Attention first-time picture framers! Here's some tips to help you choose the best framing for your first project!

SHOULD I FRAME IT?
People often wrestle with whether or not an item has enough value to justify investing in custom framing.  Consider this... custom picture framing is a luxury, a way to get an elite design to display important items.  Our experience leads me to answer this way: If the emotional value led you to store it safely over time, or it has enough meaning to garner any of many possible feelings when you view it... It might be a candidate for framing.  Let's dig into the decisions and experience you can expect when you decide to have an item framed by a professional.

AESTHETICS.
People often refer to "The Fine Art of Framing," a reference to the drastic improvement that well-designed custom framing can enhance and accent the aspects within a work of art.  Professional custom framers make a living helping you achieve your desired aesthetic result and ensuring your artwork is not damaged during the process. 

Rule #1: Take it to a professional framer with a reputation of excellence!

This is by far the most important aesthetic decision you will make throughout the process!  If you entrust a random customer service representative, or a framer that's not making an effort to stay on trend, for your design advice; the odds of receiving a finished product that you'll love for years to come just plummeted to almost nothing!  Make your decision based on website pictures of recent picture framing projects.  Choosing an independent, professional framer ensures that your item will be beautiful and not end up damaged by materials or during the framing process.  Quick plug: The Framer's Gallery has been in business over 30 years and all framing is completed on-site!  Never take important items somewhere that may ship it to another location for framing.  Here are a few other tips for you to consider prior to your first custom framing experience.

SELECTING YOUR MATS.
Neutral colors and fine fabrics work well when choosing your top mat.  Always compliment the dominant or background color of your artwork.  Mat boards are available in suede, linen, leather and a variety of other specialty finishes that can enhance the artwork.  A well-chosen companion fillet or additional mat can play with your artwork and create a visual zen that'll have you smirking... Ohhhh yeah!  So have fun in this part of the process!  Try a few combinations!  You're not alone... we'll help!  We can also print background images on your mat or cut unique shapes, patterns or edges to increase the personality of your piece!  Check our Hall of Frame for some examples.  By the way, if someone recommends mats that aren't 100% acid-free, grab your art and run for the door!  Acid mats stain your artwork over time... yuck!... and are still frequently sold online to tempt you with low prices.

CHOOSING A FRAME.
The best frame choices complement the style of your artwork.  When framing a floral painting, search for something delicate.  If it's a poster from a rock and roll concert, get a little dangerous!  If your art is busy, keep the frame simple.  Be open and schedule time to view a variety of frames with your artwork.  If you began down a path of "cheap black frames" from the local big box, that doesn't mean you should stay the course!  In fact, question the direction you've been steering your design life! Your frames should meet the quality level, or future direction of your home interiors.  If your furniture is IKEA, keep the framing simple.  If you have started a furniture collection intended to last many years, you're ready to do the same with the framing of your artwork.  Interested in seeing your frame before you buy it?  Click here to try the LJ virtual framing tool.

Rule #2: Art doesn't have to match the couch!

When you choose framing materials that are at peace with your piece, it will look great and you'll love it (wherever it hangs in the end)!  Keep in mind, your frame should match the quality level of your furniture.   

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The big question!  The price of framing depends on many factors, including the size of your artwork, type of wood the moulding is made from, intricate finishes on the moulding, and even your location.  Your chosen framer should have a large variety to choose from.  To give yourself a variety of design options, expect to budget between $20-30/per foot plus mats, mounting and glass.  By the way, our Wall Warriors receive incredible benefits for their loyalty.​

GLASS.
Light causes fading over time... not only sunshine, some indoor lighting as well.  Fine independent framers today only offer glazing that provides UV protection.  That's the standard, period.  Unfortunately, glass without UV protection is still out there and can have you noticing fading as soon as just a couple of years.  Museum glass is the industry-leading glazing material. Nearly invisible, it provides a crystal clear view of your artwork, almost no reflection, and protects against 99% of harmful indoor and outdoor light rays.  Museum glass keeps your framed pieces clearer and brighter for longer, and you won't be looking back at yourself each time you stop to enjoy your art!  That's what mirrors are for!  Avoid glass completely and have us print your photo on canvas.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A FRAMER?
EXAMPLES.  Feeling confident about where to go is an important part of your decision to pick a local framer.  It is most important to view and compare examples of their previous projects.  If you have a jersey to frame, look at some examples of framed jerseys on their website.  Do you actually like what you see?  Is the jersey display crisp and professional?  Does it really excite you?  Is there really anything unique about a jersey sewed on top of one single color mat, or does multiple team colors with decorative outlining around the jersey make more of an impact?  Your final result is probably going to look like the images of the shop you choose.
LOCATION.  Most customers develop long-term relationships with their picture framing companies.  Choose a company in a desirable location that you will enjoy shopping at for years to come.  Do you feel comfortable in the city the shop is located, or is that city on the decline?  Is it a true retail storefront location with a variety of products and professional atmosphere?
EXPERIENCE.  Obviously you want to choose a picture framing company with years of experience.  Also ask yourself, is this company staying on trend?  Are they producing modern designs, or are they displaying examples that use mat colors that were popular many moons ago?  Find a company that provides a blend of experience and staying on trend.
CHOOSE US.  If you are considering framing for your home or office, please consider The Framer's Gallery in Brecksville!  By the way, our Wall Warriors receive incredible benefits for their loyalty.​

Rule #3:  Have fun!

Custom framing personalizes your home!  Follow these simple tips and the next piece you hang will enhance your interior environment more than you could've imagined!  The process of framing your artwork, family heirloom, concert poster, or sports jersey is your moment to create and display something that's truly one-of-a-kind!  Have fun!

By the way, The Framer's Gallery is proud of our No Risk Guarantee!  If you don't love the frame or color selection, bring it back within a reasonable time frame (perhaps within a month) and we'll replace it!  If you prefer a frame that is more expensive than your initial choice, just pay the difference.

Did you find any of this information helpful?  Let us know and comment below.

​WE KNOW YOU HAVE CHOICES, THANKS FOR KEEPING IT LOCAL.
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For every $1 spent at a locally owned business, .48 stays in the community, while less than .14 spent at a big box stays in the community!  Ouch!  We all need to make an effort to shop local or we risk losing the shops that make our communities unique.

We hope to see you soon!  We are conveniently located off of I-77 at Rt. 82 & 21 in Brecksville.
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