options with regards to finish; the first is paint, and for the grain to show we can use a “grainy” wood like oak and then spray without grain filling. Or we can stain the wood and then finish with either oils, waxes or clear acrylic with various options for the degree of shine (matt, satin and gloss finishes are the three most popular). Stain colours, like paint, can also be customised.
How much does a round frame cost?
The best way to get a quote from us is to let us know what you would like and also answer the following questions:
- Outside diameter of picture frame.
- Inside diameter.
- Front face width and shape.
- Side outside depth.
- Inside depth.
- Sight edge (frame lip) thickness.
- Rebat width (frame lip, the bit the glass goes under to keep it in place.
- Artwork diameter.
- Desired framing method or style (straight to edge, window mounted etc).
Can you tell me visually what the different terms mean, please?
Here is an example.
