Nikon Digital Camera Blog

Knowing the difference between custom frames and ready made picture frames is important when you’re shopping for 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 real difference between ready made frames and custom picture frames?

A ready made picture frame is just that- a frame that is ready to be used right 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 include glass, backing and some hardware for either hanging on a wall or for displaying on a table. Not all ready made frames include an easel back stand or frame hardware for hanging.  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 picture frames are measured, cut and put together specially 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 picture frames let you create a unique look and choose the style of the frame, color, size, picture frame mats and the layout of your picture. Some custom framers refer to these frames as “ready made” because they’re all ready to be hung when you get them. However, if they’re hand assembled they’re custom frames not ready made frames.

Why should I choose a ready made picture frame over a custom picture frame?

You should only choose a ready made or custom picture frame when you know what you want 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. There are many options to choose from with custom frames so you have a lot of flexibility to find a frame that goes well with your artwork.

One thing to consider is that ready made frames are almost always 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.

Is it a standard picture size? 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’re looking for a nice looking frame without spending 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 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.